When I was an elementary teacher, I found it challenging to fit in enough time for Social Studies and Science amidst the pressure to prioritize reading and math. If you’re facing the same struggle, here are some suggestions to integrate these subjects into your classroom with limited time:
- Integrate reading passages and books into Social Studies and Science to help students learn the lesson objective and practice their reading skills. Make sure the material is aligned with your grade level standards and support struggling readers by having them partner read or reading aloud to the class.
- Allow time for discussion to help students process what they’re learning, make connections, and informally assess their understanding.
- Incorporate inquiry by giving students time to research a topic or conduct experiments, which encourages critical thinking and deepens their understanding.
- Use stations to help students explore a topic in different formats. For example, include a reading station, inquiry station, game station, and a writing/discussion station. Students can work in groups and rotate through each station.
Remember to explain to your students that they use Social Studies and Science throughout the day, even in other subjects like group work, following classroom expectations, and being a good citizen.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.