Sunday, November 17, 2013

Sneetches are Sneetches - Teaching Culture to Young Learners

Teaching in accordance with the National Standards for Social Studies may not always be an easy task. However, the article RESPECTing Culture with All Learners provides a meaningful and powerful learning experience for students to partake in that allows them to understand the differences and similarities among various groups of people, while promoting the idea of equality and respect for all. The activity suggested is designed to promote and develop cultural competence among students based on the values of RESPECT.

Reality
Exploration 
Senses, sensitivities, and sensibilities 
People
Equity 
Care
Talk
Using this idea at the base of the learning experience can help students understand the importance of what they are learning as well as the significance of promoting equality and respect for each individual. 

The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss

The activity suggested in this article incorporates children's literature into the social studies curriculum, while still addressing the National Council of Social Studies Standard 1. The author suggests that the story, The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss can be used to introduce the four main principles of the standard for culture. The learning experience is divided into four parts, each of which are equally important when teaching the concepts and ideas incorporated in the area of culture and developing cultural competence.

RESPECTing Culture with All Learners provides a learning experience that will benefit students by promoting the values of respect and equality for all individuals that should be used in the classroom. The practices carried out in the classroom are reflected in the students’ behaviors outside of the classroom. By incorporating these ideas and morals into daily life, students can learn about the various cultures of their peers and develop a sense of respect for each student in the classroom. 

This activity can be easily implemented in the classroom to teach culture based on specific values and morals. I think that this can provide students with a significant and authentic learning experience that they will benefit from long after the activity is completed. 

1 comment:

  1. Christina,

    I really enjoyed reading this blog post about teaching culture. I think that using a book is a great way to introduce the topic of culture to students of almost any age because not only is it fun but it gives them an experience to relate to. I think that connections are very important for students to make when learning any topic, especially Social Studies and I think that this activity tailors to that necessity. I also like that this activity has the ability to transcend the classroom and school setting. When students use what they learn in school, especially Social Studies, they become active and participatory young citizens which is one of the best results of a meaningful Social Studies learning experience!

    -Courtney

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