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Blog With Ryan-Stop by and feed my social fish
What is Social Studies?
Social studies is the "integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence" as defined by the National Council for Social Studies. At the elementary school level, social studies generally focuses first on the local community and family. By middle and high school, the social studies curriculum becomes more discipline-based and content-specific. It includes various fields which involve past and current human behavior and interactions, such as sociology, history, political science, economics, religion, geography, anthropology, and civics. -Derived from Wikipedia
Social studies is the "integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence" as defined by the National Council for Social Studies. At the elementary school level, social studies generally focuses first on the local community and family. By middle and high school, the social studies curriculum becomes more discipline-based and content-specific. It includes various fields which involve past and current human behavior and interactions, such as sociology, history, political science, economics, religion, geography, anthropology, and civics. -Derived from Wikipedia
My "Social Studies Fish" are hungry for knowledge.
Please peak their interest by making them chase your cursor, and then click to feed them. Enjoy!
Ryan's Favorite Strategies
1. Community Building- This strategy focuses on the importance of students ability to work together and to have a connection to one another and other members of their community.
2. Archaeological Digs- This activity allows students to have a hands on approach to learning. Students reconstruct events that occurred and make predictions about the items they found and how those people may have lived.
3. Custom Boxes- Custom boxes are an interactive way for students to explore objects that help to teach social studies concepts or skills. The students use the boxes to explore artifacts that are historically linked.
4. Guest Speakers- Guest speakers are a great way to bring history into the classroom. First hand accounts of historical events told by the people that lived them can show students different perspectives and inspire students to do their own research and question primary resources.
5. Learning Centers- Learning centers should always be a part of our classrooms. Learning centers are a way for students to explore new skills and concepts either independently or in small groups. One use for a learning center is strategy 26: Interactive Bulletin Boards. Interactive bulletin boards have students interact physically to manipulate the information to create and test hypothesis. These bulletin boards are a great tool for kinesthetic learners.
50 Social Studies Strategies for K-8 Classrooms
2. Archaeological Digs- This activity allows students to have a hands on approach to learning. Students reconstruct events that occurred and make predictions about the items they found and how those people may have lived.
3. Custom Boxes- Custom boxes are an interactive way for students to explore objects that help to teach social studies concepts or skills. The students use the boxes to explore artifacts that are historically linked.
4. Guest Speakers- Guest speakers are a great way to bring history into the classroom. First hand accounts of historical events told by the people that lived them can show students different perspectives and inspire students to do their own research and question primary resources.
5. Learning Centers- Learning centers should always be a part of our classrooms. Learning centers are a way for students to explore new skills and concepts either independently or in small groups. One use for a learning center is strategy 26: Interactive Bulletin Boards. Interactive bulletin boards have students interact physically to manipulate the information to create and test hypothesis. These bulletin boards are a great tool for kinesthetic learners.
50 Social Studies Strategies for K-8 Classrooms
History Channel
WWW.History.com
Interesting shows to watch...
- The Series: America the story of us
This show is a 12 part series that explores how America
was "invented," it includes 400 years of American history.
When you visit the history.com website you can click on
this show and get teachers guides, activity guides and
classroom contests.
- Death Masks
Was the 16th President of our nation, Abraham Lincoln,
gravely ill? What caused him to seemingly age rapidly
over a five year period? What did George Washington
really look like? Is the man that graces our one dollar bill
a true representation of our first president? Get all these
questions answered by watching the show Death Masks.
- How the states got their shape
This show explores how each of our states were shaped and
how some of our states, including Idaho, orginally were to
look much different. Ever wonder why Ohio and Michigan
have such a football rivalry? War over water created the
shapes of these states and also the rivalry they share
til this day. Learn interesting facts about our states and
how they got their shapes by watching this informative
show.
Interesting shows to watch...
- The Series: America the story of us
This show is a 12 part series that explores how America
was "invented," it includes 400 years of American history.
When you visit the history.com website you can click on
this show and get teachers guides, activity guides and
classroom contests.
