Philosophy Statement

     I believe that social studies is an important factor ineducating children, who hold our future in their hands. Teachers use social studies to prepare students for real life situations that they will encounter throughout their lives.
     I believe that all students can learn and that it is the responsibility of schools and teachers to find the most effective way to reach each child successfully.  Teachers need to use a variety of approaches to social studies curriculum such as direct teaching, discovery lessons, and inquiry lesson plan strategies to integrate interesting material into social studies curriculum so that it is appealing and worthwhile for students.
      I believe teachers need to find ways to involve students with their social studies work to capture the interest and desires of the students.   Teachers should use technology and research to spice up social studies for students.  Field trips to related sites can grab the interest of students and give  them the taste for information about topics and  places.  Other materials that should be used include movies, magazine articles, books, and computer software.  Hands on activities are great ways to get students involved in the classroom. I think this is a good and effective way to get students interested in social studies curriculum. They seem to learn more as active participants rather than just sitting and listening to the teacher go over new material.
     I believe social studies can and should be used to teach children to be respectful members of society.  Social studies should show students appropriate ways to be successful members of society by teaching them the necessary skills to function properly.  Social studies is a major stepping stone in the development process that takes place among children as they grow into adulthood and are expected to be responsible, respectful, successful, and acceptable members of our society.