More and more, with Reading and Math being the focus of No Child Left Behind high-stakes tests, less and less time is being spent teaching social studies and science in the lower grades. The Center on Education Policy found 71 percent of school systems are reducing instructional time in at least one other subject to make time for more reading and math instruction, according to the Richmond Times Dispatch article.
Now I agree with the premise in the article that an understanding of reading and math is needed to learn social studies and science, but I think is important to teach social studies and science in the early grades too. A foundation of social studies and science must be laid in order for children to excel in later grades. Leveled books and materials that teach reading while also teaching social studies or science might be the best compromise.
Plus, if Senator Kennedy gets his wish, as referenced in an earlier blog post, and NCLB has science and social studies test areas, what is going to get cut to teach these tests?
I agree it is difficult but I have found if I integrate subjects I can get a lot more accomplished. For example we do a lot of science through writing. I provide the background knowledge- let's say about plants for example, then we can write an expository about how to grow a flower or plant. Subjects can relate to each other and I know that teacher editions are a wonderful resource for ideas on how to integrate other subjects into reading, math science etc. TE's will offer connections to other subjects. It really does make your life easier and it is more fun and meaningful for students to learn this way.