The first social studies unit of the year for the third grade focuses on San Francisco. During this unit, students learn about the Victorian era and become experts on different Victorian architectural features. Their December tour of the Haas-Lillenthal house and the architectural scavenger hunt that followed brought their learning to life. Now they are recreating what they've learned and seen to create their own replicas of Victorian houses. “As an extension to their learning, we thought it would be fun for the students to engage in an art project building their own [Victorian] houses and incorporating some of their favorite features,” says third grade teacher Kaitlyn Huston.

 

Working with art teacher Rebekah Goldstein, third graders are using recycled materials—milk cartons, shoe boxes, coffee cartons, and more—and small wooden and foam shapes to create their own Victorian houses. As the finishing touch, students will paint their replica models in the Victorian style. "This is an exciting project because the students are integrating what they have learned about Victorian San Francisco with the building and construction skills they have learned in art," says Ms. Goldstein. "Allowing them to construct their own houses gives the students a deeper understanding of Victorian architecture and really brings Victorian San Francisco to life." 

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