How can I meet SOL/POS History objectives for kindergarten and first grade in a play-based classroom?
When I first decided to conduct research in my K-1 classroom, I intended to look at the dynamics of multiage teaching/learning in relation to meeting Standards of Learning (SOL) and Program of Studies (POS) objectives for kindergarten and first grade. A particular concern of mine was the role of play in meeting objectives for multiage learners. A quality kindergarten is designed to provide time, space, and materials for play, since play is the primary vehicle by which young children construct knowledge. However, the typical first grade classroom is usually much more teacher-directed, work-oriented. I wanted to ensure that I could meet objectives for both kindergarten and first grade while simultaneously allowing children to play. Please note that I define play as any “hands-on/minds-on” (Wassermann, 1990) experiences that enable children to use their bodies to help their brains build conceptual understandings. I therefore formulated the research question: “How can I meet the SOL/POS ob