- Death Masks
Was the 16th President of our nation, Abraham Lincoln,
gravely ill? What caused him to seemingly age rapidly
over a five year period? What did George Washington
really look like? Is the man that graces our one dollar bill
a true representation of our first president? Get all these
questions answered by watching the show Death Masks.
- How the states got their shape
This show explores how each of our states were shaped and
how some of our states, including Idaho, orginally were to
look much different. Ever wonder why Ohio and Michigan
have such a football rivalry? War over water created the
shapes of these states and also the rivalry they share
til this day. Learn interesting facts about our states and
how they got their shapes by watching this informative
show.
What I did this week..
- Worked on my C.L.A.
- Worked on my Year Long Plan
- Worked on presentation
- Caught up on strategies
- Worked on my Year Long Plan
- Worked on presentation
- Caught up on strategies
Social Studies Literature
1. Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain
2. Home at Last
3. A Shelter in Our Car
2. Home at Last
3. A Shelter in Our Car
Followers
Summary: A Shelter in Our Car
Gunning, Monica. A Shelter in Our Car. San Francisco, California: Children's Book Press, 2004. Print
-Topic/Themes:
Cultural and Social Development
- Homelessness/Unemployment
- Bullying/Social Issues
- Immigration/Travel
Foundational Principals
- Enforcement of Rules
- Consequences
- Summary:
Zettie and her mother left Jamaica to move to the United States after the passing of Zettie's father. The story follows Zettie and her mother as Zettie is bullied at school and her mother tries to find work so that they will no longer have to sleep in their car. The book is fantastically illustrated bringing another level of emotion to the reader. Zettie struggles at school and with her feelings towards her situation. In the end, Zettie's mother finds word and Zettie realizes that everything will be okay and that all she ever really needed was the bond that her and her mother shared.
- Teaching Suggestions:
This book has been suggested for use in various classrooms from the second grade to the fourth grade. This book has many uses in regards to social issues and difficulties. The book deals with so many issues including: homelessness, unemployment, bullying, immigration, and economics. Since this book deals with the difficult subject of homelessness, this book could be offensive to some students while some students would not relate to the story at all. I have mixed feelings about this book because of its delicate subject matter. However, during my research I found out that the author worked with the Homeless Children's Network in San Francisco to write this authentic tale about homelessness in American cities. I found some great lesson ideas to ease students into this subject matter on http://www.readingtokids.org/. After doing some research and discovering some lesson plans I feel much more comfortable in using this book in the classroom.
-Topic/Themes:
Cultural and Social Development
- Homelessness/Unemployment
- Bullying/Social Issues
- Immigration/Travel
Foundational Principals
- Enforcement of Rules
- Consequences
- Summary:
Zettie and her mother left Jamaica to move to the United States after the passing of Zettie's father. The story follows Zettie and her mother as Zettie is bullied at school and her mother tries to find work so that they will no longer have to sleep in their car. The book is fantastically illustrated bringing another level of emotion to the reader. Zettie struggles at school and with her feelings towards her situation. In the end, Zettie's mother finds word and Zettie realizes that everything will be okay and that all she ever really needed was the bond that her and her mother shared.
- Teaching Suggestions:
This book has been suggested for use in various classrooms from the second grade to the fourth grade. This book has many uses in regards to social issues and difficulties. The book deals with so many issues including: homelessness, unemployment, bullying, immigration, and economics. Since this book deals with the difficult subject of homelessness, this book could be offensive to some students while some students would not relate to the story at all. I have mixed feelings about this book because of its delicate subject matter. However, during my research I found out that the author worked with the Homeless Children's Network in San Francisco to write this authentic tale about homelessness in American cities. I found some great lesson ideas to ease students into this subject matter on http://www.readingtokids.org/. After doing some research and discovering some lesson plans I feel much more comfortable in using this book in the classroom.
