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.