Social studies- in teaching elementary grades is the study of
people, places, and events in the world around us. Social
studies is a multidisciplinary field of study that encompasses
a range of subjects related to society and human behavior. It
includes learning about history, geography, economics,
government, and culture.
elementary social studies- students begin to develop an understanding of
their place in the world and the interconnectedness of different societies
and cultures. They learn about their own communities and the people and
resources that make them unique.
The purpose of social studies education is to:
students develop critical thinking skills and learn how
to analyze and evaluate information from a variety of
sources, and become informed and responsible
citizens
Social studies education encourages students to
explore their own beliefs, values, and biases
social studies education prepares students for future
academic and career pursuits, as it fosters skills such
as research, analysis, writing, and communication
learn to analyze and evaluate information from a
variety of sources
promotes empathy and cultural awareness
students learn about the experiences and
perspectives of people from different backgrounds
and cultures
helps students develop important skills such as
communication, collaboration, and problem-solving
It prepares them to be informed and responsible
citizens who can make positive contributions to their
communities and the world
In the Philippine setting, social studies topics in elementary grades
typically cover the following areas:
Philippine History - This includes the study of major events,
figures, and landmarks in Philippine history, from pre-colonial
times to the present day.
Geography - Students learn about the geography of the Philippines,
including the different regions, islands, and bodies of water. They
also study basic map skills, such as reading and interpreting maps.
Government and Civics - Students learn about the Philippine
government, including the branches of government, the
constitution, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Economics - Students learn about the basic concepts of
economics, including needs and wants, goods and services, and the
role of money in the economy.
Culture and Society - This includes the study of Philippine culture,
customs, and traditions, as well as the diversity of Filipino society.
Global Issues - Students learn about current global issues, such as
climate change, poverty, and human rights, and how they affect the
Philippines and the world.
Myths on the Origin of Social Studies
Continuous Spontaneous Existence (CSE) Theory
Big Bang Theory of 1916
Always remember:
Social studies is a combination of all social sciences: While
social studies does incorporate elements of various social
sciences, such as history, geography, economics, and political
science, it is not a simple combination of all of them. Social
studies focuses on the integration of these subjects in a way
that helps students understand how they relate to each other
and to real-world situations.
Social studies is a politically motivated subject: Some people
believe that social studies is a way to indoctrinate students with
a particular political agenda. However, the goal of social studies
is to help students develop critical thinking skills and become
informed and responsible citizens, not to promote a particular
political ideology.
Social studies is not a rigorous academic subject: Some people
view social studies as a soft subject, one that is not as rigorous
as math or science. However, social studies requires students to
analyze complex information, evaluate sources, and make
connections between different concepts, all of which require
critical thinking skills and academic rigor.
Integrated vs. Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Integrated curriculum
An integrated curriculum in social studies is an approach to teaching that incorporates social
studies content and skills across multiple subjects and disciplines, rather than teaching social
studies as a standalone subject. The goal of an integrated curriculum is to help students make
connections between different subject areas and to see how they relate to each other and to
real-world situations.
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
An interdisciplinary curriculum in social studies is a teaching approach that combines different
subject areas, such as social studies, science, math, and language arts, to create a more
comprehensive and integrated learning experience for students. The interdisciplinary
curriculum allows students to explore connections between different disciplines, seeing how
they relate to each other and to real-world problems.
Integrated vs. Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Integrated curriculum
Combines multiple subjects and
concepts into a cohesive curriculum.
Helps students see how different
subjects are interconnected and can
be applied to real-world situations.
Focuses on exploring topics that
integrate social studies with other
subjects such as science, language
arts, and mathematics.
Uses instructional strategies like
project-based learning, inquiry-based
learning, or thematic units to engage
students in active and meaningful
learning experiences.
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Combines different subject areas,
such as social studies, science, math,
and language arts, to create a more
comprehensive and integrated
learning experience for students.
Allows students to explore
connections between different
disciplines, seeing how they relate to
each other and to real-world
problems.
Design units or projects that integrate
different subject areas to explore a
particular theme or concept.
Helps students develop critical
thinking and problem-solving skills as
they explore complex issues from
multiple perspectives.
The social studies curriculum in the Philippines is based on
several legal documents, including:
The Philippine Constitution - Article XIV, Section 3 of the Philippine Constitution mandates that
the state shall promote and protect the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and
shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.
