Social Studies Lessons

By -
I'm working on a new series of products for elementary Social Studies. With excitement, but also with hesitation. The excitement because the unit is called "Heroes and Change" for 3rd-5th grade students. It's been really fun trying to find just the right questions and just the right information to present these incredible biographies: Rosa Parks, Louis Pasteur, Todd Beamer, and Bill Gates. These historical and contemporary figures each are special in their own ways. And each have truly impacted our culture and the way we live. However...

 ...The hesitation. The concern that no one will use these products. When talking to colleagues, you and I have heard it, probably thought it once or twice. Concerns. The reasons why we can't go into depth in social studies, or the reasons why we have to make it "cutesy" and avoid tough topics.

  • "Parents don't want their kids learning about civil rights, civil disobedience, or change...it's too touchy."
  • "We don't have time. We have to teach reading and math. The tests, you know."
  • "We don't have the right textbooks."
  • "We can't...we don't...we haven't..."
STOP IT!!! Please, pleeease, allow the students to learn lessons that can broaden and impact their views of life and of possibilities. Learn about these issues and problems solved by these incredible heroes. Learn about the characteristics embodied in these heroes. Learn how individuals can change our culture. Instead of presenting a boogie man who doesn't exist, present the lessons of heroes and change that can inspire and transform.

Comments

Post a Comment

What are your thoughts?

Popular posts from this blog

Accidental Diminishers, 6 Types for Self-Reflection

By -
Image
Multiplying results, multiplying your network, multiplying strength in others, multiplying your team's effective - these are all traits of multipliers (here's the amazing book by Liz Wiseman ). On the flipside, there are many actions that can diminish in spite of being spurred by good intentions. In this post, I'll share with you 6 types of accidental diminishers : The Optimist The Rapid Responder The Pace-Setter The Rescuer The Idea Guy Always On Marci Houseman shared the graphic below on Twitter, and I thought it would be perfect to share with you. The Wiseman Group " Being a multiplier means being aware of those times when we have a tendency to be an accidental diminisher. To build capacity we must provide others with the opportunity to learn and grow—even if something is done “differently” than we would have done it." - Marci Houseman The Optimist Being an optimist is a strength, and it's much needed. However, the strength
Read more

How Long Should Direct Instruction Be?

By -
Image
How Long Should Direct Instruction Be? Direct instruction is great, but how long should it be - based on brain research? This is a great reminder from Eric Jensen about the length that most students can cognitively engage (in direct instruction, that is). Thanks  @DavidJHuber , for sharing this as we go back to school. But what can be done in only 8-12 minutes? Here are 5 high-yielding strategies that fit perfectly in this short direct instruction window. 1. Expand Prior Knowledge in Direct Instruction Part of the challenge in teaching classes of students (instead of individual students) is the range of background knowledge. Each student comes to class at a different starting point. Direct instruction can very efficiently build prior knowledge for all students. Present visuals, videos, quick reads, or graphic organizers. Fill in prerequisite background knowledge and push the limits on enriching background knowledge. This will allow all students to make richer connectio
Read more

Learning is an Adventure

By -
Image
I'm spending time in the mountains this week and am confronted with the awesome beauty and strength of nature. So much to fear, to wonder, and to explore.  A couple days ago we climbed Flattop Mountain ...ugh, I'm still sore. But I came across so many moments of inspiration that made me reflect on learning and education. Really, I came to believe that Learning is an Adventure. Here are a few of those moments that I felt were inspiring. Do. Learn. Live. These three words have been a theme lately ( shared on facebook ), but it really hit me on the hike. The path is not the destination. It is where the living is. It is the path where we find learning. We may or may not arrive at the destination - enjoy the path. What are you passionate about? Do. Don't delay. You don't need to know how, where, or why - just do. You will learn along the way. In that learning, we live.  Learning is not about inert facts and details. Learning is about life. Empowering each othe
Read more