From the various conference sessions and the conversations I had with American educators, I realised that the American schools are spending less curriculum time on social studies as more resources are being channelled to Literacy and Mathematics due to a greater emphasis on national and state-level testing. These were precisely the reasons for holding this conference, to emphasise the importance of social studies to American educators and gathering educators from varied disciplines to share creative teaching strategies.

To show how children can connect literature to real life events, one presenter shared a student's artwork that depicts the changes a character went through in a story.

Nonetheless, there is a strong passion amongst American educators to revitalise the social studies curriculum in their schools. They firmly believe that teaching their students social studies is essential in preparing them to be informed and thoughtful individuals, and to equip them with moral and civic virtues.

The conference presenters shared a myriad of practices to build bridges between social studies and other subjects. For instance, teachers in Literacy classes not only can boost their students’ vocabulary and comprehension skills by having them read books, they can also improve the students’ social studies knowledge in history, geography, social systems and economics by discussing the plots and characters.

Presenters also offered views on how content knowledge and skills like problem-solving can be creatively linked so that students can see the connection and relevance in what they learn to real-life situations. Their aim is to enable students to apply these skills and knowledge to the world outside the classrooms, living in a democratic society and interdependent world with civic and social responsibility.

Some teachers in America use photographs such as these images of footwear from around the world to expose children to new cultures.

Some of the innovative strategies shared include incorporating pop culture (music, comics and movies) to engage the students, using photographs from travel and Internet resources such as Google Earth, and bringing authentic artefacts from homes as primary resources. The lessons become more engaging as these are concrete materials the students can see, touch or even smell. Teachers also apply the Storypath Approach to create real experiences, explore cultures and human characteristics through children’s literature, and participate in community service learning projects to encourage social justice.

I think some of these strategies are applicable in Singapore. For instance, we could use local sitcoms that students enjoy as teaching resources, and we can discuss with them problems or issues faced by the TV characters. More and more schools are also creating their own heritage gallery or corner to exhibit authentic historical items.

Personally, I really liked the sessions in which the presenters shared about integrating social studies with literacy. I see these two subjects going hand-in-hand very well. When we read a book, we can build bridges and cross borders, literally and metaphorically. Through the plot and characters, we can help our students in character-building.

Sample resources shown during the sharing sessions that utilise photographs to convey social studies lessons.

After the three-day conference, I realised that educators in our little red dot are just like the ones in America - juggling between producing results for examinations and inculcating civic and social values. Like teachers in Singapore, American educators are trying to integrate social studies with the other core academic subjects.

One difference is that the thematic approach used in American schools makes it easier for teachers to integrate social studies with other subjects. A lesson that integrates National Education and another core subject can certainly make the former more meaningful. It’s really about telling a Singapore story that involves everyone.

Teaching social studies is an integral part of guiding our students to be informed and thoughtful individuals, to appreciate the world’s beauty, understand its diversity and recognise that they possess the capacity to make it a better place. Perhaps we can also have such a conference in Singapore in the near future. It would help make the teaching of National Education more vibrant and relevant, so that our students can become active members of our society and the world.

Contributed by:
Mdm Adila Ong
Pasir Ris Primary School