“Social studies” in the context of an early childhood classroom encompasses the work children do to understand their world. It is the daily life experience that is meaningful to the young child. Topics for study are carefully planned by the educator according to their observations of and discussions with the students. Studies arise from the children’s previous understanding and new discoveries. Teachers plan opportunities for experiences that help children explore and learn skills that promote the development of the whole child.
An integrated curriculum allows for children to directly apply their skills and knowledge. Curriculum experiences include science, reading, writing, math, art, music, and dramatics. Trips are taken to explore the world around them. The children re-construct their experiences through block construction, art, and dramatic role-play. This allows them to make connections and see relationships across concepts that are typically compartmentalized.
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