Bring the Maya, Inca, and Aztec Civilizations to the Social Studies Classroom
Reading Time: 5 minutes Social studies combines a lot of different topics in a variety of content areas. So much so that some topics get lost or cut from some social studies curricula. One topic that has tragically been cut from many curricula that needs to be brought back is the ancient Latin American civilizations […]
Leading and Partnering with Purpose in Social Studies
Reading Time: 5 minutes As leaders, we have all been in situations where our procured resources do not translate into implemented resources. There are two factors at play. First, individuals do not think they can successfully implement the resources, or they may not find value in the resource. Here at Social Studies School Service, we […]
How Reading Contextualization Skills Can Support Social Studies Instruction
Reading Time: 4 minutes Context is crucial in reading because it provides the necessary background information, setting, or circumstances that help students understand the meaning of what they’re reading. Here’s why it’s so important: Comprehension: Understanding the context allows us to comprehend the text more accurately. For instance, knowing the historical background of a piece […]
Transforming Social Studies: The Power of Simulations to Ignite Student Engagement
Reading Time: 5 minutes Do your social studies classes need more spark to captivate your students’ attention? Are traditional teaching methods falling short of fostering genuine interest in historical events and civic concepts? Fear not, as we unveil an innovative approach that not only educates, but captivates – teaching social studies through simulations. Get ready […]
Themes in American Government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches
Reading Time: 6 minutes American government encompasses various themes that underpin its functioning and principles. The American system is built on democratic principles, emphasizing the rule of the people through elected representatives. This includes concepts of majority rule, minority rights, and the protection of individual freedoms. The government is divided into three branches—executive, legislative, and […]
Strategies to Teach World War I for Secondary Social Studies
Reading Time: 5 minutes World War I is complicated. Unlike World War II, where there is a set good side and bad side, the Great War proved no good guys or bad guys. WWI was a mess of alliances, trenches, and new and devastating technological innovations. The question that many teachers have when they cover […]
How Simulation-Based Learning Can Enhance Your Social Studies Curriculum
Reading Time: 4 minutes Simulation-based learning involves using simulated or immersive environments to facilitate learning and skill development. It’s a technique where learners engage with realistic scenarios or replicas of real-world situations to gain practical experience without real-life consequences. In the social studies classroom, simulation-based learning and role-playing can be incredibly effective as these learning […]
Measuring History and Civics Standardized Achievement: What Can We Learn
Reading Time: 5 minutes The National Center for Educational Statistics, or the “Nation’s Report Card,” released the most recent test results for History and Civics. This was the first post-pandemic standardized test given to over 7,000 students nationwide. The assessment included selected responses and construction response questions based on United States history and civic themes. […]
The History and Science of Reading
Reading Time: 4 minutes The history of reading is a fascinating journey that intertwines with human civilization’s evolution and the development of language, communication, and cognition. Reading, essentially the ability to decode written symbols to extract meaning, has undergone a profound transformation through the ages.
Ten Things Only Social Studies Educators Know
Reading Time: 3 minutes /*! elementor – v3.23.0 – 15-07-2024 */ .elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block} Social studies teachers possess a unique set of skills, knowledge, and perspectives that set them apart in the field of education! Whether in the elementary or secondary classroom, teaching social studies have a broad understanding of […]