Search for Meaning

It is important for students of all ages to search for meaning in what they are learning. Searching for meaning helps make learning relatable and real for students- they are able to make connections and draw conclusions about what they are learning about and other areas of their life and learning.
I realized this week that in my entire college career I have only observed ONE social studies lesson being taught. Through all of my field experiences I have observed and worked with a range of students in both age and ability level. I have met old teachers, young teachers, traditional teachers, progressive teachers... but it feels as though the bulk of my experience has been centered around math and literacy instruction. Immediately I began to jump to conclusions. Am I completely unprepared?! If I was presented with the task of teaching a social studies mini-lesson tomorrow would I crash and burn?!
As this realization sank in I began to panic a little bit. That is until I stopped to think about it a little more rationally. I did a quick mental run-through of my learning experiences both in and out of the field experience classroom. It didn't take long before I noticed that although I might not have as much experience observing social studies as I have with other subjects I do have the knowledge and strategies to help me create meaningful social studies lessons. I think that is one of the most meaningful things I have taken away from our class so far. I have not only been learning ways to teach social studies material but also how to integrate my knowledge of other subject matter into my social studies lessons (and vice versa).
Although I do plan to try and incorporate some more social studies based observation experiences into my coming trips to the elementary school, I feel confident that our class has already helped prepare me with a wide range of ideas and strategies. I'm sure next semester during my student teaching I will be given plenty of opportunities to apply them! :)