SOCIAL studies; TCAPS

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

Living History Museum 2

Our next day of our Living History Museum, we had the other half of our class in their costumes. I actually really enjoyed presenting Clara Barton. I also enjoyed the process of  researching and gathering props and information to present. Some of the historical figures represented included Bonny Kate, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Clara Barton, Marion Anderson, Mary Otis Warren, Calamity Jane, Anne Sullivan, and Amelia Earhart. I know I have forgotten names of some others but I know everyone did a great job! With younger grades I think that it would be good to give a list of historical figures for them to choose from so that there will be some options if they cannot think of many people to choose from. I am so looking forward to using this strategy to teach history in my classroom. I love it! And I will most likely be dressing up as well to start off the assignment.

"You must never so much as think whether you like it or not, whether it is bearable or not; you must never think of anything except the need, and how to meet it." -Clara Barton

Living History Museum

With dimmed lights, presenters ready and our professor's anouncement, the grand opening of our Living History Museum commenced!

The Living History Museum today was so much fun. This is a wonderful new way to learn about history. In class today, the historical people represented included Ruby Bridges, Jackie Kennedy, Louisa May Alcott, Florence Nightingale, Mahalia Jackson, Jackie Robinson, J.P. Morgan, and Cleopatra. I don't remember the names of the others but they were: history teacher/astronaut (awesome costume), a major league female baseball player, female fighter pilot, and congresswoman. We have another Museum day left and it will be great to see and learn about many more people. I hear that Calamity Jane, Bonnie Kate, Anne Sullivan, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton will be there! I love the fact that everyone presents in first person during their talks. It is just like we are sitting down and listening to our grandparents tell us stories of their lives.