ED374 SOCIAL STUDIES, ENGLISH, LANGUAGE ARTS METHODS FOR PRIMARY EDUCATION Course Syllabus - Lorrie Russell

Term
Spring 2026
Section
M1
Course Delivery
ln person­[FTF]
Class Program

ED374:

Credits 4
Description
This course offers a balance of curricular and instructional approaches that include concepts, skill level and problem solving, and the appropriate use of technology software to support learning skills as they relate to Language Arts and Social Studies. The individuality of every learner and the importance of planning instruction and assessment that show respect for all cultures and diversities, encourage critical thinking, and encourage habits of life-long learning are emphasized. Content specific assessment strategies are discussed and implemented, and data are analyzed in order to plan remediation and future instruction. Students will apply specific P-5 methods that include, but are not limited to: play, small group projects, open-ended questioning, group discussion, problem solving, cooperative learning, and inquiry experiences to help young children develop intellectual curiosity, solve problems, and make decisions pertinent to social studies and English/language arts. A summative final assignment is to create a detailed cross-cultural unit plan on a subject from the Ohio Model Curriculum complete with identified objectives, materials, lessons, teaching strategies, accommodations, assessments, and future planning.

Prerequisites

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details

Meeting Days:
T/TH
Meeting Times:
1-2:30
Location:
CH303
Delivery Details

ED374 is delivered in person, face‑to‑face on campus. Our class time is designed for active participation, discussion, and hands‑on practice. Being present in class allows you to collaborate with peers, engage in interactive activities, and receive immediate feedback. Together, we’ll build a supportive learning community that thrives on shared experiences and professional growth.

Contact Information

Instructor:
Lorrie Russell
Instructor Email:
lorrie.russell@wilmington.edu
Office Location:
300C
Phone Number
9374812389
Office Hours:
M-W-F 12:30-2:00pm
Course Learning Outcomes

1.0 

Upon successful completion of this course…
1. The student will be able to apply child development techniques to provide meaningful, integrated
learning opportunities that are developmentally and individually appropriate for young children in a
variety of settings: at home, at school, and in the community.
2. The student will be able to develop and evaluate topics of study in terms of conceptual soundness,
significance, and intellectual integrity.
3. The student will be able to explain the rationale for and use of specific developmentally appropriate
methods that include, but are not limited to: play, small group projects, open-ended questioning, group
discussion, problem solving, cooperative learning, and inquiry experiences to help young children
develop intellectual curiosity, solve problems, and make decisions pertinent to social studies, English,
and language arts.
4. The student will be able to reflect on practice, articulate a philosophy and rationale for decisions,
continually self-assess and evaluate the effects of their choices and actions on all stakeholders.
5. The student will be able to recall strategies and environments to meet the specific needs of all
children, including those with disabilities, developmental delays, or special abilities.
6. The student will be able to discuss the influence of the physical setting, schedule, routines, and
transition on children and use these experiences to promote children’s development and learning.
7. The student will be able to articulate Ohio’s Academic Common Core Content Standards in Social
studies, English, and Language Arts.
8. The student will be able to locate and use appropriate professional literature, research, organizations,
resources, and experiences to inform and improve practice.
9. The student will be able to establish and maintain positive collaborative relationships with colleagues,
other professionals, and families and work effectively as a member of a professional team.
10. The student will be able to use word processing, multi-media presentations, instructional software, the
internet, e-mail and other technology to develop appropriate instructional materials and strategies that
support learning activities.

Course Materials

This course does not require a textbook. Instead, we’ll use a variety of resources — including articles, case studies, videos, and professional tools — that are provided for you in class and on Blackboard. All materials are chosen to be practical, accessible, and directly connected to your work as a future teacher. Bring a notebook or digital device for notes and reflections, and be ready to engage with hands‑on activities each week.

Instructor's Course Objectives
  1. Analyze historical, philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of P–5 education and explain how these perspectives shape current practice. ◦ Aligned to CAEP 1.1, InTASC 4, Ohio PLO 1
  2. Examine how cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity influences teaching and learning, and design responsive strategies that promote equity. ◦ Aligned to CAEP 1.3, InTASC 2, Ohio PLO 2
  3. Design and implement inquiry-based, standards-aligned lessons that integrate social studies and ELA to foster civic engagement and literacy. ◦ Aligned to CAEP 1.4, InTASC 7–8, Ohio PLO 2
  4. Apply instructional strategies in field placements, collaborating with mentor teachers and reflecting on P–12 student learning. ◦ Aligned to CAEP 2.3, InTASC 9–10, Ohio PLO 3
  5. Develop and use formative and summative assessments that generate actionable data to inform instruction and demonstrate student growth. ◦ Aligned to CAEP 5.2, InTASC 6, Ohio PLO 2
  6. Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, ensuring equitable access to social studies and literacy learning. ◦ Aligned to CAEP 1.3, InTASC 2–3, Ohio PLO 2
  7. Reflect on personal teaching practice and civic identity, expanding global perspectives and collaborating with colleagues, families, and communities. ◦ Aligned to CAEP 1.5, InTASC 9–10, Ohio PLO 3
 
Course Schedule

Tentative Schedule

Subject to change during the semester. Adequate notice of changes will be given.

