I believe social studies content is an integral part of the curriculum. The study of
social studies helps children develop an understanding of the past, present, and future.
A strong social studies program is key to achievement in all areas of learning because
social studies promotes citizenship in a culturally diverse world. Both schools and
teachers help to create a meaningful understanding of social studies.
Children develop higher order thinking skills when challenged by an issues
centered social studies curriculum. Students on all levels have the desire to learn about
various aspects of social studies. The children have a right to a program that integrates
language arts, math, science, and the humanities. I believe children want to learn and
can learn about all areas through a real world approach.
An effective social studies teacher challenges students to learn through hands on
activities. Social studies should be taught in a child centered manner. I believe social
studies instruction should guide students to a greater knowledge on a real
world level. Social studies is more effective when various types of realia are included
throughout the program. Photographs, postcards, buttons, and dolls are only a few
pieces of a variety of realia that helps children develop a more clear understanding of
social studies. To create a desire for life long learning it is important for teachers to
help students understand social studies incorporates many facets of our world and it can
be learned in a creative manner.
I believe students learn better when they collaborate with the teacher, the students,
and the community to develop a greater understanding of real world social studies. Many
children have a minimal understanding and believe that social studies is only history, I
think it is imperative that they understand that social studies encompasses all parts of
our world today. For children to be better citizens in our world we must help them
develop a greater knowledge of the world today.
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