EDU 375: Teaching Elementary Social Studies

Project description: You are to select one social justice topic and three children's literature books that represent your social studies topic and create a PowerPoint presentation to highlight ways that you would use these books in an elementary education classroom. You are to provide a detailed explanation of the following:
· The grade level(s) for your lesson
· The content area(s) of focus
· Desired student outcome(s)
· Corresponding activities to extend students' thinking on the social justice topic

Steps to complete the Children's Social Studies Literature Project:

1. Choose one of these overarching social studies topics to focus your project (Refer to NYS Social Studies Resource Guide with Core Curriculum):
· Race
· Gender
· Class
· Religion
· Age
· Family
· Culture
  Language
  Ability

2. Find three children's literature books that correspond with the social justice topic that you chose in #1 and have them available for your presentation. You are asked to choose one to read during your presentation.

3. Read all three children's literature books and create at least one corresponding activity that you could use to engage students' thinking on your chosen social justice topic.

4. Create a PowerPoint presentation using the following outline: 

     a. Provide a brief explanation of the social justice topic you've chosen.
     b. Provide an explanation of a grade level and content area that you've considered when choosing the social justice topic and books.
     c. List the desired student outcome(s) you'd choose for this lesson.
     d. Give a full description of the activity (not a lesson plan - a description is fine).
     e. Explain WHY you would choose this particular activity. When you're               providing this information, answer how this activity corresponded with the developmental level of the students and the social justice topic you've chosen. Also provide information regarding your thinking in choosing this particular activity (Why would this activity be particularly helpful to facilitate students' learning?)
      f. Take time to explain what you learned about the importance of social justice.
      g. Provide a closing with time for questions and answers.
      h. Save a copy of your PowerPoint presentation and bring to show the class.
      i. Print a copy of your PowerPoint (6 slides per page) form to hand in on the day of your presentation.

PowerPoint Presentation (10 points)

Content:

There was some reference to the social justice content 
during your presentation.                                                                     1
There was some reference to some of the components 
asked for in the list  below                                                                   2
There was reference to all of the components listed 
below.                                                                                                     3

1. Provide a title page (slide) with the title of your presentation and your name.
2. Provide a brief explanation of the social justice topic you've chosen.
3. Provide an explanation of a grade level and content area that you've considered when choosing the social justice topic and children's books.
4. List the desired student outcome(s) you'd choose for this lesson.
5. Give a full description of the activity (not a lesson plan - just a brief description is fine).
6. Explain WHY you would choose this particular activity. When you're providing this information, answer how this activity corresponded with the developmental level of the students and the social justice topic you've chosen. Also provide information regarding your thinking in choosing this particular activity (Why would this activity be particularly helpful to facilitate students' learning?)
7. Take some time to explain what you learned about the importance of social justice education.
8. Provide a closing with time for questions and answers.


Visual Presentation (slideshow):

There was some evidence of implementing your children's 
literature books (shown but not read to class).                                    1

There were clear examples of your connection between 
the social justice topic and the children's literature 
book you've chosen to read and discuss                                             2

There were clear examples of your connection between 
the social justice topic, the children's literature 
book you've chosen to read and discuss, AND your 
corresponding activity.                                                                           3 

Oral presentation (slideshow narration):

The oral presentation consisted of directly reading 
all slides.                                                                                                  1

The oral presentation consisted of reading most of 
the slides with some additional elaboration.                                        2

The oral presentation consisted of reading the slides 
AND significantly elaborating with interesting details.                        3 

The oral presentation consisted of reading the slides 
AND significantly elaborating with interesting details 
AND emphasizing your understanding of social justice.                   4


Total number of points (10 possible)                                              ____
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