ED374 Course Schedule

Week2026 Dates (T/Th)Module TitleStandards Alignment
Week 1Jan 13, Jan 15Course Introduction: Identity & CitizenshipCAEP 1.1; InTASC 4, 9; Ohio EPP Subject Matter; PLO 1; OSTP 7.3
Week 2Jan 20, Jan 22Foundations of Social StudiesCAEP 1.1; InTASC 4; Ohio EPP Program Quality; PLO 1a; OSTP 1.1
Week 3Jan 27, Jan 29Planning for Meaningful CurriculumCAEP 1.2; InTASC 7; Ohio EPP Instructional Planning; PLO 2a; OSTP 5.1
Week 4Feb 3, Feb 5Integrating Children’s LiteratureCAEP 1.4; InTASC 8; Ohio EPP Instructional Delivery; PLO 2b; OSTP 2.2
Week 5Feb 10, Feb 12Culturally Responsive & Global CitizenshipCAEP 1.3; InTASC 2; Ohio EPP Program Quality; PLO 6a, 6b; OSTP 4.3
Week 6Feb 17, Feb 19Inquiry Arc & Questioning StrategiesCAEP 1.1; InTASC 5; Ohio EPP Subject Matter; PLO 1b; OSTP 3.1
Week 7Feb 24, Feb 26Seeing Student ThinkingCAEP 2.3; InTASC 2, 9; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; PLO 3a; OSTP 6.1
Week 8Mar 3, Mar 5Midterm Checkpoint & Brain BreaksCAEP 1.2; InTASC 3; Ohio EPP Program Quality; PLO 7a; OSTP 5.1
Week 9Mar 9–13Spring Break – No Classes
Week 10Mar 17, Mar 19Designing Integrated SS/ELA LessonsCAEP 1.2; InTASC 7–8; Ohio EPP Instructional Planning; PLO 2a; OSTP 5.1
Week 11Mar 24, Mar 26Assessment in SS & LiteracyCAEP 5.2; InTASC 6; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; PLO 5b; OSTP 3.2
Week 12Mar 31, Apr 2Reflective Practice & Self-AssessmentCAEP 4.1, 5.2; InTASC 9; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; PLO 5a; OSTP 7.1
Week 13Apr 7, Apr 9Journey Box: Primary SourcesCAEP 1.1; InTASC 5; Ohio EPP Subject Matter; PLO 1a; OSTP 2.2
Week 14Apr 14, Apr 16Collaboration with Families & CommunitiesCAEP 2.1; InTASC 10; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; PLO 6b; OSTP 6.2
Week 15Apr 21, Apr 23Ethics, Equity, and Professional ResponsibilityCAEP 5.1; InTASC 9; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; PLO 4a; OSTP 7.3
Week 16Apr 28, Apr 30Capstone: Field-Based UnitCAEP 4.1, 4.2; InTASC 9–10; Ohio EPP Program Quality; PLO 5a; OSTP 7.1
FinalsMay 6 (Tues/Thurs class final)Comprehensive Final ExamWC Final Exam Schedule

 

 

Course Assignments
WeekDates (T/Th)AssignmentCorrect Due DateStandards
Week 1Jan 13, Jan 15Self‑Introduction (5 pts)Jan 17CAEP 1.1; InTASC 4, 9; PLO 1
Week 2Jan 20, Jan 22Graphic Organizer (5 pts)Jan 22CAEP 1.1; InTASC 4
Week 3Jan 27, Jan 29Weekly Reflection (5 pts)Jan 29CAEP 1.2; InTASC 7
Week 4Feb 3, Feb 5Children’s Literature Project (10 pts)Feb 20CAEP 1.4; InTASC 8
Week 5Feb 10, Feb 12Weekly Reflection (5 pts)Feb 12CAEP 1.3; InTASC 2
Week 6Feb 17, Feb 19Weekly Reflection (5 pts)Feb 19CAEP 1.1; InTASC 5
Week 7Feb 24, Feb 26Seeing Student Thinking (10 pts)Mar 5CAEP 2.3; InTASC 2, 9
Week 8Mar 3, Mar 5Brain Break #1 (5 pts)Mar 5CAEP 1.2; InTASC 3
Week 9Mar 9–13Spring Break
Week 10Mar 17, Mar 19Ohio Video Project (30 pts)Mar 17CAEP 1.4; InTASC 5, 8
Week 11Mar 24, Mar 26Weekly Reflection (5 pts)Mar 26CAEP 5.2; InTASC 6
Week 12Mar 31, Apr 2Weekly Reflection (5 pts)Apr 2CAEP 4.1, 5.2; InTASC 9
Week 13Apr 7, Apr 9Journey Box (15 pts)Finals WeekCAEP 1.1; InTASC 5
Week 14Apr 14, Apr 16Ohio Family/Hero Project (10 pts)Apr 16CAEP 2.1; InTASC 10
Week 15Apr 21, Apr 23Brain Break #2 (5 pts)Apr 23CAEP 5.1; InTASC 9
Week 16Apr 28, Apr 30Field-Based Unit (25 pts) + Final Reflection (5 pts)May 6CAEP 4.1, 4.2; InTASC 9–10
FinalsMay 6Final Exam + Unit ReflectionMay 6CAEP 4.1, 5.2

