Social Studies skills are necessary for the development of social inquiry and rational decision making. The social studies skills include:

• Reading and vocabulary development
• Using research to gather, synthesize, and report
• Analyzing, interpreting, creating, and using resources
• Applying decision making and problem solving techniques
• Incorporating technology

Social Studies should be integrated in the context of:

• Writing
• Reading
• Math
• Science
• Technology
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Physical Education
• Second Languages
• Family and Consumer Sciences

The following tips will help parents support their child(ren) during their elementary years:

Ask questions about your child’s social skills; how he/she gets along with others.
Be prepared to factually and honestly explain current events when questioned.
Congratulate your child when he/she demonstrates good character traits.
Discuss “work” and responsibility, including various jobs and professions.
Enhance your child’s socialization and citizenship skills by teaching acceptable behavior at
xxhome, school, and in the community.
Find out about various cultural events in the community for the family to attend.
Give your child age appropriate responsibilities at home.
Help your child learn all that is possible about geography, history, economics, and citizenship.
Include your child in making family decisions.
Join a library with your child.
Keep in touch with the teacher and class events.
Learn that “Play” is a way students develop social skills.
Model good citizenship for your child.
Never make a stereotypical or prejudiced statement in front of your child.
On trips, provide notebooks and pencils for your child to draw or write about places, events, x
xxor people he/she saw or visited.
Provide newspapers, magazines, a dictionary, and other social studies research materials.
Question the activities in which your child is involved.
Respect your child’s right to have an opinion.
Stay informed on current events.
Teach your child the importance of being a good citizen by discussing issues and ways to solve
xx problems in the community.
Urge your child to become an active participant in community affairs and groups.
Visit museums, historic landmarks, and other interesting places in the community with your
xx child.
Work with your child to set up rules and expectations at home.
Xerox and save family records and other historical documents.
Yield results by encouraging your child to do well at home, school, and the community.
Zip through these tips frequently!!