Why I Teach Social Studies

It was the first day back. I wrote my class a letter about Spring Break, what we learned in third quarter, and what we will learn in fourth quarter. Each student wrote a letter to answer me (with heading, greeting, body, closing, and signature). I asked them three questions in the course of my letter. Part of their assignment was to be sure to answer each question. I asked: How was your Spring Break? What was your favorite thing we learned about during third quarter and why? What is the thing you look most forward to learning about in fourth quarter and why?

By a huge margin my students were most excited about Social Studies. Here are some quotes.

*When I first came to third grade, I wasn't very excited about Social Studies. Now, I am a huge fan. The thing I love learning about most is History.

*I loved learning about explorers the most.

*I most look forward to learning about the Civil War because it seems interesting.

*I enjoyed being Rosa Parks for the Wax Museum and learning about all the great things she did.

I like to look at test scores and data, but things like this mean more to me. If I can teach someone who didn't like a subject and make them become "a big fan" I feel like I was successful with that student.

Dancing for Democracy

My kids have been learning about Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. One reason (I would assume) they do that is because of its ties to our civic roots. I have been covering the standards on democracy and representative government during these units.

I wanted to have a hands on lesson on democracy that students as young as the ones I teach could get their minds around. So, we talked about how the word democracy is really two Greek words (demos: people kratos: rule). We talked about how it was a system where each person had an equal vote and equal role in lawmaking. All of my students agreed it was fair (you see even third graders recognize that). Although, I am pretty sure they would agree that communism was much more fair than capitalism if I asked them...

I told them they would use democracy to make one law we would all follow in the classroom for a day. It could be a funny or serious.

"What is it called when you make the laws?" one astute observer asked me.

"It's a dictatorship, and I am your dictator--kind of like your very powerful king," I answered fully aware that he would have no clue what I meant.

"You would be a queen," he reminded me.

"So true, thank you. Now, each of your tables must all agree on two laws to enter in the vote."

So, all of the table groups proposed two "laws". Then, the kids voted.

The law they agreed on yesterday was that you must do a dance to go to the bathroom. It was hysterical today.

When they lined up for recess, I said, "Wait a second. Who here is going to use the bathroom during recess?" All of them were, so I turned on some music and they danced.

Tomorrow we'll use a representative government to make one law. I can't wait to see what they come up with this time!

Ancient Rome

My unit on Ancient Rome begins tomorrow. I actually went to Rome about four years ago. On Monday, my kids get the pleasure of viewing my slideshow (don't you wish you were that lucky). One nice thing about teaching third grade is I know they will be the most captive audience I've ever had for my vacation pictures. They will also be interested in random knowledge I have on Rome. Because I took three years of Latin in highschool and went to a religious school, I have acquired quite a lot of random knowledge on Ancient Rome.

All this to say that travel has made me a much better teacher of Social Studies. It would be even better if I could bring my students with me, but my instruction is much more authentic having been there myself. Don't you think they should pay for all teachers to travel Europe?