Teaching Social Studies

Teaching Social Studies

Teaching Tip: Encourage decision-making,

skills in the social study lessons and

activities, so that all ages can be engaged.

problem solving, and critical thinking

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The Multigrade Classroom

Social Studies in the
Multigrade Classroom

By using cycles and a common theme, the multigrade social studies program creates an awareness
of God’s hand in the affairs of men and of man’s obligation to serve others.

In the multigrade classroom the Social Studies program is taught in cycles. The SoSmart (2016) manual assists the multigrade teacher in planning those cycles. These four cycles for both lower and upper grades incorporate the NAD Social Studies Standards.

Grades K–8—McGraw-Hill Networks Social Studies, 2014/2016, is the adopted program.

1-4 Grade Titles

Kindergarten

Living, Learning, and Working
Together, 2014

Grade 1

Our Community and Beyond, 2014

Grade 2

Who We Are as Americans, 2014

Grade 3

The United States Communities and Neighbors, 2014

Grade 4

Our Country and Its Regions, 2016

5-8 Grade Titles

Series 5

A History of the United
States, 2016 (1st half)

A History of the United
States, Early Years, 2016

Series 6

A History of the World , 2014 (1st half)

A History of the World, Early Ages , 2014

Series 7

A History of the World, 2014 (2nd half)

Series 8

A History of the United
States , 2016 (2nd half)

A History of the United
States, Modern Times, 2016

In multigrade classrooms that include kindergarten, teachers have the option of using the kindergarten level of the NAD adopted textbooks or Kindergarten Stepping Stones which is the NAD integrated kindergarten curriculum.

K-2 BRIDGE is an integrated curriculum for K-1 or K-2 multigrade classrooms. Some units are currently available while others are in development.

Standards in education are a statement of what students should know (content knowledge) and be able to do (applicable skills) upon completing a course of study. Standards state in clear, concise terms what students are expected to learn. Standards identify the students’ learning destination, but much more is required to complete the educational journey. As goals for student learning, standards inform the development of curriculum, the implementation of instruction, and assessment for learning.

Just as standards for student learning do not describe in full the students’ learning journey, they also do not alone give meaning to student learning. The big ideas and essential questions of life are developed from many sources. Beyond the classroom, family and significant others in a young person’s life influence the student’s personal beliefs and values. A personal worldview is formed by students when they integrate the knowledge learned at school and from other sources into a coherent understanding of the learner’s world. A worldview also gives the learner a vision for how to use the skills acquired to participate in their community and improve themselves. Ultimately, a meaningful, productive life depends on a student’s core beliefs and values from an emerging worldview equipping them to assess the authenticity and relevance of their learning, and to intelligently utilize the knowledge and skills learned.

NAD Adopted Textbooks and Multigrade Organizational Resources

McGraw-Hill Networks Social Studies (2014/2016) | Grades K-8

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SoSmart Cycles | Grades 1-8

The SoSmart manual is designed to assist the multigrade teacher in planning and teaching social studies. Four cycles for both lower and upper grades incorporate the NAD Social Studies Standards and content from the approved social studies textbooks. By following the approved cycles, the multigrade teacher will be able to assure all social studies standards are introduced over the four years while teaching the same topics/standards across four grades.

Download the manual here.

BRIDGE (2018) | Grades K-2

BRIDGE is an integrated curriculum currently in development for K-1 or K-2 multigrade classrooms. This curriculum uses Stepping Stones and Pathways , and embeds all other subjects. Units 1-10 are now available. As other units are completed, they will also be available online.

NAD Social Studies Microsite | Grades 1-8

Social studies is an intrinsic part of Adventist education and serves to amplify and enrich the curriculum through presenting an awareness of God’s hand in the affairs of men and of man’s obligation to serve others.

Visit the microsite for curriculum, standards, and resources.

Union Created Resources

Atlantic Union Conference

Teacher Bulletin (2000–2015)

Dusty Shelf

This curriculum is outdated and/or no longer in print. It is not on the approved NAD Textbook list and should not be used.

Scott Foresman Social Studies (2003, 2005) | Grades 1–4

Scott Foresman

Professional Development

Find subject-specific information and resources on the NAD Social Studies Microsite.

Join the Adventist Multigrade Facebook group.