The skills standards in this curriculum describe what any upper elementary student should be able to do within the four social studies disciplines before moving onto more advanced studies, The skills standards also cover research, technology, and argument skills. These skills can be scaled up or down for other grades. Based predominantly on the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework with a separate section for technology skills, the “Moose on the Loose” skills standards present Key Ideas along with supporting ideas outlined in bullet form that will enhance and expand the student’s skill set.
The New Hampshire Historical Society emphasizes the importance of integrating skills with content knowledge. The introduction of skills alone will not adequately prepare students for more challenging social studies instruction at the middle school and high school levels. True historical literacy—that is, a deep understanding of the past that will provide useful context for tackling today’s problems—must be based on a foundation of content knowledge, which the students demonstrate through the application of historical thinking skills. Without content knowledge, students will not be able to authentically practice these skills.