Touro College - Graduate School of Education and Psychology
EdSE 604 - Teaching Social Studies and the Arts in General Education and Special Education
Instructor: Timothy Bellavia - email:
phone: 646-279-1719
COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course (3 credits) focuses on:

The social, cultural, and developmental contexts for teaching social studies and the arts to a diverse student population
Curriculum development
Methods, and materials for teaching social studies and the arts
Language and literature in cultural context (tolerance/diversity)
An overview of history and geography of United States and New York State
Self expression through the arts, sports, and other physical activities

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will demonstrate:

Knowledge of and skills in applying methods teaching social studies and the arts in meaningful ways to students in general and special education classrooms.

Familiarity with learning standards in the areas of social studies and the arts, health and physical Education.

Knowledge / skill in using multi media, approaches using texts, cooperative learning, simulation activities, trips, guest speakers, and the arts.

Knowledge of current discussion, debates on the impact of living in a multi-cultural society.

Knowledge of and ability to use methods to help students become invested in active citizenship.

Knowledge of and skill in applying methods to help students grapple with various views of different cultures on ethical matters.
REQUIREMENTS:

Absences: One absence permitted, a second absence requires an additional assignment, a third absence requires dropping the course. Completion of all reading assignments. Completion of papers and projects.

TEXT(s):

Elementary Social Studies-- A Practical Guide, by June R. Chapin,
(Sixth Edition)

EVALUATION:

Papers/projects 75 %; final presentation 25%

ASSIGNMENTS:

Papers are to be typed, doubled spaced and written in accordance with the APA or MLA style.

Prepare 1Formal Lesson Plan incorporating the social studies standards: as well as a Unit Plan on topic relevant to elementary social studies. Be sure to be innovative multi media materials as well as traditional materials. (Must be typed!)

Children’s picture book on a historical event.

Presentation in class of a social studies/arts education. Using effective teaching strategies coupled with hands on, multi media materials. Suggested area of focus include: Current Events, American History, Global History, Urban Studies, Social and Cultural History, and Economics.

** Course made up of two components: 1)Lecture discussion on reading assignments. 2)Hands on teacherworkshop.

EdSE 604 - Teaching Social Studies and the Arts in General
Education and Special Education
Course Outline

1. Week One
- Course introduction-
- National Curriculum Patterns
- NY State Standard’s / Suggested Themes

NYS Learning Standards
SS Standards
-Why Teach Social Studies?
- Methods and Materials
- Read Chapter 1 (Elementary Social Studies Curriculum)
- Workshop: Simple Bookmaking -- “All About Me” books (grade K)

2. Week Two
- Read Chapter 8 (Diversity)
- Assignment: Formal Lesson Plan -- DUE: WEEK 3
- Rubrics shared for assignment(s)
- Video presentation: Cable in the Classroom; clip from Court TV
-Workshop: “We Are All The Same Inside” (Diversity; grade 3)
3. Week Three
- Read Chapter 9 (Literacy)
- Model Story Board Method
- Select an historical event for your bookmaking project. Note: Who, What, When, Where, and the sequence of events, etc.
-Assignment: Write/Illustrate a children’s book on a historical event; must be grade appropriate; with at least 12 pp.
-- DUE: WEEK 6
- Rubrics shared for assignment(s)
Workshop: Bookmaking / Story-boarding (K through 6); Teaching Writing with Picture Books I.
4. Week Four
- Read Chapter 3 (Instructional Strategies / Bloom’s Taxonomy)
- Effective Lesson Planning
- Unit - Thematic Planning
- Workshop: Teaching Writing with Picture Books II. (Picture Book Illustrations / transferring images photos).
- Rubrics shared for assignment(s)
5. Week Five
- Read Chapter 4 (Assessments)

State Assessments
- Tools for techniques for assessment.
- State Testing.
- Review of Rubrics for Children’s Book / Midterm Project.
- Workshop: Teaching Writing with Picture Books III.

6. Week Six
- MID TERM DUE: Children’s Book- Presentations
7. Week Seven
- Read Chapter 7 (Citizenship)
- Discuss planning for lessons focusing on traditions, peace, immigration, human rights, etc.
- Role Playing / News Anchors - Reporter’s
- Workshop: Drama / Stamps -- Good Citizenship
8. Week Eight
- Read Chapter 2 (Planning for Social Studies Instruction)
- Assignment: Unit Plan -- DUE: WEEK 12
- Planning lessons and activities- Sample Lessons distributed in class.
- Designing Interdisciplinary Thematic Units.
-Workshop: Presentations Materials and Methods; diorama; bulletin boards, etc.
9. Week Nine
-Read Chapter 5 (Aiding our Students to Interpret History)
Video presentation: School House Rock! America Rocks examined.
-Workshop: Accordion Book (Time line)

10. Week Ten
- Read Chapter 6 (Teaching Geography and Economics)
-Map making, distribute maps from assorted texts; “Geography in a Changing World”
- Creating your own map
-Workshop: Map Making
11. Week Eleven
- Read Chapter 10 (Technology)
- Small Discussion Groups
- DEMO of Power Point
-Workshop: Technology in the Classroom
12. Week Twelve
- DUE: Formal Unit Plan (MUST BE TYPED)
-Evaluations
- FINAL PRESENTATION(S)

Guidelinesfor MajorProjects

Mid-Term Project DUE: WEEK 6

1. Create a 12 to 16 page book with decorated cover.
2. Select a historical event for your book making project.
3. Consider, who, what, why, where, when and sequence the events.
4. Suggestions for topics may include; but are not limited to: The American revolution, he Gold Rush, Rosa Parks, Civil Rights, Voting for a President, American Astronauts, the Holocaust, War in Iraq, etc.
5. Choose a grade and a theme for your book making project. Use your Social Studies Resource Guide to assist you in your selection.
6. You may use pictures from the Internet, clip art or original illustrations.
7. Use your computer or print professional/
8. Make it factual!
9. BE CREATIVE

Final Project DUE: WEEK 12

1. Create a Unit plan. Choose a theme.
2. Prepare and attractive cover page for your project title, your name, the professors name, course number, date. Bind it.
3. Include Grade, Standards, Unit Objectives, Description, Explanation, 5 lesson plans, with activity work sheets and literature and vocabulary introduced for these lessons.
4. Use sample as a guideline.
5. Consider the grade you plan to teach in the fall and the topics and activities you will implement.