I "HATE" Social Studies

I fall under the category of "I hate Social Studies." I hated it all through out my education starting in Kindergarten. I never liked reading about it, writing about it, watching black and white movies about it or simply nothing about it. It gave me a headache just thinking about it. Why do I hate this subject so much? Is it because all I did through out my education is read (word for word, chapter after chapter) out of these 7 pound Social Studies text books? I don't remember doing hands on projects or even walking outside the classroom walls to research the community I lived in. Why was it that all I did was read and answer comprehension questions (which I also hated)?

How am I going to change this for my future students? I feel stupid and timid just thinking about what I am going to teach since I don't even have enough knowledge of this topic. I feel robbed and I am not happy about it.

After reading the introduction to the book titled "Lies My Teacher Told Me" by James W. Loewn, I began to understand why kids hate Social Studies so much. Teachers did what they "had" to do...not what the "wanted" to do. This is a HUGE factor that changes all perspectives of teaching. I want to be able to be a part of the community not just in it. I want to explore the state, not just read about it. I want my students to experience voting (maybe I should start some mock trials) not just watch it on TV. I want my students to experience Social Studies, not just read about it, memorize facts, and forget about it.

James W. Loewn has already given me much thought and answers to some of my questions. I look forward to read more of this book. Once again, I hope you all stay with me on my journey of discovering who I am and my understanding of Social Studies.

So many thoughts, where should I start?

We had our first Social Studies classroom discussion last week. The main question was: "What is Social Studies?" It was so interesting to sit back and hear all the different responses to this main question. I've always been really quiet in classroom discussions. I am usually scared to speak up if I don't know the subject well because I may not have back up to support my idea. So, for the first part of this discussion I sat back and listened. I couldn't believe all the different ideas that came up. We started out with one main question and the threads of discussion continued on like a never ending soap opera. Ok, that may be an exaggeration, but seriously, it was intense!!!

I really enjoyed the topics of How to teach Social Studies in the classroom. I was always scared of Social Studies and hesitantly approached the subject. This discussion opened up my eyes to so many different challenges and possibilities that could come with teaching Social Studies and the way you teach it (discovering a pedagogy for Social Studies). Where do we draw boundaries? Or do we? Am I willing to risk my teaching job to provide these kids with the best Social Studies experience? What am I capable of? How can I stray from the state provided curriculum that forces you to teach from the 6 pound text book? These are all questions that I started to think about after this discussion.

I am still in the journey of finding out who I am and how I will teach Social Studies. I hope that many more discussions come up so that I can experience a new appreciation for Social Studies. I want to be passionate about this subject, so I am willing to dig deep within my ability and find this passion.

Hope you stay with me on my journey.