Social Studies Strategies

Advance Organizers

Advance Organizers is a learning strategy that calls for brief previews of content concepts before a lesson to provide learners with a connection before the lesson is taught. This is especially effective in the Social Studies classroom because key figures and events can be previewed before going deeper into the content, providing a framework to scaffold information.

Steps:

1. Identify main concepts in lesson

2. Connect prior knowledge

3. Present advance organizer to students

4. Teach new information

5. Assess student comprehension

SS.912.A.6.1

Examine causes, course, and consequences of World War II on the United States and the world.

ELD.K12.ELL.SS.1

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Social Studies.

GIST

GIST is a strategy that supports comprehension of information text. GIST stands for generating interaction between schemata and text. The students read individually, then collaborate to write a sentence that defines the main idea of the reading. In Social Studies, source materials are often used, and the vocabulary and sentence structure is often more advanced than student reading level. By identifying main points, students can comprehend difficult texts that provide insight for historical events.

Steps:

1. Identify text

2. Group students

3. Demonstrate the strategy

4. Discuss summary sentences

5. Read and summarize paragraphs

6. Compare summary sentences between groups

7. Assess comprehension

SS.912.A.2.1

Review causes and consequences of the Civil War.

ELD.K12.ELL.SS.1

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Social Studies.

Culture Studies

Culture Studies is a strategy that asks students to research and share information about their own cultural history. This is a great tool for Social Studies as students get to practice research techniques while also generating cultural awareness in the classroom. Understanding the culture of peers can allow students to get their minds around how diverse and big the world truly is.

Steps:

1. Decide on project 

2. Set goals and parameters

3. Make expectations clear

4. Assess student growth and progress

5. Add technology

6. Assess progress and comprehension

SS.912.A.2.7

Review the Native American experience.

ELD.K12.ELL.SS.1

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Social Studies.

Multimedia Presentations

Multimedia Presentations is a strategy that involves the use of audio and visual aids to enhance student learning. Assignments using this strategy can be fun and engaging for students, along with allowing them to be creative with their presentation of facts. Social Studies is a perfect subject for these types of presentations, and can foster comprehension at a deeper level for students who both present and view the presentations of others.

Steps:

1. Model media use

2. Introduce media slowly

3. Allow time for practice

4. Create assignment

5. Celebrate success

6. Assess comprehension

SS.912.A.6.11

Examine the controversy surrounding the proliferation of nuclear technology in the United States and the world.

ELD.K12.ELL.SS.1

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Social Studies.

KWL and Data Charts

KWL and Data Charts is a strategy for researching and organizing information. KWL charts are three section charts that explore what they know (K), what they want to know (W), and what they learn (L) about a topic. These charts are great for Social Studies projects for students to figure out exactly what they want to learn and discover through their learning.

Steps:

1. Choose a topic to use in introducing basic research skills

2. Prepare a blank KWL chart

3. Provide students with books and resources to read about the topic

4. Demonstrate how to add info to the L section and correct the K section

5. Use assessment to ensure effective instruction

SS.912.A.6.8

Analyze the effects of the Red Scare on domestic United States policy.

ELD.K12.ELL.SS.1

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Social Studies.

Reference:Herrell, A. L., Jordan, M., & Herrell, A. L. (2012). 50 strategies for teaching English language learners. Boston: Pearson.