The Education Act of 1982 - This law provides for the establishment and maintenance of an
integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society. It also provides
for the establishment of a national curriculum that will ensure the acquisition of knowledge,
skills, and values necessary for personal development and nation-building.
The K to 12 Basic Education Program - This program, implemented in 2013, is the current
framework for the Philippine basic education system. It provides for a 12-year basic education
cycle consisting of six years of primary education, four years of junior high school, and two years
of senior high school.
The Revised Social Studies Curriculum - This curriculum, issued by the Department of Education
in 2014, provides guidelines for the teaching of social studies in the Philippine basic education
system. It aims to develop learners who are socially aware, informed, and active citizens who
contribute to the development of their communities and the nation.
The “expanding communities” curriculum model
The "Expanding Communities" curriculum model is an approach to teaching social studies in
the Philippines that emphasizes the gradual expansion of students' understanding of the
world around them
starting with their immediate environment and gradually moving outwards to explore larger
and more complex communities
This approach is aligned with the constructivist theory of learning, which suggests that
learners actively construct knowledge by building on their prior experiences and
understanding.
In this curriculum model, the social studies curriculum is organized around the following themes or strands,
each of which focuses on a particular community or level of community:
Self and Community - This strand focuses on the students' immediate community,
including their families, school, and neighborhood. It aims to develop students' sense
of identity, responsibility, and connection to their community.
Town or Barangay - This strand expands students' understanding to include their
town or barangay, exploring its history, government, economy, and social issues. It
aims to develop students' understanding of how their community functions and how
they can contribute to its development.
City or Municipality - This strand explores larger and more complex communities,
such as cities or municipalities, and their relationship to the region and the country
as a whole. It aims to develop students' understanding of the interdependence of
communities and the need for cooperation and collaboration.
Region and Nation - This strand focuses on the nation and its relationship to other
nations, exploring its history, geography, culture, government, and economy. It aims
to develop students' sense of national identity and civic responsibility.
Overall, the "Expanding Communities" curriculum model in teaching social studies in the
Philippines provides a structured and coherent approach to social studies education, helping
students develop a deep and meaningful understanding of their community and the world
around them. It also encourages active and engaged citizenship, emphasizing the importance
of contributing to the development of one's community and nation.
Teaching and learning in the elementary classroom should be meaningful, integrative,
value-based, challenging, and active. These qualities of powerful social studies learning are
foundational to the development of children’s knowledge, skills, and dispositions as
participating citizens in a global society
MEANINGFUL
In order for social studies instruction to be meaningful, teachers must understand and meet
the needs of their students. At every grade level, teachers should capitalize on the diversity
and natural interests of their students in the world around them.
INTEGRATED
Social studies is integrative by nature. Powerful social studies teaching crosses disciplinary
boundaries to address topics in ways that promote social understanding and civic efficacy.
It also integrates knowledge, skills, and dispositions with authentic action. When children
pursue a project or investigation, they encounter many problems and questions based in
civics, economics, geography, and history.
VALUE-BASED
Young learners do not become responsible, participating citizens automatically. They need
to engage in frequent opportunities to make daily decisions about democratic concepts and
principles that are respectful of the dignity and rights of individuals and the common good.
They need to participate in learning experiences that involve core values of democracy,
including freedom of speech and thought, equality of opportunity, justice, and diversity.
CHALLENGING
Challenging elementary school social studies can pave the way for lifelong learning and active
citizenship. Teachers should provide students opportunities for in-depth investigation of
concepts that challenge and engage them. Challenging social studies instruction includes
research, debates, discussions, projects of all varieties including the arts, and simulations that
require application of critical thinking skills. Instead of simply reading and answering
questions from textbooks, elementary students should be taught to inquire, question,
evaluate, and challenge informational sources. Teachers should ask young children
compelling questions that stimulate decision-making, problem solving, and issue analysis
The objectives of the Araling Panlipunan curriculum are:
(Layunin ng AP Kurikulum)
1. To develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of human cultures and societies,
both past and present.
2. To develop an understanding of the complex interrelationships among individuals, societies, and
the environment.
3. To develop critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to evaluate and interpret social and
cultural phenomena.
4. To promote civic consciousness, nationalism, and a sense of responsibility for the common good.
5. To develop skills for effective communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict
resolution.
