Looking back at everything that I have taught, I would have to say I enjoyed teaching (and learning) about PA History to my fourth graders the most. Even though our daily schedules were so tight, I found a way to squeeze in time for History class. The pressure for high PSSA scores is evident in every school district, that History and Social Studies is put on the back burner. This article helps address this and introduces some strategies to help "mesh content-rich curriculum with good literacy practices,"...history lessons become more meaningful and not memorized data for the test.
I believe that the passion a teacher shows for what they are teaching will pass onto the students and increase their students desire to learn. History is such an amazing subject. Every child loves to be read to or listen to stories. I know I have read my share of bedtime stories to my own daughters.
The more children are involved in the learning process the more they will process. Using a variety of resources including various texts, maps, trade books, letters, photographs, and artifacts that the children can physically interact with enhances the experience.
Too often Social Studies is a name given to the time spent on holiday crafts. I am looking forward to this class and learning about more creative ways to incorporate history into the class room! Linking the past to the present is exciting for children and adults!
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