Where has Science and Social Studies Gone?

[Steph171]

As a student teacher of second grade, I rarely have the experience of teaching or observing a science lesson/activity, and have never experienced a social studies lesson.
Because of the strong emphasis on reading and math scores my teacher never has time for the other content areas.
The daily science lesson is planned and the objective is on the board but my teacher only gets to science maybe once a week.
These students are missing out on valuable a learning experience. The fun science activites are not encouraged. Math and reading all day long gets old and the students become unmotivated.
Are other schools experiening this lose of content?

[GK]

I'm seeing the same thing as a student teacher. There is such an emphasis on reading and math that every other subject, including the fine arts, take a back seat. What about those students who enjoy these soon to be obsolete subjects? They are totally getting turned off. Not only this, but these subjects are just as important in school and in daily life. If students are not learning about history than how are they going to feel a connection to their country?Hopefully school boards and those above their heads will realize the importance of other subjects besides math and reading before it's too late.

[:)norma]

Yes, I found that happening even though I LOVE science and the hands-on/small grouping activities that are turning kids into little Beakmans and Bill Nyes. I dwelt on the dilemma and found it wasn't just the pressure of the administration to pace Reading and Math lessons for specific timelines; it is also the time taken out of instructional time for drug education, self-esteem building assemblies, Big Brother/Big Sister visitation, pep rallies (K-12 school, ALL grades attend), daily announcements, and on and on......... Yes, they are all good "causes" but add up the minutes per week, and figure how many total class sessions are robbed! I don't have any answers.

[cflynn]

try clubhistorian.com with your students. It is fun, free and easy.

let me know if you have any questions.
clubhistorian@gmail.com