Social Studies Experiences Americana Subtitle Goes Here Guiding Social Studies Experiences

Social Studies Experiences Social studies concepts help young children understand themselves and the world in which they live 1

Social Studies Subjects Government History Ecology Current Events Change Holidays Community Living Geography Cultures 1

Social Studies Goals 1. Children gain skills, attitudes and knowledge for living in a democratic society 1

By learning to say the Pledge of Allegiance The children can vote on the name for a class pet or vote if they will free play inside or outside. Give the children choices of centers. Before age 5: pointing out the flag and pictures of the president; recognize the pledge and national antham

Social Studies Goals 2. Develop respect for natural resources Ecology (study of the chain of life), Focuses on water, land, air, grass, trees, birds, and insects Children are natural Geographers: explore space, play in water, dig in dirt. Help understand that the earth is home to many people. Take walks to Encourage observation skills and not to litter. Teach to use a map to navigate. 1

Social Studies Goals By learning to take care of their surroundings Keep plants or animals in the classroom. Take responsibility to clean up after themselves (litter) and do class jobs 1

Social Studies Goals 3. Develop respect for other people’s feelings, ideas, and property Social living skills 1

By learning the need and purpose of rules. Take turns speaking. Model and teach manners, listen while others speak. Let them set the rules, make suggestions and make plans.

Social Studies Goals 4. Children learn self-control and independence By developing self-respect and a positive self-concept Learn to say “I’m sorry.” What are some ways to develop a positive self-concept? (mirror, praise, hang art) 1

By recognizing and discussing feelings

Social Studies Goals By developing healthy ways of relating to and working with others. They learn positive group living skills: to take turns, listen to and help others clean up. 1

Social Studies Goals 5. Learn about the roles people have in a community Community living—includes careers and pro-social skills 1

By trying out different careers

By going on Field trips in the community

By having resource people visit

Social Studies Goals 6. Learn to appreciate the past and its relationship to the present 1

By celebrating holidays Holidays teach about cultural heritages and the continuity of life. CAUTION: not earlier than a week; choose relevant holdays Involve children in planning

By discussing current events News board, children usually unaware of events outside of their own environment. Encourage to share events affecting their own lives

Social Studies Goal 7. Children learn and accept that change happens Affects their lives in many ways. Change is constant. Change from infant to child; observe changes in nature, record height and weight, collect a variety of clothing 1

By noticing change Weather, document changes in themselves

By sharing about family members Intergenerational: Learning from and about the aged, avoid neg stereotypes, promote positive attitudes toward aging, view aged in a variety of roles, provide opportunities to learn how all people change, themes such as families and All About Me,

Social Studies Goal 8. Children learn to accept and appreciate people different and similar to themselves Focus on similarities rather than differences. Learn to appreciate oneself as a worthwhile and competent person. Culture is the lens by which the child views and judges the world; influences feelings, thoughts and behavior; provides children with a lifestyle. Vytogsky. Children become aware of race and color around age three. Teach respect for self (culture and ethnic background) and acceptance and appreciation of others. Skills to interact positively with others. 1

By learning about the world Select classroom activities and materials that are free from bias or omission (leaving out a group therefore implying that they have less value. Avoid stereotypes (ignores individual differences) BB, flags, games, food, invite in family, books, CDs pictures.

By sharing family’s cultural heritage Parents: knowledge of family needs, concerns and hopes. Sharing heritage through stories, games, songs, dances, food and holiday observations. Understand that there are many ways to do things.

Social Studies Concepts Concepts are generalized notions or ideas formed from perceptions Perceptions are ideas formed about a relationship/object as a result of what a child learns through their senses Repeated experiences lead to concept formation. 1

Social Studies Concepts Concepts help children to organize experiences to make sense out of their world to communicate with each other 1

Social Studies Activity Idea After some more discussion about specific Social Studies concepts, you will choose one concept and write a DAP lesson plan for teaching this Social Studies concept to preschoolers.