What does social studies look like in the elementary school classroom?
Understanding of complicated concepts like culture, environment and society develop gradually over time; students learn more each time they encounter these concepts and reflect on the meaning and significance of what they’ve studied (Levstik and Barton 2001, p. 11). Beginning as early as preschool, Rahima Wade finds that children learn through social interaction and direct sensory involvement with the environment (2002, p. 120). The teaching of only facts reduces their intellectual abilities and denies students the expressive potential inherent in their humanity (Liss 2003, p. 248). Downey and Levstik conclude that social studies instruction should begin in the early years and focus on in-depth sustained study of significant material, rather than shallow coverage, making use of age-appropriate learning strategies (1991; Hoge 1994). Developmentally- appropriate practice for young students includes real and relevant experiences in which they can initiate their own learning, construct kno
