Embedded Files
The breadth that the social science standards cover can make an educator feel like they need to rush through the material, sacrificing critical-thinking, collaborative, and literacy skills and deep conceptual understandings to the altar of content coverage. I want to take a more intentional approach that puts critical-thinking front and center. Click on the arrow to read more of my thoughts on the importance of critical thinking in social studies classrooms.
The breadth that the social science standards cover can make an educator feel like they need to rush through the material, sacrificing critical-thinking, collaborative, and literacy skills and deep conceptual understandings to the altar of content coverage. I want to take a more intentional approach that puts critical-thinking front and center. Click on the arrow to read more of my thoughts on the importance of critical thinking in social studies classrooms.
I am invigorated by the College, Career, and Civic (C3) Framework for social studies education. This framework encourages educators to foster the critical-thinking, problem-solving and participatory skills of students to become critically-engaged global citizens. To promote critical-thinking skills in the social studies classroom I will place student- inquiry at the heart of my curriculum. Take a moment to explore some of the lessons I have designed where critical-thinking is fundamental.
Lessons that promote critical-thinking
Lessons that promote critical-thinking
See below for some of the ways I put critical-thinking at the center of my lessons as a student teacher
Integrating Critical Thinking in 6th Grade Ancient World Civilizations
Integrating Critical Thinking in 6th Grade Ancient World Civilizations
In this lesson students, sixth graders used critical thinking skills to think about how the geography of ancient Mesopotamia influenced human settlements there. Through the use of Peardeck interactive slides students developed a deeper understanding of how environmental conditions influence human societies. In a subsequent lesson, students participated in an online simulation where they considered how the position of a city-state along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers would influence access to resources and create potential conflicts with neighboring city-states. Each student was assigned a city-state. Students playfully interacted with fellow students while deepening their understanding. And they had fun while they did it! Examples of student work is on the left.
Integrating Critical Thinking in 8th Grade American History
Integrating Critical Thinking in 8th Grade American History
8th graders American History students practiced their claim-based writing skills through learning about the contemporary debate around Christopher Columbus. Students analyzed artwork, primary sources, youth panels, and popular culture to understand the different historical narratives about Columbus.. After analyzing sources, students answered the focus question: How should Columbus be remembered today? They learned claim-based writing and developed historiographical skills.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse