Acting Out....in Social Studies!

So this week in social studies was working with absorbing and being history.  This is something that I have always felt very strongly about.  I think these two topics are very mixed.  I think kids would really learn from the plays that we put on.  It adds a fun mixture into their typical day at school.  I can honestly say, I enjoy these as well.  After sitting all morning in the first classes, looking at Powerpoints and lectures, they just get old.  I now am excited about the social studies class because there is always some kind of activity to mix up the learning.  I think I learn so much better in this environment because I am so much more engaged and not just looking around the room.

I think there is a similarity with most kids.  They really want to be engaged and the material that they learn by being active will stay with them longer and make more sense.  Now, with that said, I still think they have to have absorbing in their learning journey as well.  They have to be prepared and prepped for the hands on activities.  Otherwise they will not be able to get all of the material out of the hands on learning. 

I have really enjoyed this week in social studies.  I really think that my views and opinions of keeping social studies in the classroom maybe changing.  It is so easy to integrate with other subjects that I think it is starting to be important.