What to do?

What syllabus are you teaching? If you plan for the whole year at the beginning, you might be able to do something +a-bout the practical aspects too. My suggestion though would be to ask the students to read the chapter BEFORE you teach it. There will be certain aspects that they will understand without you having to teach them. Then the period can be used for general discussions on the topic which will help you to cover a lot more than the syllabus and also get the children interested in reading about the particular topic (atleast to ask valuable questions in class). This also enforces self learning. I think it is time to think of creative ways to teach the children (or should I put it as help them learn?).The main thing that a teacher needs to do is understand the pulse of the child and keep thir interest kindled.

I run a business centre where many schools and college authorities come to get their question paper typeset and print. When I was typing the social science for VIII, IX and X Standard, I just remember that I covered those subjects in my pre university and degree class. The portion is very vast and it is too much for high school students. I think these things should be told in nutshell and those students who are really keen on learning they can refer to internet or big books. TEll me what is the relevance to the child, of the religious wars in Europe and England, What will be the gain to get knowledge about feudalism and many isms.? India being the oldest civilization, it is difficult to teach children about Indian History.