SOCIAL STUDIES
ESSENTIAL SOCIAL STUDIES SKILL MAP FOR TEACHERS1
Directions: This chart is designed to help you keep track of student social studies skill application in your Social Studies class. As students
practice and use these skills place a check mark in the appropriate box that corresponds to the cycle and skill. This will help you see the gaps,
repetitions and prospective areas of focus as you design units. In any given cycle (or unit) there could be many skills that students are asked to
apply.
Students will acquire, develop and apply essential social studies skills to their exploration of the world.
Study Study Skills
Find Information
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1. Use various parts of a book (index, table of
contents, etc.)
2. Use key words and other references to find
information.
Arrange information in Useable forms
3. Make and use timelines.
4. Take notes.
5. Listen for information.
6. Write persuasive essays and position papers.
7. Prepare a bibliography.
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From National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Task Force on Scope and Sequence.
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Technology Skills
Computer Resources
8. Use computerized almanacs, encyclopedias,
dictionaries, periodicals, and news sources.
9. Use the Internet to research topics: search
engines, content specific web sites.
Software Skills
10. Become familiar in the use of computer
programs: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint,
Excel, and other computer programs.
Thinking Skills
11. Classify information.
12. Identify relevant factual material.
13. Group data in categories according to
appropriate criteria.
14. Place data in tabular forms: charts, graphs,
illustrations.
Interpret and Analyze Information
15. Draw inferences from factual information.
16. Form a simple organization of key ideas.
17. Compare and contrast credibility of differing
accounts of the same event.
18. Predict likely outcomes based on actual
information.
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Summarize, Synthesize, and Evaluate
Information
19. Extract significant ideas from supporting
illustrative details.
20. Form an opinion based on critical
examination of relevant information.
21. Present visually (chart, graph, diagram,
model) information extracted from print.
22. Communicate orally and in writing.
23. Prepare a paper that requires a solution to a
problem.
24. Test the validity of information, using such
criteria as source, objectivity, currency.
Decision Making Skills
25. Determine whether or not information is
relevant to the topic.
26. Identify a situation in which a decision is
required.
27. Secure factual information relevant to
making decision.
28. Make decision based on the data obtained.
Interpersonal & Social Participation Skills
29. Select a strategy to solve a problem.
30. Express personal conviction.
31. Communicate own beliefs, feelings, and
convictions.
32. Adjust own behavior to fit the dynamics of
various groups and situations.
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Interpersonal & Social Participation Skills
cont.
33. Keep informed on issues that affect society.
34. Identify issues in which social action is
required.
35. Work individually or with other to decide on
an appropriate course of action.