Teaching & Learning

Our Vision

History and Social Science is a journey to understand the human experience in all its complexity. It is essential that students explore the past with the understanding that it informs—but does not define—their present or limit their future. Through this exploration, students learn to honor the humanity of those with diverse perspectives while developing the critical thinking skills to recognize that not all perspectives are equally valid. Ultimately, students are empowered to identify injustices and take informed, purposeful action to create a more just and equitable world.

Our Goals

Our history and social science curriculum is organized around the following goals that guide instruction and assessment for our students to develop as analytical thinkers in history, geography, civics, and economics to prepare students for informed participation in shaping the nation's and the world's future.

Historically Literate

Critically evaluate primary and secondary sources to distinguish between what is reliable through the lens of a historian. NNPS Profile: Critical Thinking
Use reading, writing, thinking, and discourse to apply historical thinking. NNPS Profile: Critical and Creative Thinking, Communication, Collaboration

Critical Thinker and Problem Solver

Engage in collaborative inquiry with peers to investigate historical events, civic issues, and economic systems, using primary and secondary sources to think critically, analyze perspectives, and solve real-world problems. NNPS Profile: Critical Thinking, Collaboration
Participate in meaningful discourse with classmates, educators, and experts to share interpretations, challenge assumptions, and gather evidence from diverse sources to support informed conclusions about the past and present. NNPS Profile: Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication
Develop skills in evaluating and interpreting historical data, maps, graphs, and artifacts using appropriate tools and methods. Identify patterns, relationships, and cause-and-effect connections to draw evidence-based conclusions. NNPS Profile: Critical Thinking
Understand the importance of civic responsibility and take informed action as engaged citizens to support equity, justice, and the common good in local, national, and global contexts. NNPS Profile: Citizenship
Examine global and historical challenges such as human rights, migration, and access to resources to recognize the interconnectedness of communities and the role of civic action in creating positive change. NNPS Profile: Citizenship

Scholarly Writer and Effective Communicator

Communicate effectively with peers, community members, and the community through various oral, print, and digital media to provide discourse about findings, wonderings, and information explored. NNPS Profile: Creative Thinking, Communication
Engage in scientific debates and discussions powered with knowledge from literature and exploration to articulate ideas. NNPS Profile: Communication, Collaboration
Foster collaboration and communication between peers from different cultural backgrounds to enhance an understanding of global issues. NNPS Profile: Citizenship, Collaboration, and Communication

Our Instructional Approach

The NNPS History and Social Studies curriculum utilizez evidence based instructional practices aligned with the Virginia Department of Education. We believe that all students are historians. We empower them to explore the past and present through primary and secondary sources, building a deeper understanding of history and social studies content. Our goal is to bring history to life while creating an inclusive, engaging learning environment where every student sees themselves reflected and valued.

Hands-On and Inquiry Based Learning

Emphasize hands-on activities, simulations, and investigations that allow students to actively explore historical events, civic processes, and economic systems.
Encourage students to ask compelling questions, examine multiple sources, gather evidence, analyze perspectives, and draw conclusions based on historical and civic reasoning. This approach fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential to understanding and engaging with the world around them.

Collaboration and Communication

Encourage collaboration among students through group investigations, discussions, debates, and presentations focused on historical events, civic issues, and cultural developments.
Foster effective communication skills by providing opportunities for students to articulate their interpretations, support claims with evidence, and respectfully engage with diverse viewpoints.

Differentiated Instruction

Instruction is designed to support all learners by meeting their different needs and abilities.
All students are given opportunities to explore history and social studies in ways that match their own pace and level of understanding.

Use of Technology

Technology tools, simulations, virtual experiences, and online resources align with the Virginia History and Social Science Curriculum Instructional Guides.
These tools enhance instruction by providing students with engaging and authentic opportunities to explore historical events, analyze primary sources, and investigate civic and global issues.

Questions? Please call the NNPS Elementary Social Studies Office at (757) 283-7850 x.10267.