4 Reasons Why Social Studies Should be a Priority in the Classroom

Kirsten 0:00

This is the social studies teacher podcast a show for busy elementary teachers looking for fun and engaging ways to easily add social studies into their classroom schedule without feeling overwhelmed or pressed for time. I'm curious to know if you southern teach an educator and mom who is passionate about all things social studies, I love sharing ideas and strategies that are low prep and easy to implement. So let's dive in together.

Welcome to another episode of the social studies teacher Podcast. Today we're going to be talking all about why social studies should be a priority in the classroom. Social Studies is more than just memorizing facts and dates. I'm going to be sharing with you four reasons why it should be a priority in your classroom, and how it can benefit your students. As we know social studies is often overshadowed by other subjects. But it's still important for students to have a foundation in this subject. So let's dive deeper into why teaching social studies should be a priority for teachers and students alike.

Number one, studies have shown that increased instructional time in social studies is associated with improved reading ability. I have researched this on my own and have found this. And I also know that the RAND analysis that I described in episode one mentioned this as well. So it's definitely something that is true. This is because Social Studies instruction creates opportunities for students to read and analyze challenging texts and primary sources, which would be a task that wouldn't really be emphasized in other subjects by prioritizing Social Studies instruction. In this way, you can help your students become stronger readers, which will not only help them succeed in other subject areas, but also in the future.

The third reason is that it helps students understand and appreciate diversity. Social Studies, education helps students understand and appreciate diversity in all its forms. By learning about different cultures and religions and perspectives. Students can develop empathy and respect for others. They also learn how to recognize and challenge stereotypes and biases, which is important for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. In today's world, these skills are more important than ever before. And I know it might be tricky with what to talk about what not to talk about. And this is all dependent on the state you live in, and the admin you have, but just try to see ways to find that common ground and just teaching students about how we all might have different beliefs and values, or traditions, customs, we all have common things, one of which is that we are all human.

And then the fourth reason is that social studies promotes civic engagement and active citizenship, thinking about ways to be a part of the community, electing officials, writing letters to local and state leaders, and just actively being a part of the community in a positive way. Social Studies Education goes beyond teaching students about history and geography what like we're normally told about, it also teaches them about their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and how they can actively participate in their communities and society as a whole. By learning about government structures and political processes and social issues, students are better equipped to engage in informed and meaningful civic action as early as upper elementary all throughout their adulthood. This not only it benefits the individual student, but it also contributes to a more engaged in active society in our future.

So let me just recap those four reasons why social studies should be a priority. It shows improved reading ability, it helps students develop critical thinking skills. It helps students understand and appreciate diversity, and it promotes civic engagement and active citizenship. I know that finding the time to teach social studies can be difficult in upper elementary, because of other heavily emphasized subjects like math and reading. But social studies skills can be integrated into your daily routines and activities, or through very short, focused lessons. Social Studies is such an important subject that should not be overlooked and pushed to the side, it can have some significant impact on a child's academic and personal growth, and will prepare them to be well rounded and engaged citizens. I'm hoping this episode helps you reevaluate or strengthen your case in making social studies a priority and see if you can think of small, tiny ways to make it happen.

If you're looking for extra support, I have a free resource that I think you'll love. These are guided notes that are a sample from my upcoming Social Studies membership, you can go to the southern teach.com forward slash social studies and grab five free guided note activities. There's one for each domain, you're going to see a topic for geography, history, culture and society, government and civics and economics. So it can be really great to take a look at and see what you can utilize in the school year. Again, that's at the Southern teach.com forward slash social studies.

All right, well, that's the end of this episode. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week, and I'll talk to you again soon. Thanks for listening to the social studies teacher podcast. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, hit that subscribe button and leave a review. I would love to hear your thoughts. You can also find me on Instagram at the southern teach. I can't wait for you to join me in the next episode for more teacher tips and strategies.