It’s no secret that social studies can often be a bore for children. The material can often feel like a giant list of dates and facts that fail to engage the child and make them feel like the subject is relevant to them or that it’s something that is actually worth engaging with. Fortunately, parents can take steps to make sure their child develops a true love of social studies. By approaching this subject from a variety of viewpoints, engaging their children in the material, and using technology and other methods we can make sure our children become passionate about their studies.
Refer to Society and Culture to Herald Relevance
One major benefit to studying social studies is developing a sense of understanding of the world around us– that is, society and culture. This understanding can come from researching various subjects such as arts, literature, government, economics, and more. These diverse realms of knowledge provide a lens into modern cultures and can help our children understand the stories of their families, communities, and countries. Emphasizing the relevance of such subjects, and helping your children understand their importance to our world can help encourage real interest in their studies.
“Children should and do learn early on that the world around them has been shaped and is being shaped by people, ranging from Members of Parliament to their own parents.”
– Paula R. Goodwin, Ph.D., Educational Theorist
This can be applied to learning about historical events or processes that occur in our own country or those that take place elsewhere in the world. It can even be applied to the study of history or sociology. Children should learn that their world has been and continues to be shaped by the same types of events, people, and circumstances that they encounter in their everyday lives, and understanding this can help them relate more easily to the material.
Utilize Technology As a Tool of Engagement
One powerful way to engage children in social studies is through technology. From understanding the night sky to exploring the ocean’s depths, technology can help children develop a better understanding of the world around them. Immersive learning can ensure that your child is engaged in their studies, particularly when studying historical events or mastering the art of communication. The use of video, virtual reality, and online gaming can all be used to facilitate learning while keeping children entertained and engaged.
“Bringing books to life with virtual reality allows students the opportunity to have an immersive experience in learning.”
– Michael Johnson, Cofounder of Wonda VR Education
Children also respond well to visual elements, as they give them the opportunity to interact with their studies. From role playing simulations to interactive maps and charts, these visual elements can make complex topics more engaging and easier to grasp. The use of technology should be seen as an aid and not a shortcut for real understanding, ensuring that students are truly engaging with their material and not simply coasting by.
Validate Their Interests With Field Trips
Field trips are a great way to get children excited about their studies. Visiting a historical site, museum, or even a foreign country can help children understand the material in an entirely new way. Taking a trip to a museum or an event related to the social studies material can help bring the subject to life, allowing children to think critically about the information presented. It can also be a great way to introduce children to folks from diverse backgrounds, giving them exposure to different cultures, environments, and life experiences.
“We learn best by doing. Field trips are an invaluable way of reincorporating subject matter within a living experience.”
– Lynn Jacobson, Montessori Teacher
A field trip can also help children engage with the material by putting them in a situation where the material is truly tangible. This can in turn make it easier for children to remember the information, strengthening their understanding of the material and making them more likely to be engaged with it in the future.
Conclusion
Social studies is a key subject for children to learn as it develops their understanding of our world– from society and culture to geography. By emphasizing the relevance of such studies, using technology to help children engage with the material, and exposing them to our world through field trips, we can ensure that our children develop a real passion for social studies.
Sources:
- Goodwin, P.R. (2019, April 7). Relevance of Social Studies. Edutopia.
- Johnson, M. (2017, June 20). How Virtual Reality Projects Can Help Students Learn. Edutopia.
- Jacobson, L. (2017, February 17). The Benefits of Field Trips in Education. Montessori Moments.