The Evidence Base for Social Studies: Social Studies in Elementary Education

Justification Justification What to expect in preschool: Social studies - Academic Skills By Diana Townsend-Butterworth Preschool gives children their first sense of community outside the home. Social studies learning begins as children make friends and participate in decision-making in the classroom — then it moves beyond the school into the neighborhood and around the world. The classroom Preschool is a safe, caring community with an orderly routine, and each child is valued as an individual. Everything in the classroom lends itself to learning the concepts underlying social studies. The neighborhood Teachers help children apply the concepts they learn in their classroom to an understanding of their neighborhood. Class trips Preschoolers often go to restaurants to learn how meals are prepared and served. Holidays Teachers take advantage of holidays to teach children about their history and to make them aware of different cultural traditions. Special visitors The classroom library Children also learn about their history and other cultures through books they see in the classroom.

Justification Powerful and Purposeful Teaching and Learning in Elementary School Social Studies Rationale The advancement of “liberty and justice for all,” as envisioned by our country’s founders, requires that citizens have the knowledge, attitudes and values to both guard and endorse the principles of a constitutional democracy. Beginning to build this knowledge at an early age involves educators who are well grounded in social studies educational practice. Social studies at the elementary level should provide students with purposeful and meaningful learning experiences that are challenging, of high quality, and developmentally appropriate. The marginalization of social studies education at the elementary level has been documented repeatedly.1 According to a report by the Center on Education Policy, since the enactment of the “No Child Left Behind” federal education policy (NCLB), 44 percent of districts surveyed have reduced time for social studies. A. In social studies, as in any knowledge domain, learners benefit from having a variety of ways to understand a given concept.

Social Studies Knowledge & Skills Social Studies Knowledge & Skills refers to understanding people and how they relate to others and the world around them. Social studies helps children to understand themselves, their families, and communities. Through learning experiences related to history, culture, and the environment, children enhance their self-identity and expand their experiences beyond the walls of their home and early childhood setting. In the domain of Social Studies Knowledge & Skills, programs need to ensure that children who are dual language learners can demonstrate their abilities, skills, and knowledge in any language, including their home language. Strategies to Help Children Acquire Knowledge of Self, Family & Community Involve children's families in every aspect of the program so that children can learn about and compare each other's personal characteristics, experiences, and cultures. * Identifies content and references that include children who are dual language learners. Friedman, S. History & Events

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