Teaching Elementary Social Studies through the MA Frameworks

Catalog description

This course introduces prospective teachers to social studies education in elementary and early childhood classrooms and the basic methods and materials for teaching the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values of the social studies. Students investigate the rationale and purposes for social studies and create personal philosophies related to the teaching of social studies. Students also become familiar with the MA History and Social Science Frameworks, demonstrate their understanding of various teaching methods and strategies for early childhood and elementary classrooms, and incorporate “best practice” into their teaching of the content found in the MA Curriculum Frameworks. Emphasis is placed on integrating social studies with the language arts, supporting young students in developing multiple perspectives, and meeting the needs of a variety of learning/language styles and abilities.