What a semester! Now that we are at the end, it is time to ask myself what I have learned about Social Studies. Well, of course I will not be able to tell all, but I would like to highlight some of the most memorable things that I have learned.
1. Social Studies is EVERYWHERE! There are so many books that deal with concepts that can be integrated with multiple content areas. As teachers, we have to learn how to make due with the time that we have. The only way to teach everything is to integrate. Books are so fascinating, and a great way to introduce topics to students. I used this method in my field, and the students responded very well. The lesson I taught was about the Shawnee Native Americans. I started with a legend from the tribe, and the students in the 3rd grade class were very interested. This would be a great way to start a unit.
2. Don't focus on the things that you can't change, but on those that you can. I myself was never really educated on the government in the United States. I feel like I was short-changed. I can not focus all of my attention on the fact that I wasn't taught, because then I would not be able to plan how I will ensure that the students in my class are. It is my job to prepare them to be active, positive members of society. One great way to do this will be by teaching them how the government works, and how they can make a difference.
Social Studies is so important because it enable us to learn about people, and how the world has gotten to were we are now. We have to educate the youth so that they can be motivated to improve our nation and the world. We need to teach them how to work together to achive a common goal.
This website provides links to lists of books that can be used to help teach various Social Studies standards.
http://www.socialstudies.org/resources/notable
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