Social Studies this semester has been a learning experience. I have learned many ideas about Social Studies, but three stand out as the big ideas. These three are different curriculum structures, a democratic classroom and teaching Geography. In addition to these takeaways I have also changed my view on Social Studies in today’s classrooms.
Going to an interview I will be able to ask what curriculum structure they have for Social Studies. I will know what they are, the advantages and disadvantages to both. The first curriculum structure is Expanding Horizons. The Expanding Horizon Curriculum is a scope and sequence pattern for young students. Based on developmental needs, and the environment around the child. This curriculum structure starts …show more content…
As the child grows, it moves out to communities and cities. The students do not learn about the United States until Fifth grade and the world in Sixth grade. The advantages of this structure is students ' are learning about what is close to them, and what they have prior knowledge about. The disadvantages are repetition of the same type of lessons by different teachers. For example community helpers, some students receive a community helper lesson in Kindergarten, First grade and again in Second grade. The other curriculum structure is the Spiral Structure. This structure design is introducing concepts and themes early in elementary, and expanding them in higher grades. The disadvantages for this type of curriculum is in early grades it is disconnecting for students to learn some of the themes. For example the ones 200 years ago, or in a country across the globe. Another disadvantage is the repeat of themes and the differences in teachers. One teacher might go more in-depth about a subject. Then students …show more content…
By having a democratic classroom I will teach the child they are important and socially equal. I plan to teach civic responsibility and build their character. I will do this by practice, patience and discussions. Discussions about their world, and how they can make it better. To begin setting up a democratic classroom I will have my students make “The Rules” on the first few days. To continue their voice to be heard I will keep a box to allow students to write their ideas. The big idea is if I give students respect, honesty, care and responsibility then I can promote their character. An opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students I teach. I can help them make their own decisions about their education, and help them make their own goals in life. My third big idea is teaching geography. Since my work sample was on this topic, I have learned many concepts about it. I have learned that students see geography in their own scope and perspective. Teaching Geography that benefits the student you must teach what is close to them. You go along with Expanding Horizon curriculum, and teach scope they are developmentally at. Another concept with Geography is perspective. Students have a perspective when looking and creating a map. Students begin making maps at a pictorial view. As they develop knowledge they move upwards at a forty-five degree
Going to an interview I will be able to ask what curriculum structure they have for Social Studies. I will know what they are, the advantages and disadvantages to both. The first curriculum structure is Expanding Horizons. The Expanding Horizon Curriculum is a scope and sequence pattern for young students. Based on developmental needs, and the environment around the child. This curriculum structure starts …show more content…
As the child grows, it moves out to communities and cities. The students do not learn about the United States until Fifth grade and the world in Sixth grade. The advantages of this structure is students ' are learning about what is close to them, and what they have prior knowledge about. The disadvantages are repetition of the same type of lessons by different teachers. For example community helpers, some students receive a community helper lesson in Kindergarten, First grade and again in Second grade. The other curriculum structure is the Spiral Structure. This structure design is introducing concepts and themes early in elementary, and expanding them in higher grades. The disadvantages for this type of curriculum is in early grades it is disconnecting for students to learn some of the themes. For example the ones 200 years ago, or in a country across the globe. Another disadvantage is the repeat of themes and the differences in teachers. One teacher might go more in-depth about a subject. Then students …show more content…
By having a democratic classroom I will teach the child they are important and socially equal. I plan to teach civic responsibility and build their character. I will do this by practice, patience and discussions. Discussions about their world, and how they can make it better. To begin setting up a democratic classroom I will have my students make “The Rules” on the first few days. To continue their voice to be heard I will keep a box to allow students to write their ideas. The big idea is if I give students respect, honesty, care and responsibility then I can promote their character. An opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students I teach. I can help them make their own decisions about their education, and help them make their own goals in life. My third big idea is teaching geography. Since my work sample was on this topic, I have learned many concepts about it. I have learned that students see geography in their own scope and perspective. Teaching Geography that benefits the student you must teach what is close to them. You go along with Expanding Horizon curriculum, and teach scope they are developmentally at. Another concept with Geography is perspective. Students have a perspective when looking and creating a map. Students begin making maps at a pictorial view. As they develop knowledge they move upwards at a forty-five degree