My thoughts about social studies at the start of the semester:
When I think of the words “social studies”, I think about everything that isn't math or grammar. It is history, government, culture studies, people, places, technology, economics, science, innovations, discoveries, civics, and time. Sometimes it is easier to identify what things aren't social studies rather than try to define what is. Social studies was an exploration of the world and would allow me to place understanding on a previously unknown place, person, thing or even and thereby creating a greater depth of knowledge to learn about myself.
My thoughts on social studies now and how they have changed:
My thoughts on social studies has not changed. Although Nevada standards, specifies that Social Studies is to be taught in four themes: Geography, Economics, Civics and History. I find there are still a great sub-categories and topics that could fall outside or within those four themes. Part of the reason I find a lack of change in my thoughts about social studies is that I was comfortable with all that social studies included and was comfortable with general teaching methods and strategies. I was taught social studies in elementary school by engaging and meaningful, authentic activities, so it was a surprise to me to note that my biggest change of opinions regarding social studies is that textbooks could also be a basis for building engaging and dynamic lessons. I will expand on this further as I talk the advantages using the textbooks here.
Social Studies in Elementary
Social studies should be taught in elementary grades:
Aside from the fact that school studies often provide teachers with opportunities to teach using realistic, real world examples, social studies should be taught to elementary students for several reasons. One reason students benefit from social studies is because it provides them with a opportunities to example, observe, and interpret the world in which they engage and interact with. Although this seems abstract and superficial, when students are able to consider that there are multiple explanations and personalities in the world other than their own, they are better able to make connections with other discipline curriculum and develop the ever necessary skill needed in all disciplines, metacognition. Additionally, social studies allows for the practical application of other disciplines as they appear in economic themes. For example, when studying time lines, dates, artifact dimensions, and economic concepts, students are actually reviewing and practicing math skills as well. English language and arts are enhances and reviewed as well as students read and write about social study themes.
I would highly suggest reading the linked article about why social studies is taught in schools for a greater more in-depth explanation: SocialStudies.Org Article
Social Studies in Nevada
The four social studies strands taught in Nevada.
Geography - This includes studying geography in small local areas to national landmarks.
Economics - This includes basic economic concepts such as saving money, banks, opportunity costs, trade, and international trade.
Civics - This includes studying citizenship, Nevada specific government exploration, national government studies, and international connections.
History - This includes the history of Nevada, the history of America, and the historical connections with other cultures and communities.
If I could change . . .
"If you had the ability to do it, what would you change about the social studies curriculum in Nevada? Explain your ideas."
In general, I am pleased with the wide range of economic topics that the social studies curriculum includes. I liked the practical application of the four strands and how they generally will allow students to study the world around them without over focusing on one cultural perspective or idea. In the past, I spoke with co-workers and peers that were frustrated with their own social studies experiences, because many of them had moved to different schools in elementary and each time had to relearn about that state's particular history. In reviewing our Nevada State Standards for grades K-5, I am pleased to see that while there are standards that are dedicated to teaching about key Nevada facts and social impact, it doesn't overwhelm any standard in every single grade level. I additionally really liked how certain complex ideas are scaffolded at different grade levels. For example, in economics scarcity and opportunity costs are both topics which professors in colleges can devote entire units to. The NV social study economic strand introduces scarcity in Kindergarten using materials the students are familiar with and then in second grade students are introduced to recognizing that scarcity and allowing it to influence their needs and wants choices. While I would not change the social studies curriculum in Nevada, I think I would change the amount of focus it receives in the classroom especially in Title One schools. I personally believe that social studies allows students to think beyond static answers and introduces the idea of multi-perspective answers which provides greater comprehension and connections. In Title One schools, they are obligated to devote more time to the Common Core ELA and Math standards to better improve their testing scores. As a result, social studies is often a back burner and not focused on as thoroughly. I hope as a teacher to be able to find ways to teach my required ELA standards along with thoroughly introducing social studies strands.
Definition of Social Studies | Social Studies in Elementary | Social studies should be taught in elementary grades: | Social Studies in Nevada | If I could change . . .
Definition of Social Studies
When I think of the words “social studies”, I think about everything that isn't math or grammar. It is history, government, culture studies, people, places, technology, economics, science, innovations, discoveries, civics, and time. Sometimes it is easier to identify what things aren't social studies rather than try to define what is. Social studies was an exploration of the world and would allow me to place understanding on a previously unknown place, person, thing or even and thereby creating a greater depth of knowledge to learn about myself.
- My thoughts on social studies now and how they have changed:
My thoughts on social studies has not changed. Although Nevada standards, specifies that Social Studies is to be taught in four themes: Geography, Economics, Civics and History. I find there are still a great sub-categories and topics that could fall outside or within those four themes. Part of the reason I find a lack of change in my thoughts about social studies is that I was comfortable with all that social studies included and was comfortable with general teaching methods and strategies. I was taught social studies in elementary school by engaging and meaningful, authentic activities, so it was a surprise to me to note that my biggest change of opinions regarding social studies is that textbooks could also be a basis for building engaging and dynamic lessons. I will expand on this further as I talk the advantages using the textbooks here.Social Studies in Elementary
Social studies should be taught in elementary grades:
Aside from the fact that school studies often provide teachers with opportunities to teach using realistic, real world examples, social studies should be taught to elementary students for several reasons. One reason students benefit from social studies is because it provides them with a opportunities to example, observe, and interpret the world in which they engage and interact with. Although this seems abstract and superficial, when students are able to consider that there are multiple explanations and personalities in the world other than their own, they are better able to make connections with other discipline curriculum and develop the ever necessary skill needed in all disciplines, metacognition. Additionally, social studies allows for the practical application of other disciplines as they appear in economic themes. For example, when studying time lines, dates, artifact dimensions, and economic concepts, students are actually reviewing and practicing math skills as well. English language and arts are enhances and reviewed as well as students read and write about social study themes.
I would highly suggest reading the linked article about why social studies is taught in schools for a greater more in-depth explanation: SocialStudies.Org Article
Social Studies in Nevada
The four social studies strands taught in Nevada.
If I could change . . .
"If you had the ability to do it, what would you change about the social studies curriculum in Nevada? Explain your ideas."
In general, I am pleased with the wide range of economic topics that the social studies curriculum includes. I liked the practical application of the four strands and how they generally will allow students to study the world around them without over focusing on one cultural perspective or idea. In the past, I spoke with co-workers and peers that were frustrated with their own social studies experiences, because many of them had moved to different schools in elementary and each time had to relearn about that state's particular history. In reviewing our Nevada State Standards for grades K-5, I am pleased to see that while there are standards that are dedicated to teaching about key Nevada facts and social impact, it doesn't overwhelm any standard in every single grade level. I additionally really liked how certain complex ideas are scaffolded at different grade levels. For example, in economics scarcity and opportunity costs are both topics which professors in colleges can devote entire units to. The NV social study economic strand introduces scarcity in Kindergarten using materials the students are familiar with and then in second grade students are introduced to recognizing that scarcity and allowing it to influence their needs and wants choices. While I would not change the social studies curriculum in Nevada, I think I would change the amount of focus it receives in the classroom especially in Title One schools. I personally believe that social studies allows students to think beyond static answers and introduces the idea of multi-perspective answers which provides greater comprehension and connections. In Title One schools, they are obligated to devote more time to the Common Core ELA and Math standards to better improve their testing scores. As a result, social studies is often a back burner and not focused on as thoroughly. I hope as a teacher to be able to find ways to teach my required ELA standards along with thoroughly introducing social studies strands.