Effective Teaching in Elementary Social Studies

Myths help shape our perceptions of reality. Were some of these assumptions among those you grew up with? The United States may be involved in conflicts elsewhere, but it is unlikely that harm will come to people living within our own borders. Advances in communication technologies always act to promote mutual understanding and to reduce tensions among the world's peoples. Perspectives of other peoples and cultures, although interesting, are primarily important for scholars, for government officials, and for business people involved in foreign trade. Attempts to harm the United States, if they occur at all, will be sponsored by governments, not by isolated groups of individuals with no easily identifiable territorial home. People in other parts of the world greatly admire the United States, its people, and its institutions. Until the terrible events of September 11, 2001, many Americans identified with at least some of these views. On that day, terrorists' work buried forever any remaining illusion that vast bodies of water shelter Americans from the horrors of violence and war. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon prompted all of us to ask: Who are these people? Why did they do this? Why do they hate us? What can be done? Citizens will debate these questions for years to come. As you prepare for teaching elementary social studies, new realities underscore the importance of helping young people in your classes develop a broad concept of effective citizenship. The oceans that once insulated us from foreign violence and war today are easily bridged. Actions and attitudes of peoples in faraway lands can affect lives of Americans as never before in our history. Preparing young people for citizenship today demands instructional programs that promote understanding of the world's diverse cultures and peoples, as well as an understanding of our own society and institutions. Much of the writing of this new edition ofEffective Teaching in Elementary Social Studiesoccurred in the aftermath of the events of 9/11. The events of that day highlight the pivotal importance of the social studies in the school curriculum. This component of the elementary curriculum has the potential to promote development of a rich array of important learning outcomes. Among other things, contributions from the social studies can help your students: Develop sophisticated thinking skills that will assist them in understanding the world around them and their roles as citizens in an increasingly interdependent and diverse world, Approach challenging problems from multiple perspectives, Master basic principles that can be applied to situations going well beyond the context in which they are learned, and Develop the moral and ethical character to stand firm in the face of injustice. It is because of our strong belief in the importance of the social studies that we have prepared the fifth edition ofEffective Teaching in Elementary Social Studies.We believe helping teachers and prospective teachers improve their teaching of social studies is an important part of our personal commitment to improving the world. We believe that children, when provided with quality instruction, can and will develop into responsible citizens. We also understand that you will face challenges in helping students work with social studies content. NEW TO THIS EDITION The social studies introduce learners to complex and often controversial subject matter. You will need to have a sound grasp of sophisticated content and a clear understanding of important learning principles. You will also need to know how to accommodate students from highly diverse backgrounds, and you must become skilled in a variety of teaching approaches. Content provided in this text will help you gain the expertise you need to discharge these multiple responsibilitSavage, Thomas V. is the author of 'Effective Teaching in Elementary Social Studies', published 2003 under ISBN 9780130497017 and ISBN 0130497010.