[lovejava]

I'm teaching a 3rd/4th combined Social Studies class this year. I have awesome History resources and feel that I can align them fairly easily. My issue is geography, economics and cultural studies. Which one should I start with? Just feeling a little overwhelmed with these. I like the idea of unit study so any ideas would be most appreciated!!!

[Linda/OH]

We start with geography and then refer to places and map skills all year long. It seems to be easy to understand for most kids too and lends itself to enjoyable map making projects

[vttraveler]

In our school we choose countries to study and teach about their culture, and then teach the geography of that county and the surrounding counties. As part of the unit, we cover the economics of the country we are studying. But, if you are required to teach a broader spectrum, I agree with the PP, begin with geography.

[1956BD]

and map reading skills. I like teaching with maps of our area. I use maps of our city and state. The students work in pairs. I have a list of questions to go with each map. The pairs work as a team to locate the answer on their map before the other pairs. After the question is answered correctly, the pair helps me to make sure everyone in the room understands how to find that answer on the map.

I also make my students memorize the name of our city, county, state, country, continent, hemisphere..... I will attach the graphic organizer we use.

[tchrL]

This is an awesome resource! I am a first year 3rd grade teacher and appreciate such a great suggestion. Thank you!