 

Course Final Exam
May 4-7 Capstone Presentations and Reflection
Evaluation of Work

The grading scale will be as follows:

Point distribution – ED374

Social Studies/ELA Methods for Primary Education – (Scaled to 860 total points)

  • Formative assessments: 370 points total
    • Attendance and participation: 70 points
    • Weekly reflections/homework: 200 points
    • Self-introduction + final reflection: 50 points
    • Brain break activities (2): 50 points
  • Summative assessments: 490 points total
    • “What is Unique About Ohio” video project: 150 points
    • Children’s literature project: 50 points
    • Ohio family/hero history project: 50 points
    • Seeing student thinking: 50 points
    • Journey box: 70 points
    • Field-based unit (2-day integrated SS/ELA): 120 points
  • Total course points: 860

 

 

Letter grade conversion – ED374 (860-point scale)

Points earnedPercentage rangeLetter gradePerformance description
809–86094–100%AExceptional mastery; excellence in knowledge, pedagogy, assessment, and professional responsibility.
774–79990–93%A‑Strong performance with minor gaps; consistently advanced understanding and application of standards.
748–76587–89%B+Above average; solid application of course concepts with room for refinement.
722–73984–86%BCompetent; meets expectations for knowledge and practice with consistent effort.
688–71380–83%B‑Adequate; meets minimum expectations with some gaps in consistency.
662–67877–79%C+Developing; partial application of concepts with notable areas for improvement.
636–65374–76%CBasic; meets minimum requirements for content knowledge and pedagogy.
602–62770–73%C‑Marginal; limited demonstration of course objectives.
576–59367–69%D+Weak; significant gaps in knowledge and application.
550–56764–66%DMinimal; does not consistently meet course expectations.
≤541≤63%FFailing; does not demonstrate required knowledge, pedagogy, or professional responsibility.

Instructor Course Policies

Instructor's Course Attendance Policy

Your presence and participation are essential to our shared learning community. Because ED386 emphasizes collaboration, reflection, and practice, regular attendance helps you stay engaged and prepared for assignments. If you must miss class, please communicate with me in advance whenever possible. Absences do not excuse you from completing assignments, and you are responsible for catching up on missed work. Together, we’ll keep the focus on growth, professionalism, and consistency.

Instructor's Academic Integrity Policy

Honesty and integrity are the foundation of our work together. All assignments must reflect your own effort, with proper credit given when you use ideas, words, or resources from others. Collaboration is encouraged when appropriate, but copying or misrepresenting work is not. AI tools (such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or others) may be used responsibly for brainstorming or organizing ideas, but all submitted work must show your own understanding and professional judgment. If AI assists your work, please acknowledge it. Misrepresenting AI-generated content as entirely your own is considered a violation of academic integrity.

Course Description

ED374 prepares teacher candidates to design, implement, and assess integrated Social Studies and English Language Arts instruction for grades P–5. Candidates explore the foundations of social studies education, the C3 Framework for inquiry, and strategies for integrating literacy with civic learning. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive pedagogy, global citizenship education, children’s literature integration, inquiry-based projects, and the use of primary sources to expand historical perspectives.

Assignments include developing an Ohio-based travel video project, creating a Journey Box of primary sources, designing field-based units, and reflecting on candidate identity as a social studies educator. Candidates learn to differentiate instruction for diverse learners, apply formative and summative assessments, and analyze student thinking to inform instructional decisions. Collaboration with families, communities, and mentor teachers is embedded throughout field experiences to strengthen professional practice.

All course objectives and assessments are explicitly aligned with CAEP Initial-Level Standards, InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, Ohio Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Standards, and Wilmington College Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs). This ensures candidates demonstrate competencies required for licensure, accreditation, and effective practice in real-world classrooms.

The course follows the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework and integrates Universal Design for Learning (UDL principles) to provide clarity, accessibility, and multiple pathways for candidate success.

Institutional and Program-Level Policies

Final Exam Schedule

All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.

Undergraduate:  SP25 Final Exam Schedule    Graduate:  

 

Out-of-class Work Expectation

A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week.

Instructional Course Delivery                                                                                                            

Definition of Courses

Academic Integrity Policy

The use of generative AI is prohibited except where expressly allowed in assignment instructions.

Academic Integrity Policy

Class Attendance Policy                              

Institutional Class Attendance Policy

Accessibility and Disability Services