Teaching Gifted Children Social Sciences in Grades Four Through Six

Addressed to those who teach social sciences to gifted students in grades 4-6, the booklet elaborates upon suggestions made in the proposed framework on the social sciences for California public schools. Concepts, generalizations and themes of the social sciences are examined as they relate to principles of teaching social science to gifted children. Emphasis is upon productive thinking, creative thinking, problem solving, and a blending of cognitive-affective skills. The concern is expressed that, rather than merely learning simple inquiry training, gifted students experience productive thinking through behaving like social scientists and that they conceive of themselves as problem-solving thinkers. Social science skills are examined (conceptual models, behavioral skills, evaluative and creative skills). Higher intellectual skills are considered in a chapter discussing several theoretical frameworks for examining thinking abilities. Creative persons and the creative process are briefly discussed in relation to teacher strategies. Thoughts on the contribution of the social sciences to the development of the gifted child's potential conclude the booklet. (Author/KW)