Writing is a key part of Social Studies at Mountain View Core Knowledge School. There are three reasons that I emphasize writing so much in Social Studies. They are...
Writing is fundamental to learning.
Writing doesn't only assess what someone has learned, it causes people to learn. Writing leads to discovery, organization of thoughts, and problem-solving.
Writing makes learning active.
History should not be learned only by receiving information. Writing causes student ownership of the material, as students make their own connections about history. Every person could interpret history differently and personally.
Writing clarifies understanding.
Writing helps organize, review, and understand material. By putting ideas to paper, students can see where their difficulties lie.
Writing doesn't only assess what someone has learned, it causes people to learn. Writing leads to discovery, organization of thoughts, and problem-solving.
Writing makes learning active.
History should not be learned only by receiving information. Writing causes student ownership of the material, as students make their own connections about history. Every person could interpret history differently and personally.
Writing clarifies understanding.
Writing helps organize, review, and understand material. By putting ideas to paper, students can see where their difficulties lie.
From Writing in the Social Studies Classroom by Peter Pitard.