Summary: Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain
Aardema, Verna. Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1981. Print
-Topics/Themes:
Social and Cultural Development:
-Compare Different Cultures
Nature/Economic Issues
Science and Technology
- Summary:
This story, written in a rhythmic pattern, is about a young herdsman named Ki-pat. Ki-pat has watched the plains of Africa grow dry with drought causing his herd to starve. Ki-pat makes an arrow that shoots a dark cloud overhead, allowing the rain to fall. In the end of the story the plains of Africa are green again and Ki-pat's young son stands watch over the herd.
- Teaching Suggestions:
This book is recommended for grade four students and up. This book could be used in many different ways in the classroom. The book can be used to teach science and the water cycle, survival, geography, economics, culture, and folklore fiction. I am sure that students that have a farming backgraound would understand the implications of a drought and the need for grazing animals to have water and grass. However, some students may have a hard time understanding why the rain is so important to this small village. They may also not understand why Ki-pat has to watch over the herd and why the herd is so valuable to his family. My research about this book returned high reviews of the author as an acclaimed writer of American Folktales. I also found a nice website that has a vocabulary quiz and several lesson plans that relate to this specific book. There is also information on the website available for an author study. Http://www.webenglishteacher.com/aardema.html. Personally, I see many uses for this book in the classroom, particularly in the areas of culture, community, science and influences of the idividual's daily life as they relate directly to the standards.
-Topics/Themes:
Social and Cultural Development:
-Compare Different Cultures
Nature/Economic Issues
Science and Technology
- Summary:
This story, written in a rhythmic pattern, is about a young herdsman named Ki-pat. Ki-pat has watched the plains of Africa grow dry with drought causing his herd to starve. Ki-pat makes an arrow that shoots a dark cloud overhead, allowing the rain to fall. In the end of the story the plains of Africa are green again and Ki-pat's young son stands watch over the herd.
- Teaching Suggestions:
This book is recommended for grade four students and up. This book could be used in many different ways in the classroom. The book can be used to teach science and the water cycle, survival, geography, economics, culture, and folklore fiction. I am sure that students that have a farming backgraound would understand the implications of a drought and the need for grazing animals to have water and grass. However, some students may have a hard time understanding why the rain is so important to this small village. They may also not understand why Ki-pat has to watch over the herd and why the herd is so valuable to his family. My research about this book returned high reviews of the author as an acclaimed writer of American Folktales. I also found a nice website that has a vocabulary quiz and several lesson plans that relate to this specific book. There is also information on the website available for an author study. Http://www.webenglishteacher.com/aardema.html. Personally, I see many uses for this book in the classroom, particularly in the areas of culture, community, science and influences of the idividual's daily life as they relate directly to the standards.
Summary: Home at Last
Elya, Susan Middleton. Home at Last. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc., 2002. Print
-Topics/Themes:
Cultural and Social Development
-Social Issues/ Customs, Heritage, Language Barriers
Understanding of multiple perspectives
- Neighborhoods/Communities
- Traditions- Family Interactions
-Summary:
Ana and her family have moved from Mexico to the United States. Ana begins school and finds that adjusting to her new life is much easier that it has been for her mother. In the beginning Ana's mother is struggling with the families' new life and her ever noticeable language barriers. The book follows Ana and her family through their struggles to adapt to their new surroundings. In the end, Ana's mother begins to learn English and adjust to her new life in America.
-Teaching Suggestions:
According to www.Lexile.com, this book is suggested for ages six and up. It has been rated with a lexile of 560L, indicating that it is also slated for students in the third grade and up. This book can be used to teach a varitey of social studies topics. Some of these topics include: social issues, customs, heritage, and language barriers. This book would be very useful for ELL students. The book contains full phrases in English followed by the same phrase in Spanish. This book would be beneficial to students that are struggling or that are having difficulties with parents that are struggling. Many of the reviews that I found for this book were from independent readers. However informal, review after review rewarded the author and the book. If the book were to be used in the classroom there are supplemental materials that would help ELL students at WWW.susanelya.com/files/l_home_at_last. Other reviews that I found were from reading teachers and Libraian Associations; They all spoke in high regard to this book and its use for bilingual education in the classroom.
