Each unit contains several activities. The first 2 pages of each activity should be read as a two page spread. The page on the left outlines the teaching/learning objectives. This page provides a summary of the curriculum objectives. As such, these objectives form the fundamental and mandatory portion of the guide. Each of these pages is cross referenced to the curriculum guide so that a teacher may consult it for a more complete outline of the curriculum objectives. The page on the right outlines the suggested teaching learning strategies. Although the strategies have been thoughtfully and carefully planned, as the title indicates, they are suggestions only. They may be used as outlined, they may be adapted, or they may be changed entirely to meet the needs of students and teachers. Any alternate strategies should, however, be consistent with the teaching/learning objectives as outlined.
Each activity includes a number of pupil or teacher information pages which are designed to help the students learn the concepts. Generally speaking, there are far more suggested activities than could be used in any given year. This is done intentionally so that a teacher has a variety of options for individualized instruction, split grade classes, students with special needs or interests, etc. It also provides options for teachers who like to change their Grade 6 program from year to year. Teachers are encouraged to select the activities that are appropriate for them and their students or design their own activities that may be more appropriate than the ones suggested.
Teachers may also choose to change the order of the units or the activities within each unit. For example, segments of Unit 4 Interdependence could be taught at various times during the year in conjunction with major current events.
Although the teacher will choose to omit or change many of the suggested activities outlined in the guide, care should be taken. to plan the year in such a way so that all four of the major concepts are taught during a given year. That is omit some of the activities, but do not omit any of the four units. The four major concepts have been assigned to the Grade 6 curriculum as part of a K to 12 program. Omitting an entire unit may break the cycle of progressive concept development.
Although many pages of the guide are designed to be photocopied for use by students and teachers, it is not designed to be. made into a workbook for students. A "workbook approach" to teaching this program is inconsistent with the philosophy of Core, would be counterproductive to meeting the objectives of social studies, and would not allow for the incorporation of the Common Essential Learnings.
The Activity Guide is designed to be the property of the teacher. As such, the guide may be taken apart and/or added to as the teacher sees fit. Over time, some of the material will certainly become dated and the teacher may replace segments with more appropriate material.