CHAPTER 22

Creative Social Studies

Objectives

describe some of the first things a young child learns about herself in a social sense

discuss how to use appropriate activities including a child’s name, voice, and personal appearance

discuss ways to include information on community workers in social studies learning experiences

describe some points to remember in planning field trips for young children

Social Studies and Young Children

learning to be part of a social group is not something that is natural or inborn in human beings

social studies is the study of human beings in their environment and of the concepts, skills, and attitudes that are needed in order to become social beings

Importance of Social Studies

help the child understand the complex world in which he/she lives

enables him/her to be productive and happy within society’s framework

social studies are designed to develop intelligent, responsible, self-directing individuals who can function as members of a group

Social Characteristics-Preschool and Kindergarten

friendships usually limited to one or two “best friends”

play groups are not too well organized and tend to change often

quarrels are frequentemotional development-vivid imagination,

jealousy, fantasy, language development

Learning about One’s World

child’s universe begins with himselfextends to his family, and then to the larger

communityinvolves learning such things like one’s name,

ethnic background, family grouping, and occupations in one’s family

People in the Community

good place to begin a discussion about understanding others in the child’s world then is to learn about people in the child’s most immediate environment school and community

Community Workers

talk to the people that naturally come in contact with the children.

Golden Rule Preschool: PastorUSD Preschool: other teachers/food service

workersCCCCCC: food service workersFamily Child Care: husband All centers: parents of the other children

Excursions into the Community

a way to gain new information and clarify other information

can enhance and extend children’s experiences

a visit to the store with a teacher and classmates is very different from the same trip with mom

Excursions into the Community

any planned excursion should be either an outgrowth of children’s experiences or meet a specific need

REASON why you are going????? Don’t go to just go!!!!

Virtual Field Trips (Computer/Video versus In person trips)

Benefits: Drawbacks:

Planning for Trips

purpose of a trip is to provide children with firsthand experience

child should not only be able to see, hear, and smell, but be able to touch and taste as well

know your children well enough to anticipate any potential disruptive behavior (in other words don’t do until you know the children!)

More about Planning Trips

keep it simplediscuss, read about, and organize play

around the places to be visited in advanceencourage close observations while on the

outinggive small amounts of information if children

are interestedprovide time, materials, and enthusiasm for

follow-up plans and projects

Preview, Do and Review

Concept presented last semester in HE 152 Preview what the children are going to do,

make sure they are prepared for the tripDO it Review what they did, saw, create something

to remember what they did

Celebrations

birthdays are special events for the childparents are invited to attend parties at many

schoolsif parents are not able to attend, this should

not be allowed to detract from the celebration

KDHE Permission Slip

CCL.035 Kansas Department of Health and Environment Rev. 9/2003 Bureau of Child Care and Health Facilities 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 200 Topeka, KS 66612-1274 Phone (785) 296-1270 Fax (785) 296-0803 Website: www.kdhe.state.ks.us/kidsnet/ PARENTAL PERMISSION FORM FOR OFF-PREMISE TRIPS GROUP OF CHILDREN TO ONE LOCATION Name of the facility exactly as stated on the license or certificate License/Certificate # Street Address of the Facility City Zip Code + 4 County Children or Youth listed below may go on an off-premise trip to:________________________________ Located at:__________________________________________________________________________ Street City County on __________________________. (MM/DD/YYYY) Time of Departure: _ _________________________Estimated Time of Return:_____________________ Children or Youth will be traveling by: _______ Car _______ Walking Children or Youth will be supervised at all times by the following staff: Staff Name_________________________________ Staff Name ____________________________ First Last First Last Staff Name _________________________________ Staff Name ____________________________ First Last First Last FIRST AND LAST NAME OF CHILD OR YOUTH

Personal Celebrations

when a teacher observes that a child, through his or her glee or sadness, is moved by a situation, the experience is worth emphasizing with a personal celebration

child ties his own shoes for the first time“Great! You did it!” remember praise needs

to be personal, specific and meaningful for the child.