Research-Based Best Practices in Social Studies Instruction

No matter what social studies subject I am teaching each year, my very first lesson is based in geography.

The 21st century has been a very interesting time for those of us who are responsible for the organization of a social studies program within a public school setting.

When I began teaching personal financial literacy, I learned quickly that my student’s perceptions, interpretations, and beliefs about money were very different from my own.

Take a moment to think about all the ways we engage students inside and out of the classroom.

Many of us think back to grade school and remember story time fondly.

  As Social Studies educators, we look at our job as preparing our students to be active and productive citizens once they leave the educational setting.

  In an era where it seems that every day comes with a “breaking news” headline, and where there is increasing scrutiny regarding what we talk about in our classes, it may seem like a challenge not worth accepting to work current events and controversial topics into our lessons.

One of my favorite memories from when I was a fourth-grade student was the day our teacher put us into groups and let us play in the sand.

Have your friends ever asked you, “Why do you always attend so many trainings?”

The world has changed; many of us no longer feel comfortable and have yet to return to our pre-pandemic “normal.