Social studies is concerned with a wide array of disciplines that impact and affect human society on different levels. At the school level, social studies is a commonly taught subject and can include geography, history, anthropology, sociology, political science, and so on. Social studies is inherently important to any school curriculum because it teaches children the value of good behavior, ethic, and civics and molds them into better more productive citizens. Not to mention it is invaluable for any democratic society with global values. 

When your child goes to school and then grows up further, they will undoubtedly need to interact with other children from other cultures or will read about them. Social studies provides a kind of map that can be followed for children to know how to live and behave in society and understand its underlying mechanisms. 

It Stimulates The Imagination 

It isn’t only creative writing that stimulates the imagination when it comes to young children. Social studies especially the study of history and the theories surrounding various world events can give children a great deal of understanding and let them imagine how those events came about. This can lead them to developed much-needed critical thinking skills, make them ask questions and try to come up with answers and also gain insight into people’s motivations. 

Active Not Passive 

If social studies is taught right and students are offered plenty of opportunities for in-depth discussions and analysis, it can be a very active learning process. Social studies can encourage children to form and voice their own opinions as well as better educate them about others. Social studies projects are another opportunity for children to expand their skills of deduction. 

Learning Integration

Social studies often deals with other countries and cultures so it is eye-opening for a child to take a keen interest in it. They learn values, tolerance, and ethics as well as how to get along with those that are different from them. The world is now one big global village and more and more children are becoming multicultural and being affected by globalization. 

Learn From History

A significant part of social studies is learning history in considerable detail. Although at the school level a fairly condensed version of the most important events in history are taught but it forms a good foundation. Learning history is not just about memorizing facts and dates but is also a peek into the future and it teaches us a great deal about human nature. 

Thrust Into The Real World

Social studies as a subject is a very ‘real-world’ approach to learning. Students are taught some harsh truths especially when they study history and political science and this helps develop their abilities and gain real-world knowledge. If you think your child has trouble catching up with all the learning material you can enroll them in some social studies tutoring. 

Economics 

Economics impacts every aspect of our lives from the currency we use to the price of items in stores. Children can benefit greatly from a preliminary foundational study of economics and its principles. You might find they are willing to apply economic theory to how they use their pocket money! 

Reading Skills

Social studies depends greatly on having information and material triangulated from various sources. Usually, there is more than one textbook and extra reading is always encouraged. Children are not only able to work on their retention skills but are able to access a wealth of material especially if they develop an interest that will undoubtedly improve their reading skills. 

Here are a few ways you can improve your child’s motivation with regard to social studies even if you are not signing up for private tuition:-

Opinionated Is Better Than Silent 

When you’re helping your children with their social studies curriculum you can create an environment where they are free to express their thoughts and opinions. You can make it a point to ask them what they think about each passage they read even if their opinion shocks you! This will give them greater confidence in their later years. 

Offer Various Types Of Material 

Encourage your child to read more widely especially on events, personalities, and topics they are particularly interested in. offer age-appropriate alternative texts so they are not just reading a single textbook and are exposed to a multitude of ideas. The more they read the more information they will have to form their opinions. Not to mention there are educational documentaries and movies they can watch as well.