One purpose of social studies instruction, in a democratic and inclusive society, is to connect our society with a common mindset – one society working together for the betterment of all people. Instruction must allow students to see current themes in society and how they relate to themselves and others. When students are exposed to culturally relevant content and a democratic worldview, along with a chance to collaborate and interact with cross-curricular content with the arts, the effectiveness of social studies instruction is maximized.
Your professional learning community (PLC) has determined they want to build foundational knowledge on promoting students’ abilities to make informed decisions as citizens of a culturally diverse democratic society and interdependent world. Choose grade level standards, one social studies and one arts standard. Create a 12-15 slide digital presentation for your colleagues to help them become more informed on culturally relevant social studies instruction in the inclusive classroom.
Include the following elements:
Explanation of culturally relevant instruction including current, grade level societal themes for social studies instruction.
Challenges and benefits of culturally relevant instruction at the chosen grade level.
At least one learning objective that includes cross-curricular concepts of the chosen social studies and arts standards.
Three strategies that can be used to teach the chosen standards and how those strategies incorporate student collaboration, cultural relevance, and a democratic worldview.
Explain how each strategy can be adapted for students in an inclusive classroom in a way that demonstrates compassion and care for the individual student.
Title slide, reference slide, and presenter’s notes.
