Social Studies Writing Activities
Students in a social studies class learn about the world around them, including historical and current events. In a social studies class, though, students can still work on their writing skills by participating in projects that ask them to write about social issues. Activities can be modified for different grade levels as needed.
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History Fables
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Children are often interested in fables, because they use animals and simplify a message. Have students take a problem from history and create a fable to show the moral or ethical thing that was done, or should have been done. For instance, if students are studying the Holocaust, they can make certain key figures, such as Adolf Hitler, an animal and use that animal to tell a story with a moral at the end. The animal will have human qualities. You can determine how long you would like the fables to be. Typically, though, fables have a beginning, which introduces the characters and the setting. The middle explains the problem and how characters work to solve the problem, and the end teaches the moral of the story. After students write their fables, ask them to share them with the class and discuss the moral the fable discusses.
Writing a Letter for Change
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Students often complain about those in power, so encourage them to make their voices heard by writing a letter to a prominent figure. They can even create a real letter that they will give to the principal. Explain to students that the best approach is to include specific examples of things they would like to see changed. Tell them to include positive things the person has done, as well. If you would rather they did not write a letter to the principal, they can write one to you about things in the classroom that they like and things that they have trouble with. Students can also write letters to famous historical figures and ask them questions.
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Learning Logs
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In its publication, "Writing Across the Curriculum," the Michigan Department of Education suggests having social studies students keep learning logs. Students can use basic spiral-bound notebooks. You can use the social studies learning logs in several ways. Before a unit, have students write what they already know, and what they want to learn about a topic. After the unit, have them revisit their thoughts and write a summary of what they have learned and whether or not their questions were answered. During and after a lecture, have students summarize their learning, using the day's vocabulary Words.
Journalist for a Day
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Students can read several news stories and then become journalists. Pair students together and have them interview each other to find newsworthy events in one another's lives. They should then write a short story based on the information that they have gleaned from the interview. You can also allow students to make up newsworthy events in their lives so that the piece takes on a more creative tone. When the activity is over, ask students how easy it was to interview someone and develop a story.
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References
- Photo Credit Young child learning to write her name image by levo from Fotolia.com
