1. Guiding Social Studies Experiences

2. What is social studies? Definitions . . .
A course of study including geography, history, government, and sociology
The study of human society and of individual relationships in and to society
A part of a school or college curriculum concerned with the study of social relationships and the functioning of society and usually made up of courses in history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography, and anthropology

3. Importance of Social Studies
Social studies helps children . . .
understand and appreciate how other people live
learn to accept themselves and get along with others
acquire skills for living
learn about the roles people have in life
respect others and their property

4. Teacher’s Role: Determine the Needs, Interests, Abilities, and Experiences
Observe kids during play, noting what they play with, books they look at
Interact with them in casual way, asking them what they enjoy
Determine ability levels by observing kids social skills as they play with others

5. Develop the Curriculum
Encourage children to take part in planning . . .
Whom they play with
Materials needed for a project
Places to visit
People to invite to the classroom
How to celebrate birthdays and holidays

6. Incidental Learnings
Structure classroom to promote incidental learnings, which are learning experiences that develop during the course of a normal day
Watch for everyday happenings that can teach children something
Ex. Point out plant whose leaves yellowed when not watered

7. Use Community Resources
Look at community resources for a variety of learning opportunities
Record the names of stores, museums, art galleries, community services, community workers

8. Perceptions
Kids touch, taste, smell, see and hear in an attempt to learn
They form perceptions, which are ideas formed about a relationship or object as a result of what a child learns
Ex. A child sees a black and white cow. Later the child sees a black and white dog and calls it a cow. Given proper feedback, the child learns the difference between a dog and a cow

9. Concepts Help children to organize, group, and order experiences
Help them make sense out of the world
Social studies helps children learn multicultural, intergenerational, democracy, ecology, change, geography, community living, current events, and holiday concepts

10. Take a closer look . . .
To better understand what each of these different concepts is all about, you are going to read and create a poster about your assigned concept(s). Make sure you explain/include any bolded vocabulary in your poster. Additionally, you need to list at least one possible lesson plan that aligns with the concept(s) you are reading about
Your classmates will be taking notes on the information you present, so make sure the information is understandable!

11. Sign up for one of the following:
Multicultural Concepts: page
Intergenerational Concepts: page
Democracy, Ecology Concepts: page
Change, Geography, Community Living, Current Events Concepts: page
Holiday Concepts: page