Texas Social Studies Framework - Department of Geography ...

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Taking a Look across the Grades
Facilitator’s Guide
Re-create the accompanying graphic organizer (Figure 36) to help participants record the major ideas generated
by comparing the TEKS for Social Studies across several grade levels. Participants will find both the course
descriptions and the TEKS for Social Studies helpful in completing this exercise.
Materials:
• Copies of the TEKS for Social Studies, K-12
• Copies of the “Taking a Look Across the Grades” graphic organizer for each participant
• One poster size copy of the “Taking a Look Across the Grades” graphic organizer for each group
• Markers
Directions for the activity facilitator:
1. Provide each participant with a copy of the “Taking a Look Across the Grades” graphic organizer and a
copy of the TEKS for Social Studies.
2. Divide participants into small groups and assign each group a grade level or course from the TEKS for
Social Studies.
3. Provide each group with markers and a poster size copy of the “Taking a Look Across the Grades” graphic
organizer. Use the “Directions for Participants” (below) to guide group activity.
4. After the groups have posted and presented their findings, lead the participants in a discussion about the
progression of content, concepts, and skills across the grades.
5. Ask the participants to reflect on the value of giving students learning opportunities that result in understanding
of concepts, content, and skills presented in each grade level/course of the TEKS for Social
Studies.
Directions for participants:
Chapter 7: Professional Development in Social Studies
1. Read the first paragraph of the TEKS course description for the group’s assigned grade level/course.
2. Record major topics and ideas that characterize this grade level/course in the spaces provided on the
“Taking a Look Across the Grades” graphic organizer.
3. Read the second paragraph of the introduction to the group’s assigned grade level/course.
4. Record major supplementary sources recommended for this grade level/course in the spaces provided on
the graphic organizer.
5. Discuss observations and impressions formed from analyzing the two paragraphs, and record conclusions
that the group draws about this information in the conclusions box on the graphic organizer.
6. Post the completed poster to the wall in order across the grades.
7. Present each group’s findings to the large group.