Middle School Social Studies Forming Faith-Filled Citzens

Forming Thoughtful, Faith-Filled Citizens: Middle School Social Studies with Ms. Sarah Plahn

4/1/2026

At St. Joseph School, our middle school social studies program is about far more than dates, maps, and historical events, it is about forming students who understand the world, respect the dignity of others, and see history through the lens of faith. Under the guidance of Ms. Sarah Plahn, students in grades 5–8 embark on a journey that is both academically rich and deeply rooted in Catholic values.

At the heart of Ms. Plahn’s classroom is the integration of Catholic Social Teaching, something she was first introduced to through the mentorship and friendship of Sister Claudine Balio. These teachings provide a moral framework that helps students interpret history not just as a sequence of events, but as the story of humanity created and loved by God. Students learn that each person is sacred, made in God’s image, and equal in dignity. They come to understand that we are social beings, called to participate in family and community, and that all people have both rights and responsibilities, the right to life and its basic necessities, and the responsibility to respect others and work for the common good.

Through this lens, students also explore the call to care first for the poor and vulnerable, to recognize that work has dignity and that workers have rights, and to see themselves as partners with God in creation. They are reminded that solidarity is not just an idea, but a calling, that we are truly our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. Care for creation is also emphasized, helping students understand that we live in deep interdependence with all that God has made.

“Without these values,” Ms. Plahn shares, “it’s hard to fully understand the events of history.” By evaluating history through this foundation, students are invited to think critically, act justly, and grow in compassion.

Each year, students build a comprehensive understanding of history through a thoughtfully structured curriculum. From 5th through 8th grade, they progress chronologically, beginning with prehistoric times and culminating in the modern era. By the time students reach 8th grade, they have explored major events such as the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War, reaching as far as the 1970s. This full historical scope ensures students don’t have gaps in their understanding and allows them to connect more deeply with recent, relatable events.

In the spring, the focus shifts to world geography, where students truly take a “tour around the world.” This year, 7th and 8th graders are studying Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, while other grade levels rotate through continents including Europe, Asia, and the Americas. A key goal of Ms. Plahn’s program is geographic literacy, students learn not only countries and capitals, but also physical features like mountains, deserts, and waterways. Through projects such as detailed country reports and map creation, students develop a strong understanding of the world around them.

What truly makes this learning come alive are the unique and memorable experiences Ms. Plahn brings into the classroom. Students don’t just study cultures—they encounter them. From tasting chicken tagine while learning about North Africa, to sampling marmite and vegemite connected to lessons on Australia and Great Britain, to exploring Great Depression-era cooking through “mock apple pie” made from Ritz crackers, these moments spark curiosity and deepen understanding.

Faith is woven throughout these experiences. Inspired by a homily from Fr. Isaiah Schick, Ms. Plahn incorporates the study of patron saints into country reports, helping students recognize the spiritual identity and heritage of nations around the world and the universality of the Catholic faith.

In the younger grades, foundational knowledge is carefully built. Fifth and sixth graders memorize all U.S. state capitals, revisiting and reinforcing this knowledge to ensure mastery. This intentional layering prepares students to engage more deeply with historical and geographical concepts in later years.

At its core, Ms. Plahn’s mission is to shape how students see others. She hopes they leave her classroom understanding that history is ultimately about people, and that every person is worthy of dignity, respect, and love.

For Ms. Plahn, this work is deeply personal. She reflects with gratitude on the relationships she has built at St. Joseph School, especially the profound influence of Sister Claudine. Through friendship, mentorship, and shared faith, these relationships have strengthened her own journey. “It’s all about the people we meet and the friendships we make as we journey toward heaven,” she shares. “St. Joseph School has been an incredible gift.”

In Ms. Plahn’s classroom, social studies becomes more than a subject, it becomes a formation of the heart, mind, and soul.