Social Studies

Dino-mite Dioramas

http://excellenceinteachingsocialstudies.blogspot.com/
2013/10/social-studies-triarama.html

Here is an idea that I did with my second grade students. We did our four part diorama on the history of our town. However, you could make a diorama for anything really. All it takes is creating a square piece of paper with a dotted line from one corner to the middle of the paper, then cut along the dotted line and fold both corners up so it looks like a giant triangle. Then unfold them and cross one over the other so your diorama will stand up. 

I used staples to hold my dioramas together but glue or tape would also work. This project is great because it can be adapted for any subject, any grade, and any ability level! When students got them done, I had them set them up on their desks and the whole class did a "museum walk" and looked at everyone else's work. They were so proud, and I was happy with how they turned out! 

Enjoy!

The Branches of Government

This is an idea that I found, of course - on Pinterest. This is a drawing that demonstrates the three branches of government in a very visual way. I myself am a visual learner, so I believe that this would be very helpful. I hope you find it as useful as I do! 

Also, there are a ton of good ideas on the website that this idea came from. Click here to check it out!

Enjoy!

Learning the States

This is such a cute song I found when trying to find a video to teach students the states. Unlike the one that has them memorize them in alphabetical order, this one has students learn them in geographical location order. It's such a cute video and it's a pretty catchy tune! 

Unfortunately I couldn't upload the original video I watched, but you can see that at this link! You can also watch the version below.

Enjoy!

My Place in the World

This project is an awesome way to visually show students the difference between city, state, country, continent, and planet. This activity could be done over a few days, weeks, or even months!

http://kidworldcitizen.org/2011/11/26/my-place-in-the-world-project/

Going from the bottom up, use a paper plate (Styrofoam doesn't really work well if you can avoid them). Simply paint or color a picture of the globe onto the plate. You may want to have students draw what they want their continents to look like first. The next thing to make is the continent. Students can cut out the circles themselves, or you can cut them out ahead of time. Either way, have them write: my continent on the outside of the circle. Then have them cut out a picture of North America. Let them color and decorate it how they want. The next part is the country part. Repeat the same process as before except add a picture of the U.S. for the country. Repeat this process for state as well. When it comes to city, have the students draw things that are important in your city. Then when you get to the my house part, have students draw their house and cut it out.

When all the circles are finished, punch a hole in the top and tie a piece of string or use a metal ring to put it all together. This is a great visual for students to use because it shows them that as the circles get bigger, so does the world around them. 

Enjoy!

Printable Maps

To get your own free printable maps just follow this link. The website includes a bunch of free printables that would be great as classroom posters, handouts, or even worksheets!

http://www.mrprintables.com/printable-map-of-the-united-states.html

Enjoy!

Freebies!! Grades 3-6

That's right, I said free. As a college student, I'm always looking for free things! This website is absolutely awesome. It's full of free social studies activities, worksheets, and other fun things. 

http://www.lauracandler.com/filecabinet/socialstudies.php 

                              I hope you find this website as helpful as I do! 

                          Enjoy!