-Topics/Themes:
Cultural and Social Development
-Social Issues/ Customs, Heritage, Language Barriers
Understanding of multiple perspectives
- Neighborhoods/Communities
- Traditions- Family Interactions
-Summary:
Ana and her family have moved from Mexico to the United States. Ana begins school and finds that adjusting to her new life is much easier that it has been for her mother. In the beginning Ana's mother is struggling with the families' new life and her ever noticeable language barriers. The book follows Ana and her family through their struggles to adapt to their new surroundings. In the end, Ana's mother begins to learn English and adjust to her new life in America.
-Teaching Suggestions:
According to www.Lexile.com, this book is suggested for ages six and up. It has been rated with a lexile of 560L, indicating that it is also slated for students in the third grade and up. This book can be used to teach a varitey of social studies topics. Some of these topics include: social issues, customs, heritage, and language barriers. This book would be very useful for ELL students. The book contains full phrases in English followed by the same phrase in Spanish. This book would be beneficial to students that are struggling or that are having difficulties with parents that are struggling. Many of the reviews that I found for this book were from independent readers. However informal, review after review rewarded the author and the book. If the book were to be used in the classroom there are supplemental materials that would help ELL students at WWW.susanelya.com/files/l_home_at_last. Other reviews that I found were from reading teachers and Libraian Associations; They all spoke in high regard to this book and its use for bilingual education in the classroom.
CRAAP Assignment websites
American Indians and the Natural World- WWW.carnegiemnh.org/exhibitions/north-south-east-west/iroquois/index.html
VERSUS
Iroquois Indian Tribe History
WWW.accessgenealogy.com/native/tribes/iroquioi/iroquoishist.htm
VERSUS
Iroquois Indian Tribe History
WWW.accessgenealogy.com/native/tribes/iroquioi/iroquoishist.htm
CRAAP Assignment
Resource Quality Evaluation Worksheet
Title of the resource you are evaluating: Iroquois- Indian Tribe History
Currency: The timeliness of the information
Is the information (while perhaps historic) current or out-of-date? Has it been revised or updated?
For example, if an historical text refers to a minority group using what would be considered derogatory language, rate it not current.
Not Applicable Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current
0 1 2 3 4
Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Is the information at an appropriate level?
For example, an elementary textbook would not be at an appropriate level and therefore not relevant.
Not Applicable Not Relevant Somewhat Relevant Relevant Very Relevant
0 1 2 3 4
Authority: The source of the information
What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic?
For example, an anonymous author on Wikipedia has far less authority than a named author on a website sponsored by a university.
Not Applicable Not Authoritative Somewhat Authoritative Authoritative Very Authoritative
0 1 2 3 4
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.
Where does the information come from? Is the information supported by evidence? Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
For example, information found on About.com is somewhat accurate because it is not supported by evidence and it is unclear whether the information is reviewed.
Not Applicable Not Accurate Somewhat Accurate Accurate Very Accurate
0 1 2 3 4
Purpose: The reason the information was published
Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
For example, an anti-Semitic website has an inappropriate purpose that shares biased opinion with the goal of disseminating hate.
Not Applicable Inappropriate purpose Somewhat Appropriate Purpose Appropriate Purpose Very Appropriate Purpose
0 1 2 3 4
Title of the resource you are evaluating: Iroquois- Indian Tribe History
Currency: The timeliness of the information
Is the information (while perhaps historic) current or out-of-date? Has it been revised or updated?
For example, if an historical text refers to a minority group using what would be considered derogatory language, rate it not current.
Not Applicable Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current
0 1 2 3 4
Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Is the information at an appropriate level?
For example, an elementary textbook would not be at an appropriate level and therefore not relevant.
Not Applicable Not Relevant Somewhat Relevant Relevant Very Relevant
0 1 2 3 4
Authority: The source of the information
What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic?
For example, an anonymous author on Wikipedia has far less authority than a named author on a website sponsored by a university.
Not Applicable Not Authoritative Somewhat Authoritative Authoritative Very Authoritative
0 1 2 3 4
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.
