Core Subjects EC-6 Social Studies

Summary of what participants can expect during the webinar series:

• Day 1: Participants will explore the foundational principles of social studies education, including the importance of teaching history, geography, civics, and economics in the elementary classroom. Discussions will focus on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards for social studies and how to effectively align instruction with these standards.    
• Day 2: The focus shifts to specific strategies for teaching history in ways that are accessible and meaningful for young learners. Participants will learn engaging approaches for introducing historical events and key figures, analyzing multiple historical interpretations, and making connections between the past, the present, and our students’ future.  
• Day 3: Geography takes center stage as participants discover strategies for teaching geographic concepts including human-environment interaction, cultural diffusion and exchange, and interactions among science, technology, and society. Participants will explore methods for engaging learners in applying social studies skills and fostering an understanding of the world around them.  
• Day 4: Civics and Economics are the highlights of the final day, delving into strategies for teaching concepts related to government, citizenship, basic economic principles, and financial literacy. Discover strategies for helping learners develop an understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of civic engagement. Educators will explore real-world examples to help students grasp concepts such as supply and demand, budgeting, and the role of consumers and producers in the economy.