This is the first time I have ever had to consider what my philosophy of social studies is, and to be honest, I�m not sure what I believe this early in the semester. It is my hope, my goal, to discover my philosophy�let it unfold and blossom along the way. I do know that I believe students should receive the best education possible and an education that invites them to think, explore, discover, and have fun, while learning as much as possible. Humans innately seek knowledge, usually that which coincides with their interests and level of success; it is my goal, my duty as a teacher to provide venues, to guide and lead students to knowledge, in hopes that the insights they gain will lead them to greater improvement and understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Taking this notion into consideration, I certainly agree with the theme of our social studies textbook, Self in the World. Never before have I encountered a social studies text that attempts to make the connection between the individual and the world around the individual�how individuals affect the world and how the world affects individuals.

I do not remember much about any of my social studies classes from elementary school. Needless to say, it was likely a class where we read the text, memorized the vocabulary words, worked chapter exercises and took multiple choice tests. My early education took place before the KERA program, and therefore, my peers and I were encouraged to work alone, we did very little, if anything, in the way of projects, writing, portfolios, etc. Therefore, my entire school career, including social studies, was boring, unmotivating, and eventually faded into a dull unrecognizable haze (with the exception of a few moments worth remembering).

I love the idea of focusing on the self as the core in society and in the world and exploring society and the world through the self. I think this method makes the concepts in social studies more attainable, more tangible�especially for younger children. For instance, to ask a young child how the Constitution affects society at large is too abstract for their concrete thinking. To take the same concept and turn it into how the Constitution affects them personally makes the concept easier to grasp, and makes it more meaningful.

Also, to involve the children in social studies projects�such as protecting the environment or writing a letter to a congressperson to ask for a particular bill to be passed, teaches the children more about responsible citizenship than simply reading a chapter in the textbook could. Such projects teach students to be active participants in our society and in worldwide issues. Such projects show students that one person (or a group of people working for the same cause) can make a difference, and can make great changes in society and in the world. Knowing this, students would feel important, included, empowered, and part of something much bigger than themselves.