Book Talks In The Classroom

The students in the classroom enjoy activities and learning that doesn't fit the norm of teaching.  Book talks are a great way to incorporate these things into the classroom and still allow for a multitude of learning.  Students can do these book talks and the teacher can do them as well but the important part of these is to pick books that relate to the subject or topic being taught in the classroom.  These allow for creativity and a chance to excite fellow students about reading and about the topic.  Book talks are an important part of a social studies classroom and even any other subject as well.

Being Cultural in the Classroom

Learning about Everest and more importantly, the culture of the Sherpas who lead tourists up the mountain, is a great way to excite students about other countries cultures.  This experience keeps the attention that is needed in some classrooms and pushes the envelope on students that go out and learn for themselves.  This type of learning can be used in the classroom with many other wonders of the world and the cultures that inhabit those areas allowing for a culturally rich, world interested classroom. Now who doesn't think Social Studies is awesome?!

Geography Intelligence!

It is hard to swallow watching a two year old blow through a world map like she was reading her ABC's.  Also, it is equally hard to think about how little we know of our own country, let alone, the world.  I feel this is a missed opportunity in the classroom and at home, so it was also reassuring to watch that little girl demonstrate her knowledge.  I know that she is probably gifted in some way but also by starting her out so young allows the child to be exposed to more information, giving her a leg up.  Just something to think about for our future!

Geo Caching

Geo Caching is probably one of the coolest things for people who like to hunt treasure.  I know when I was younger, well even now, I have always wanted to locate hidden things or hunt for a lost treasure and now with Geo Caching everyone can.  All you need is a GPS and the internet, oh and to make it perfect for the classroom, an eager and willing classroom of students ready for a fun day of Social Studies.  This is the perfect way to incorporate coordinates, lines of latitude and longitude, and learning how maps work while also finding a hidden object the students can have fun locating.  This will definitely be incorporated into my future classroom.

Active Social Studies in the Classroom

The classroom is full of active children and the best way to help active children learn is by having them act!  The Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre are great plays to have students engage in learning and also have a little fun.  Students have enough dry reading in the classroom so I think this would be a great way to allow the students some creativity while learning.  I can't wait to incorporate this type of learning into my classroom!