Methods of Teaching Social Studies Finale





Throughout the semester I have had the privilege to be apart of a great class known as the Methods of Teaching Social Studies to Elementary Students.  During this class I learned a variety of new teaching methods, met some interesting people, and expanded my knowledge of teaching techniques to include some new general education tips, but focused mostly on the teachings of social studies.




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At the start of class we were thrown right into fieldwork at Bishop Dunn Memorial School in Newburgh New York where we were all treated to teaching eight wonderful 5th-7th graders about different environmental problems facing the world today.  During the experience children had a great time doing the many activities we had planned for them, and helped us all become better teachers because of it.  While the process was stressful at times, it was also rewarding to look back on, as I was able to plan out an entire unit of lessons for these students do, which will surely come in handy down the road.  Overall I felt that the students learned a great deal of the environmental problems our world currently faces, and they are better prepared to deal with them, as the next generation of thinkers.
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The second half of the semester had us learning different methods and ways to teach social studies to elementary students.  These methods, such as the jigsaw method were complicated at first, however once fully explained and demonstrated to the class, they not only seemed useful, but were a fun, and different take on teaching history.

My final thought on the class as a whole, is that this class opened my eyes.  It opened my eyes to the fact that teaching social studies doesn't have to be boring, and predictable like it was when I went to school.  Teaching social studies can be rewarding for both the teacher and the students, with multiple activities and tasks that can help engage students further into the lesson or concept you are trying to convey.  Finally, this class opened my eyes to the fact that I feel more ready than every to begin my journey as a teacher.  Armed with determination and a swath of teaching methods in all subject areas, I feel more ready than ever to start teaching students, and building a community of learners that will go out to change the world within the walls of my classroom.  


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