Social Studies Presentation

Hi again Parents,

Many of you are aware that your children are currently 'stressing' about their Social Studies presentations. Let me take a minute to explain what it is that they're working on and why I feel its important to do assignments like this.

The assignment has been 4 days of research into Traditions and Festivals in the four countries that we are studying right now (Peru, Ukraine, Tunisia & India) in Social Studies. All the answers needed to fill out their research sheet have been found in our Social Studies text with all necessary pages outlined. Next, students have been asked to think of one 'Critical Question' about each countries traditions and festivals and subsequently use their own skills of Inquiry to find an answer to their Critical Question.

Learning to think critically and question and analyze what they are learning about, by asking more questions, is truly an essential skill going forward. This skill will serve students well in Social Studies this year and as a reading comprehension skill going forward for many years to come. We have modelled what Critical Thinking and 'Critical Questions' might look like! Next, Inquiry is something we have and will continue to discuss at great length this year. Students must learn to use any resources possible to find answers for themselves. In Gr. 3 we really try to wean students off of a complete reliance of their teachers for finding and getting an answer to their questions. We have used classroom computers and other resources (Internet, Books etc.) to do this!

Lastly, I have held firm that presentations are to be done this Thursday (tomorrow), November 22nd. I have explained to students that I will be generous when necessary but that I also have set an expectation  for students to work collaboratively and focus on the task at hand. Most groups will be more than prepared for or presentations tomorrow but some are VERY underprepared. In most cases, student preparation for these types of assignments is a direct indication of focused group work, or lack thereof, during their four days of preparation. In these instances, I feel its an important lesson for all students to learn preparation always precedes success. Ultimately, whether or not the assignment will be a summative one (count towards report cards) will be determined based on whether or not I believe the students work is their best. I hope you can support me in this initiative!

Cheers,

Mr. J. Hill