"Fitting It In": Elementary Teachers Talk About Social Studies Instruction in Public School Classrooms

• In Event: Lessons Learned From Humanities Teachers' Instruction

Abstract

In K-3 classrooms, social studies is a crucial yet grossly underutilized avenue for promoting equity, justice and other democratic values necessary for a healthy democracy. Research documenting the paucity of social studies instruction in early grades exposes gaps in children’s early learning experiences and raises questions about what can be done to address those gaps. This session will report findings from a qualitative study of 14 primary grade teachers’ stances to social studies instruction—with particular emphasis on content integration—in public schools.

Author

• Michelle Bauml, Texas Christian University