If you are an elementary teacher like me, you have been watching the unrest in the news with growing concern. Above all you wonder how we as a society got to this point. As teachers, our job is to help bridge that ever-widening gap. The answers to why teach Social Studies are endless.
Schedule Tug Of War
Each fall, school districts allot the number of minutes for every subject in the grade level. The leadership team slots these minutes into the schedule. Primary schedules typically have Reading and Math in the morning. They leave the other subjects for the teacher to schedule in the afternoon.
With the shift in priority to STEM learning, Social Studies often loses the tug of war. It is so important that we teachers and administrators fight to make sure that precious Social Studies minutes stay a priority.
Our Current Problem
People have stopped hearing each other. We have stopped think about the listener. Many see two points of view: mine and the wrong one. It does not help that the current political climate is setting such a bad example for our students.
Why Social Studies?
The beauty of Social Studies in right in the title. “Social” is the key. Ask any child on social media! They understand that they need to engage. in discussion about topics important to them. BUT, they need instruction and practice on “how” to do that in a safe, productive manner.
Social Studies is the umbrella that covers Civics, Economics, and Geography that your students need to become happy, productive citizens. Speaking and Listening is the mode of learning. The more interactive the activities, the better they will learn.
Speaking and Listening
Reading an Math lessons are heavy with input. With this heavy cognitive load in the morning, students need afternoon lessons to be different. They need opportunities to practice conversing with classmates about the issues of today.
Even though every grade has Speaking and Listening objectives, it can be tricky to get them in. Social Studies is tailor made for this. Many of your students are social learners. They need to talk about new concepts before they make sense. Also, the newer but very important SEL objectives fit perfectly within the Social Studies parameters. If you want to read about how to use picture cards for teaching Social Studies.
Civics in Action
Teaching students how to be a good citizen is the most important lesson they can learn. It sets the stage for the rest of their life. Students need to learn to compromise and to collaborate. They need to learn to disagree respectfully. This is why teach Social Studies.
These concepts do not come naturally. Watch 20 minutes of any proceeding of congress, and that becomes obvious. Congress is stalled in every way. They cannot do their jobs, because they cannot talk to each other in a productive way, let alone work together. If you would like to read more about teaching Social Studies with Civics activities.
Everyday Economics
It is never too early to help students understand financial economics. Kids need to be empowered to make the best decisions for their personal goals. They need to be introduced to basic economics concepts like Goods and Services, and Job Skills. If you want to read more about teaching Social Studies with economic activities.
Me on the Map
Geography is an important part of Social Studies. Students need to create and construct maps to help them sort out their place in this world. They need to begin with their school neighborhood which is the point they have in common. If you want to read more about making maps with kids.
Social Studies Materials
Materials matter in Social Studies. It is not a subject that can come from a textbook. Even young children can learn detailed concepts from user-friendly materials. Using cooperative learning frames and other interactive lesson plans will make Social Studies time a favorite.
I really hope you got a few things to think about. Scroll down if you need Social Studies resources.
Thanks for all you do!
Happy Teaching
Jacque Jones
