Instructional units for the study of Wisconsin in the fourth grade

Abstract

The purpose of this action-learning project was to organize the social studies curriculum for fourth grade children in the De Soto Area Schools so as to facilitate instruction related to these five units of study: Wisconsin's geography, history, culture, economy, and government. Activities, materials, and other learning experiences were selected. Literature pertaining to social studies instruction was examined. Social studies instruction for elementary children and, more specifically, for fourth grade children was discussed. It was concluded that fourth grade children are still in the concrete operational stage of cognitive development. Therefore, these children require concrete, tangible learning experiences. This is achieved by providing a variety of instructional learning materials, experiences, and resources as they pertain to fourth grade children. By using these instructional units with concrete learning experiences incorporated within, teachers of the fourth grade can provide their children with concrete experiences related to the development of a real understanding of the state of Wisconsin.