Mr. Popplewell's Classroom Mission

What is social studies?

Why is it important?

Why do you teach what you teach?

Tech Savvy

-Regular opportunities to use smart technology to participate with apps like Show of Hands, Socrative and Poll Everyone.

-Research opportunities using iPad Minis.

-Use online presentation tools like Prezi.

-Helping Mr. Popplewell learn new technology/online tools to use in the classroom.

Respect and Protect

-Everyone is important!

*No matter who you love, who you worship, what your family looks like, what your skin color is, where you are from or what you want to be when you grow up!

Beliefs about Student Learning

-Every student is entitled to a quality education.

-Every child deserves a fair chance.

-Every child is important and has something of value to offer.

-Every child deserves a teacher that will advocate for what is best for him/her.

-Every student must have a chance to learn social studies. (Arguably the best subject!)

Academic Needs

Learning about Diverse Populations

-We will learn about diverse population groups from around the world.

-We will meet diverse people from around the world.

-We will learn about diverse groups/people in our own neighborhoods.

-We will learn to value and respect people who believe differently than we do.

-We will learn to respect people who live differently than we do.

-We don't have to agree, but we have to be willing to be learn from one another!

Social Studies is a collaborative subject

(This means students of all academic levels participate with one another)

-Additional support provided for students needing modifications.

-More in-depth analysis expected from GSSP students.

-Group work allows students to learn from one another.

-Providing necessary help as requested by guidance office, resource teacher, etc.

The Learning Environment

-Everyone is important and has something of value to bring.

-Opinions and ideas welcome.

-Diversity is key to a true learning environment.

-All who are willing to learn are welcome and accepted!

-Team players always go far!

My role as the teacher

Conflict Resolution

1. Provide your student will all info necessary to adequately pass social studies testing.

2. To ensure that each student is provided with multiple ways to learn.

3. To constantly assess ways to better present materials to meet student needs.

4. To provide a safe place for students.

5. Provide multiple points of view on

the impact of events in history.

-Classroom rules created in cooperation with students.

-Students signed behavioral contract to abide by rules.

-We will learn about well-known conflicts in our curriculum to try and teach the next generation how to handle problems responsibly.

-All school rules will be followed.

-We will attempt to solve all problems without utilizing the United Nations intervention (i.e. front office, guidance office, security)

-Students must realize that actions have consequences. (Learning responsibility)

How I will build positive

relationships with students

-Try to attend at least one home game for teams my students play on.

-Be abreast of student activities to encourage them and support them in their accomplishments.

-Provide supports when possible for areas where students struggle.

-Always being willing to listen.

-Advocating for my students as often as possible.

-Providing fresh starts when possible*

-Giving students freedom to use their talents on projects**

*Some issues require school intervention and are not under my discretion.

**Some assignments must be done as outlined without room for changes.

Expectations

of Students

-Be ready to learn.

-Be ready to respect the

ideas and opinions of others.

-Be ready to participate.

-Be ready to work hard.

-Be ready to think outside of the box.

-Be ready to be exposed to differing viewpoints.

-Be ready to admit that we can learn

a lot from people around the

world.

The World

-Students are the future!

-Hopefully social studies will help them learn how to treat one another and the world with a little more respect.

A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.

Mahatma Gandhi

Mr. Popplewell's Classroom Mission

Social Studies