In Social Studies, Mrs. Berntsen will have each child’s imagination rolling as we dive deep into history during 1754-1781. We will be looking at the French and Indian War, our U.S. government, Westward Expansion, Industrial Revolution, and the causes of the Civil War. Each child will also create a Social Studies Journal, filling it with various projects & activities that coincide with the units throughout the year.
There will not be daily homework in Social Studies, but students should study every day once an assessment date is given. The student will be provided with a study guide that will detail the important "big ideas" of the unit of study, and in addition during school, the students will have gathered up the needed materials from in-class work and also have highlighted the important information to review.
Study Tips:
1: Don't Rush: Study a little bit each night and please ask Mrs. Berntsen if you are confused on any of any of the material.
2: Use Flash Cards: Flash cards are very effective for studying. See "Websites" for a free flash card maker website!
3: Study Buddy: Another excellent way to study is by discussing the information with a friend or parent.
4. Attend Lunch Review: I hold lunch reviews about once every week-two weeks. I will have a sign out side of my door to let you know of the lunch review, as well as remind you in class. If you are confused on the material we are learning in class, I suggest that you may want to attend. (Don't worry, it ends at 1pm so you still have time for recess!). I always have one the week of an assessment where we will go over the "big ideas" of the unit.
5: Stay Organized: Before you leave class, make sure all homework is placed in your "Homework Folder," and any worksheets are placed in your "Social Studies Folder." If you bring any papers home, please do not recycle them. Any materials from the current unit of study should stay in your binder. Anything from previous units, if you would like to take them home, should be kept in a safe spot just in case we will need them later. I will let you know when we can have a "recycle party" to recycle any unneeded materials.
Meet Mrs. Berntsen!
  | I grew up in Guilford, and went to A.W. Cox, Baldwin, Adams, and the Guilford High School. I have very fond memories of being on teams 5-4 and 6-1 while at Baldwin! It is an honor to now teach at Baldwin. I graduated with my bachelor's degree from Eastern Connecticut State University, and am currently getting my Masters of Education and Reading Specialist certification. I enjoy running, fishing, camping, and singing. Four years ago I got married, and my husband and I live in Branford. We love spending time hiking at Supply Pond, soaking in the sun at "The Point," and of course Ashley's icecream at the Branford Green! I have three adorable pets: Sam and Max are my cats who are best friends as well as brothers. They love to play together and spend time on my deck. Boone is our newst addition; he is a Wheaten Terrier mix who born in Puerto Rico. Boone loves doing anything with his family, but his favorite hobby is swimming!  |
