Page 310 - Powerful Social Studies for Elementary Students 4th Edition

282 Powerful Social Studies for Elementary Students
5. Research indicates that student achievement is often impacted by family involvement in school- related matters. How can meaningful homework assignments in social studies promote this? How might you monitor this practice to determine its influence on student learning?
6. The authors of this text have observed special needs students reaping enormous benefits from
social studies assignments that include home- school connections. How would you explain this? What might you do to accelerate this practice in your classroom? Select a unit topic and provide some concrete examples.
Your Turn
Select an upcoming social studies unit. Review the goals and big ideas that you intend to feature. Then ask your- self: What out-of-school learning opportunities could be designed to expand meaningfulness and enrich the overall social studies experience? Prepare and imple- ment at least three home assignments for the unit. See Figure 13.1 for a sample planning format.
Be sure to inform families well in advance and clearly state your purposes for the assignments. A sample letter
FIGURE 13.1 Planning Home Assignments Around Goals and
Big Ideas
has been provided (Figure 13.2). Modify it to meet your specific needs. You might also consider having a note accompany each home assignment, at least until students and families get into the habit of good practice. Keep a reflective journal as your unit unfolds.
For more examples of home assignments aligned with goals and big ideas, review the units published in Alleman and Brophy (2001, 2002, 2003b) and Alleman, et. al., 2010).
Appropriate Home Assignment
That Aligns with the Big Goal for the Unit Big Ideas for the Unit Idea(s) and Goals
To develop an understanding and an appreciation for what citizenship means and how it can be practiced within the community.
Example
1. Good citizens tend to be respectful, to think and act for the good of the community, and to be open to ideas of others that may be different from their own.
2.
3.
4.
Example
1. Have students discuss with their families what citizenship means to them and how they practice it in their community. Provide a good citizen worksheet with a couple of examples as starters.
2.
3.
4.
(See Alleman & Brophy, 2003b)
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