The Importance of Elementary Social Studies

By Matt Doran

Those who believe the directive to focus on literacy requires less attention to social studies have failed to understand literacy or social studies. It is true that reading skills help students in other content areas. But the converse is also true: A content-rich curriculum provides the necessary vocabulary and context for successful reading comprehension.

The Council of Chief State School Officers has summarized the importance of social studies in the elementary grades. 

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​Nell Duke, Professor of Education at the University of Michigan, explains the importance of teaching Social Studies and Science in the elementary grades.
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