As a social studies "person" I truly see the importance of teaching social studies in elementary school. And I do not mean ignoring the block on the master schedule but using that time to create little citizens. Let's face it, many homes are not discussing the day to day events of the world. We have an important duty to create opportunities for children to learn how to form an opinion based on facts, respectfully agree to disagree with a friend and grasp what it means to be a citizen. Social studies does not just show people how to read a map (although that is important--what if your phone breaks!) but also how to learn from the historical mistakes of others. If only little Adolf had been in class when they discussed how Napoleon shouldn't have invaded Russia in the winter. And from an engagement standpoint, kids typically enjoy social studies because it offers "fun" ways to learn about the world. Yesterday, when planning with an elementary teacher we discussed using Google Earth to show kids different monuments instead of pictures (hooooooooooow 20th century). We have the world at our finger tips--use it! Show your students the ways they can make this place better and then you might just be able to say "I taught the President when he (or she) was a kid."
Until next week....
Kelly James
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