Social Studies
What are Social Studies?
Social Studies involves observing members of society as they interact together within different physical, cultural, political, and socio-economic contexts and environments.
‘Social Studies’, support children to develop understanding surrounding people and their values during and within different time periods, places, and circumstances, whilst also considering how their environment has been shaped.
Through the ‘Social Studies Experiences & Outcomes’, children will develop knowledge and understanding regarding the history, heritage, and culture of Scotland, cultivating an appreciation of both local and national heritage.
Additionally, ‘Social Studies’ support children to learn about human achievements, environmental issues, and to make sense of changes and conflicts in society.
The Experiences & Outcomes for social studies are organised and structured under 3 key categories:
- People, Past Events, and Societies.
- People, Place & Environment.
- People in Society, Economy & Business.
Each recognises the importance of one another, enabling reflection of local contexts. Given that children’s formative experiences shape their attitudes as ‘citizens of their classroom, school, and larger community’, social studies are a vital part of the early childhood curriculum.
Why do Social Studies matter?
Social studies support children to develop understanding of their own values and beliefs, as well as the cultures of others.
Through learning to locate, explore and link time periods, people, events, cultures, and places, children will begin to:
- Broaden their understanding of the world by learning about human activities and achievements in the past and present.
- Develop understanding of the principles of democracy and citizenship through experience of critical and independent thinking.
- Explore and evaluate different types of sources and evidence.
- Engage in activities which encourage enterprising attitudes, and support development of understanding of concepts that influence business.
- Establish firm foundations for lifelong learning and for further specialised study and careers.
How can I support learning surrounding Social Studies?
Through provision of a nurturing, stimulating and play-based learning environment within which children are afforded opportunity to extend their interests and learning further, practitioners perform a direct role in the way young children are exposed to social studies.
Play and play-based learning are integral to healthy social development. Through greater opportunities for play, children can become more self-regulated, co-operative, considerate, friendly, and socially competent.
Children have a natural interest in the world around them. As they engage in play and daily activities, they develop diverse skills, including: the ability form opinions, problem solve, and recognise the consequences of their actions.
