Playing Social Studies Jeopardy using social studies TCAP questions was very interesting today. As a class, I think that we came to the conclusion that most of the questions are recall. I mean really, how many teachers whose performance is continuously being pressured by standardized testing, not to mention the increased standards for math and reading will actually even cover social studies in a given school year. And I think that is sad! I mean, unless you have really inquisitive students who raise their hands in class and ask, "What major city is the Charles River located near?" or "Was China an isolationist country in the 15th century?" which is not very likely. But I do think that it is possible to integrate Social Studies into a school day and still accomplish the reading and math requirements.
Students need to have the opportunity to learn through the stories of influential people before them of all backgrounds. It's all about the stories of people with courage, during hardships, and little twists along the way that makes up SOCIAL studies. Teaching social studies today can be difficult, but the reward for the students and the teacher as well is worth it. Maybe it is high expectations or just an idealistic philosophy, but I believe that every student should at least have the opportunity to know where they came from, and where they are going and be equipped with the knowledge that causes them to want to make a difference for the better like those who have gone before them.
Every day we are called to do small things with great love. ~Mother Teresa
You are awesome!
ReplyDelete