Social Studies
	My Philosophy of Social Studies Education
	Social studies education is essential in all classrooms.  Not only do students learn about the past, present, and future, they learn how to develop relationships that will enable them to be successful and effective members of society.  Through the teaching of social studies, students can better understand real-life experiences in the community and the world. I believe students should be given an opportunity to discover things for themselves; hands-on activities are essential in the active social studies classroom.  By providing such resources as newspapers, magazines, and live news reports, students can and will learn the social studies content.  Furthermore, field trips, projects, and exposure to historical artifacts can provide an inquisitive and explorative atmosphere for learning.  Whole group, discovery and inquiry based education can all be effective strategies in teaching social studies.  Various curricular areas can be integrated during social studies instruction.  Children’s literature, technology along with mathematics and other curricular areas can be integrated into a social studies lesson.   I believe children love to learn and become excited about learning when challenged; an environment of debate and free expression is a perfect setting for acquiring long lasting, lifetime social knowledge.  I believe all children have the right to study, learn, and to gain a quality education. Students should be ensured a positive intellectual environment in which to grow and feel generally successful.  Effective teachers who keep the social studies curriculum fresh and exciting will see interested and excited students who will have a desire to learn the events happening daily around them.  Educators have the responsibility to emphasize academic achievement and expect all children to achieve.  It is the responsibility of the teacher to provide activities to the students, which increase the likelihood of student success. Effective teachers are positive role models that exemplify life long learning.