G.R.A.P.E.S - Characteristics of Civilizations
Geography
Religion
Achievement
Politics
Economics
Social Structure
As I began to plan for my first year of teaching, I really struggled with how to tackle such a challenging curriculum for 6th graders. While the standards give the required information to teach, there is no guideline on how that should be done. My friend shared her scope and sequence for 6th grade social studies which included the concept of GRAPES. I quickly realized how this would improve my classroom and instruction.
GRAPES is an easy way for students to remember the characteristics of civilizations, especially with the video above. I showed this as an introduction and then have students take notes on each of the concepts. This breaks down what is learned about each civilization and allows for a comparison across each unit. For example, "how does the political structure of Ancient Rome compare to the Middle Ages?" Beginning with each unit, we fill out a GRAPES sheet on the geography section and then as we get to the following areas, they are filled in also.
Attached below is a link the GRAPES project that is completed after learning what GRAPES is. This project titled, "The GRAPES of ME," has students analyze the world around them and answer questions about their "civilization." Next year, since I will be using journals, I plan to have students answer "The GRAPES of ME" questions again and write lengthier responses since their writing improves so much over one school year.
Religion
Achievement
Politics
Economics
Social Structure
As I began to plan for my first year of teaching, I really struggled with how to tackle such a challenging curriculum for 6th graders. While the standards give the required information to teach, there is no guideline on how that should be done. My friend shared her scope and sequence for 6th grade social studies which included the concept of GRAPES. I quickly realized how this would improve my classroom and instruction.
GRAPES is an easy way for students to remember the characteristics of civilizations, especially with the video above. I showed this as an introduction and then have students take notes on each of the concepts. This breaks down what is learned about each civilization and allows for a comparison across each unit. For example, "how does the political structure of Ancient Rome compare to the Middle Ages?" Beginning with each unit, we fill out a GRAPES sheet on the geography section and then as we get to the following areas, they are filled in also.
Attached below is a link the GRAPES project that is completed after learning what GRAPES is. This project titled, "The GRAPES of ME," has students analyze the world around them and answer questions about their "civilization." Next year, since I will be using journals, I plan to have students answer "The GRAPES of ME" questions again and write lengthier responses since their writing improves so much over one school year.
grapes_project_sheet__(1).docx |