The authors provide an overview of children's books published in the United States during the last decade (2000-2010) that deal with Mexico and Mexican people. Suggested guidelines for selecting quality books and a list of award-winning titles are included as resources for teaching about Mexico. (Contains 2 tables and 4 figures.)

To promote content literacy, students have to be actively involved. This article focuses on strategies that stimulate student interest by involving them with the content during pre-reading, during-reading and post-reading activities. These processes provide students with optimal opportunities for comprehension. The authors recommend the use of a…

It was 1,000 years ago that King Ethelred ordered the building of a large fleet of ships to blockade England from Viking invaders in a last-ditch effort to stop a series of invasions that had plagued England for decades. Although teachers may already have a personal and professional fascination with this and other events surrounding the Viking…

Learning social studies curriculum can present challenges for English-language learners (ELLs). The language used to present concepts is often decontextualized and abstract, making it difficult for these students to understand the content and have successful learning experiences. In this article, the authors describe strategies elementary teachers…

In this case study, the work of an exemplary high school social studies teacher is highlighted. In her class, late-arrival immigrant students participated in oral, writing, and demonstration activities as they learned the physical, cultural, and historical traditions of geography education. As newcomers to the English language, the students'…

The text of a teacher-written play "The Tragedy of Woodrow Wilson" that can be used in high school social studies classes is presented. The author also discusses how he went about writing the play. (RM)

Discusses the use of photography as a teaching tool in social studies classes. Suggests that photographs can be used to teach not only history but also ethnic and religious customs and intellectual atmosphere. Urges teachers to stress that the image captured on film limits as well as illuminates its subject. (DK)

Reviewed are four simulations, two of which use microcomputers, which can provide secondary students with important analytical concepts by which presidential elections may be followed. The simulations are Elect 1 and 2, Hat in the Ring, Coalition, and Hail to the Chief. (RM)

Suggests adding excitement to social studies instruction by using trade books. Cites research associating the reading of historical fiction with increased historical understanding. Describes the benefits of trade books' narrative form. Argues that such books can change students into active learners, help them study a slice of history, and increase…

Suggests multisensory approaches to writing instruction. Explains how even pieces of candy can provide students with memorable lessons in writing. Encourages teachers to be creative in coming up with similar ideas of their own. (SG)

Examines the origins of the Bill of Rights. Explores the temptation to focus on current problems at the expense of the future. Introduces four articles concerning teaching about the Bill of Rights. (SG)

Some of the advantages of using computer simulations in social studies are examined, and criteria to help social studies teachers select worthwhile social studies simulations are discussed. (RM)

Lists a sampling of free materials and their sources for use by social studies teachers. Includes videos, maps, pamphlets, booklets, games, posters, and travel brochures from Norway, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Korea among others. Provides source addresses, turnaround times, and descriptions of the materials. (DK)

Presents an annotated bibliography of books on the Holocaust suitable for young adults. Describes Holocaust institutions and their resources. Provides an address for teachers interested in contacting a Holocaust institute in their area. Discusses the proliferation of teaching resources on the Second World War and their value in the classroom. (RW)

Discusses the problems of teaching time concepts to children. Suggests alternatives to the traditional time line. Describes the use of bottles and boxes as symbols of units of time when encouraging children to visualize and understand time. Provides information which will assist teachers in using these techniques. (KO)