Where does the information come from? Is the information supported by evidence? Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
For example, information found on About.com is somewhat accurate because it is not supported by evidence and it is unclear whether the information is reviewed.
Not Applicable Not Accurate Somewhat Accurate Accurate Very Accurate
0 1 2 3 4
Purpose: The reason the information was published
Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
For example, an anti-Semitic website has an inappropriate purpose that shares biased opinion with the goal of disseminating hate.
Not Applicable Inappropriate purpose Somewhat Appropriate Purpose Appropriate Purpose Very Appropriate Purpose
0 1 2 3 4
CRAAP Assignment
Resource Quality Evaluation Worksheet
Title of the resource you are evaluating: American Indians and the Natural World
Currency: The timeliness of the information
Is the information (while perhaps historic) current or out-of-date? Has it been revised or updated?
For example, if an historical text refers to a minority group using what would be considered derogatory language, rate it not current.
N/A Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current 0 1 2 3 4
Relevance:
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Is the information at an appropriate level?
For example, an elementary textbook would not be at an appropriate level and therefore not relevant.
N/A Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current
0 1 2 3 4
Authority: The source of the information
What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic?
For example, an anonymous author on Wikipedia has far less authority than a named author on a website sponsored by a university.
N/A Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current
0 1 2 3 4
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.
Where does the information come from? Is the information supported by evidence? Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
For example, information found on About.com is somewhat accurate because it is not supported by evidence and it is unclear whether the information is reviewed.
N/A Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current
0 1 2 3 4
Purpose: The reason the information was published
Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
For example, an anti-Semitic website has an inappropriate purpose that shares biased opinion with the goal of disseminating hate.
N/A Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current
0 1 2 3 4
Title of the resource you are evaluating: American Indians and the Natural World
Currency: The timeliness of the information
Is the information (while perhaps historic) current or out-of-date? Has it been revised or updated?
For example, if an historical text refers to a minority group using what would be considered derogatory language, rate it not current.
N/A Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current 0 1 2 3 4
Relevance:
Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question? Is the information at an appropriate level?
For example, an elementary textbook would not be at an appropriate level and therefore not relevant.
N/A Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current
0 1 2 3 4
Authority: The source of the information
What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic?
For example, an anonymous author on Wikipedia has far less authority than a named author on a website sponsored by a university.
N/A Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current
0 1 2 3 4
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.
Where does the information come from? Is the information supported by evidence? Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
For example, information found on About.com is somewhat accurate because it is not supported by evidence and it is unclear whether the information is reviewed.
N/A Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current
0 1 2 3 4
Purpose: The reason the information was published
Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda? Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
For example, an anti-Semitic website has an inappropriate purpose that shares biased opinion with the goal of disseminating hate.
N/A Not Current Somewhat Current Current Very Current
0 1 2 3 4
Useful Social Studies Websites
Fun With Classmates Sites...
1. Sara Gonzalez- I really liked the way that Sara organized her page. It was really easy to navigate between her pages and I could easily return to her home page by clicking her home tab. The format of my blog is set up to be on one everlasting page so I really like the organization of this blog.
2. Neva Gambill- "The Soap Box." Um... yeah. I wanted to divert my eyes yet I wanted to keep reading. I HAD to know what was about to come next and just when I thought I might have it figured out... Whammy! Wait.. What? I will let you read for yourselves. I couldn't stop....
3. Kara Steik- "A sprinkle of inspiration" made me smile. This combined with her soothing colors made me feel all euphoric and mushy inside. I enjoyed that she put in a bit about her views on the year long plan process. Was nice to know I was not alone.
4.
2. Neva Gambill- "The Soap Box." Um... yeah. I wanted to divert my eyes yet I wanted to keep reading. I HAD to know what was about to come next and just when I thought I might have it figured out... Whammy! Wait.. What? I will let you read for yourselves. I couldn't stop....
3. Kara Steik- "A sprinkle of inspiration" made me smile. This combined with her soothing colors made me feel all euphoric and mushy inside. I enjoyed that she put in a bit about her views on the year long plan process. Was nice to know I was not alone.
4.
Textbook Sexism
To come...