6. To promote respect for human rights, social justice, and democracy.
The themes of Social Studies Curriculum (Tema ng AP curriculum)
1. Human, Society, and Environment - This theme focuses on the relationship between human
societies and their natural environment. It explores how societies have adapted to their
physical surroundings and how they have modified the environment to meet their needs.
2. Time, Continuity, and Change - This theme examines how human societies have changed over
time, how they have adapted to changing circumstances, and how they have preserved
elements of continuity.
3. Culture, Identity, and Nationhood - This theme explores the cultural diversity of human
societies and the ways in which culture shapes individuals and communities. It also examines
the concept of nationhood and how it relates to identity and culture.
4. Rights, Responsibilities, and Citizenship - This theme focuses on the principles of human
rights, social responsibility, and citizenship. It explores the relationship between individuals
and society, and how individuals can contribute to the common good.
5. Power, Authority, and Governance - This theme examines the nature of power and authority
in human societies, how these are exercised, and the ways in which they can be challenged or
changed.
6. Production, Distribution, and Consumption - This theme explores the economic aspects of
human societies, including the production and distribution of goods and services and the
factors that influence economic decision-making.
7. Regional and Global Linkages - This theme examines the interdependence of human societies
at the regional and global levels. It explores the ways in which societies interact with one
another and the challenges and opportunities that arise from these interactions.
Pangunahing Pamantayan ng Bawat Yugto (Key Stage Standards)
Following Key Stage Standards in teaching social studies curriculum is necessary for several
reasons:
1. Provides a clear framework: Key Stage Standards provide a clear and concise framework for
educators to follow. This ensures that the content and skills taught are appropriate for the
developmental level of the students and are aligned with the educational goals.
2. Ensures consistency: Following Key Stage Standards ensures that there is consistency in
the content and skills taught across different schools and classrooms. This makes it easier
for students who may transfer schools to adjust to the new curriculum.
3. Facilitates assessment: Key Stage Standards provide a clear understanding of what
students should know and be able to do at each stage of their education. This makes it
easier for educators to develop appropriate assessments to measure student learning and
progress.
4. Prepares students for future education: Key Stage Standards help prepare students for
future education by ensuring they have a strong foundation in social studies. This is
particularly important for students who plan to pursue further education in social sciences.
5. Prepares students for citizenship: Social studies is essential in preparing students to be
active and engaged citizens.
PANGUNAHING PAMANTAYAN NG BAWAT YUGTO
(KEY STAGE STANDARDS)
GRADE
LEARNING COMPETENCY STANDARDS
K
The initial understanding of recognizing oneself and interacting with others as a
foundation for developing awareness of the social environment can be demonstrated.
1
Demonstrate awareness and understanding of oneself as a member of the family and
school, and value the physical environment using the concepts of continuity and change,
interaction, distance, and direction towards the formation of individual identity and
membership in the social community or the society.
2
The awareness and understanding of oneself as a member of the family and school, and
valuing the physical environment using the concepts of continuity and change,
interaction, distance and direction towards identifying oneself as an individual and a
member of the community can be demonstrated.
3
The wide understanding and appreciation of Philippine communities as part of the
provinces and regions of the country based on (a) physical characteristics, (b) culture, (c)
livelihood, and (d) politics can be demonstrated using deep concepts of continuity and
change, interaction between humans and the physical and social environment.
4
The Filipino identity and the Philippines as a nation that values the diversity of Filipino cultures
can be proudly demonstrated through the use of geographic skills, understanding of culture and
livelihood, participation in governance, and appreciation of the goals of the Philippine nation.
5
Demonstrate understanding and value the formation of the Philippine archipelago and ancient
societies up to the major economic changes and its implications on society at the beginning of the 19th
century, using fundamental concepts such as historical significance, continuity and change, cause and
effect relationships towards developing a young citizen who is critical, reflective, responsible,
productive, environmentally aware, humane and patriotic, and values social issues in the past and
present towards building a prosperous future for the country.
6
Demonstrate the continued understanding and appreciation of Philippine history from the 20th
century to the present towards the formation of a definite identity as a Filipino and citizen of the
Philippines. Show a deep understanding of Philippine history based on the analysis of selected
primary sources, written, oral, audio-visual and combinations of these from different periods,
towards the formation of a national consciousness that will serve as a basis for a broader perspective
on the world.