Social Studies Education Articles for Teachers - Page 2

When I was growing up, Fourth of July meant homemade ice cream and doing something outdoors. In America, it is traditionally a day of parades and fireworks, celebrating America’s independence from Great Britain. All over the world, other countries also have a day designated to celebrating and rem...

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Mahatma Gandhi No matter your age, you have been hurt by someone you thought you could trust. As adults, we try to work through such feelings productively, but it takes practice. As high school educators, we can be of ser...

With the end of the traditional school year just around the corner, one important and overlooked holiday is Flag Day. Although it is likely that this holiday, which is dedicated solely to the US flag, may have begun in 1885, it was originally named “Flag Day” by a kindergarten teacher. In 1889, G...

One of the best ways teachers can help students grow is by challenging them to look at things in a new way. This means that teachers sometimes have to discuss issues that are difficult to broach, such as the challenges children face throughout the world. Every day there are children who deal with...

May is National Photo Month. Its recognition includes a variety of sponsors that make up the multi-million dollar industry that celebrates, acknowledges, and encourages photographers through photo contests and other events. The combination of art and technology in modern day photography...

We know the tricycle as a three-wheeled bike designed to maintain stability that consists of one rubber wheel in front, and two rubber wheels in back. Tricycles are usually ridden by young children who cannot yet master a two-wheeled bike. However, the very early tricycle was actually a horse-dra...

The Olympics began in Greece way back in 776 BC, according to historical records. They consisted of only one sport: a sprint. They were eventually banned by the Roman emperor as being too pagan. Those Games are now referred to as the ancient Olympics. Fast forward 1,500 years after the Games were...

Ask any teenager why they ought to study history and you’ll likely hear the well-versed, yet veritable response, “So we don’t repeat past mistakes.” Here’s a magnificent chance to add authenticity and critical analysis to this central ambition as you approach Holocaust Remembrance Week. Themed th...

Mardi Gras is best known for its wild, colorful, and crazy parades. Horns and trumpets blast, people slip into ornate costumes, and the streets of select cities like New Orleans, are impossible to walk through. This is one party that takes place all over the world! Whether you’re in Paris, Venice...

Speed has become the name of the game in so many aspects of modern society. In the fable, "The Tortoise and the Hare," the slow tortoise ended up winning a race against the quick hare because the rabbit was overly confident and lazy. Knowing he could quickly finish the race, the hare dawdled, nap...

The concept of discrimination is far above the comprehension level of most children. However, by engaging in developmentally appropriate conversations early on, teachers can build character and set the stage for a deeper understanding of this important topic as pupils mature. Children are in...

The Columbia Guide to the Holocaust states that including Soviet civilian deaths, the total Holocaust death toll is close to 17,000,000 people. The Holocaust is an important topic to study, in part, so we can prevent such atrocities. One way to study this period is through literature. Anothe...

Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential Americans of the 20th century. His leadership was crucial to the great achievements of the civil rights era. Set the scene of the 1950s South by showing images of white-only facilities, separate water fountains, waiting rooms, schools, and th...

The study of ancient civilizations is captivating and fascinating and can enrich any curriculum. Instilling an understanding of our human past is important because ancient civilizations have helped shape our who we are today.  Begin your investigation by considering this question: What...

We study history, in part, to learn lessons from the past so that may help us to solve the challenges of today. A project-based investigation of the main causes, impacts, and eventual solutions of the Great Depression may offer your class some insight as to how America might best go about repairi...