Interesting Quote You can enhance learning in your classroom by creating lessons and learning situations where students

are not always led to a predetermined conclusion (Johnson, p 8, par 6). I liked this quote because it helped remind me that teachers should not always provide the answers for students; sometimes it is better to show students multiple perspectives and let them decide for themselves-value student thinking and input. The chapter mentions the importance of choice and teaching our students how to think like citizens of a community. Part of this is letting students make up their own mind on various matters, rather than providing them with an answer or influencing them with our own ideas. Big Idea Standards serve to enhance education when used intelligently by educators. Standards can only lay a foundation for teachers about the knowledge and skills needed for students to be successful academically. It is the teachers job to analyze the standards and organize them in a way that can be communicated and reviewed with students, and ensure both the teacher and the specific students are being considered. Only the teacher can judge the students levels of abilities, etc. in order to make the standards meaningful and accessible. Make a Connection I made a connection when I read about the various ways to make social studies meaningful for students. I remember dreading my social studies lessons because they were so dull. I can only remember reading a chapter and answering follow up questions. Occasionally we would have a report on a president or another famous figure. Rarely did my teacher ask our opinions on matters that pertained to the real world, or challenge us to consider different perspective on an ongoing issue. I can really appreciate how the chapter covers ways to challenge students to think for themselves as a valued citizen, or integrate the subject with other areas so it is not always about reading. I think this subject definitely needs more real world application. I know that because of my very dull experiences from childhood, I will do my best to create meaningful and engaging lessons for all areas related to social studies.