7-Create developmentally appropriate social studies activities

Social studies is the study of human beings in their environments and the concepts,
skills, and attitudes that are needed in order to become social beings. I learned from
Chapter 22 of Creative activities for young children social studies in preschool
must concentrate on experiences of the childs immediate environment. Social
studies is taught in the curriculum and activities by temporal awareness, spatial
knowledge, and number sense. Both the content and the process of social studies
can be integrated into activities. When we are making activity plans for social
studies, it has to be anti-bias and culturally sensitive. Social studies helps children
understand the complex world in which they live. Children develop mentally at
different levels. The activities must be appropriate for the developmental levels
each child is at. This is accomplished by observations and documentation. I learned
from Chapter 22 of Creative activities for young children that the development of
a childs self-concept is an important beginning point in social studies. Children
learn an appreciation of diverse cultures through every day activities. When we plan
our curriculum and activity plans teachers need to teach:
1) A deep belief in the worth of every child
2) An accepting attitude towards each child as an individual
3) An unqualified support for each childs development of emotional, social,
physical, cognitive, language, and creative skills on a daily basis.
The strongest foundation for a child is a tuned in presence of a trusted adult. I
learned from science goals that children who are with a trusted adult are better able
to explore their environment, make new relationships with others, and take pleasure
in the world. When children are secure in their environments it will enhance their
grown and development. When we incorporate social studies activities into our
curriculum, we need to set up learning centers that are effective and motivating.
Children will become interested in activities that are readily available. In order for
social studies to be meaningful, early childhood educators need to base the
activities on the childs world. Our personal approach to change has a direct effect
on our relationship with young children. Storytelling introduces young children to
the ideas of continuity and change, and similar and differences. The block center is
an excellent place to learn about community and neighborhoods. Field trips are first
hand experiences in social studies. Field trips in the community helps children
clarify information and enhance and extend childrens experiences. Dance and art
can teach social studies. Teachers encourage children to consider direct and indirect
connections among assumptions, beliefs, and values of a culture. When we
incorporate Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards into our social studies
activities, we are promoting a positive, respectful classroom community. I learned in
WMELS that children learn through plan and the active exploration of their

environments. The Wisconsin Models Early Learning Standards provide the

framework of developmentally appropriate expectations for young children that can
guide the creation, evaluation, and improvement of conditions necessary for
childrens optimal development and create a common language. WMELS
performance standards of planning and curriculum goals is incorporated into every
lesson plan for young children.