Social studies that are taught in elementary schools involve making young children understand their family and community well. Social studies are the source of knowledge and understanding to the youngsters in the elementary schools (Parker, 2003).
Children who are equipped with this knowledge understand the past well, to handle the present, and plan for their future. The most important aspect when teaching social studies is to be persistence to these youngsters. This aspect would help the teacher, as these are children who are brought up in different backgrounds with different characters.
The knowledge gained in social studies gives these young children some courage to participate productively in their world (Parker, 2003). The relationship of these children with other people within the community is improved through social studies.
Through learning social studies in school, children are equipped with techniques of solving their simple problems and making wise decisions whenever their guardian or parents are away. The aspect of becoming responsible citizens is developed in the early stages of childhood through social studies.
These young children live in families, and they have their friends with whom they play. All these activities need some decisions to be made by these young children. For instance, every child has a responsibility to make concrete decisions concerning how to relate with other people, what activities to be involved with during their free times, what book to read and, at what time (Parker, 2003).
For one to be assured that a child is capable of making all those decisions, its advisable to involve them in social studies in their early childhood education. Young children require the knowledge of social studies to better their lives right from their homes, to their peer groups, in social life with the outside community, and in the world as they grow.
Its important for a social studies teacher to realize that children come from different cultural and social economic backgrounds and all should be taken into account. Every child should be given an opportunity to express himself or her as they have different views.
The most important reason of teaching social studies in the elementary school is because this is the place where the foundation of these young children is developed. Their entire social life both inside and outside their locality is based on this stage. Basic skills of how to read and write as well as performing some calculations are necessary to enable them handle difficult economic, social, and political challenges in the future.
Social studies help young children to understand how the present is arrived at through learning some historical events (Parker, 2003). Children should be given an opportunity to understand the environment surrounding them and the factors that cause changes to the environment.
Through social studies children get a chance to understand the roles of various institutions found in the society and where they can seek assistance whenever there is need. Social studies given to the young children should emphasis on the communication skills, as this would help them greatly in their future.
Throughout their lives, they will be required to speak and write especially whenever they are required to express themselves well (Parker, 2003). Communication skills would also be necessary in collecting, categorizing, and presenting the data in an understandable way.
As a teacher for social studies in the elementary school, I would ensure that all the pupils participate in the practical part of the study. The pupils should be allowed to discuss and reason critically on the issues learned. The virtues learned by these children in the social studies should be put in practice through group discussions among them.
Reference
Parker, C. W. (2003). Social Studies in Elementary Education. Merrill, Ohio. Web.