This article models the integration of social studies and language arts commonly used in elementary classrooms by using a text that incorporates straightforward social studies content in the context of the daily experiences of a Chinese family in the U.S. The authors illustrate how to use the award-winning novel, Front Desk by Kelly Yang, with…

External influences in the universal culture have significantly affected the image of Arab Americans and their children. Although Arab Americans are less visible than other minorities, the anti-Arab perception in the media makes them more visible in a negative way. Based on an ethnographic study investigating the experiences of Arabic-speaking…

Asserts that most representations of non-Western cultures are inherently tainted with Eurocentric and colonialist precepts. Argues for, and describes, a variety of strategies to deconstruct these perceptions. Maintains that issues of ethnicity, inclusion, and difference are more complex than normally thought. (MJP)

Savage, blood-thirsty, drunk, monosyllabic, naked, and primitive are the stereotypes of Native Americans in textbooks. These stereotypes are so pervasive that they tend to be accepted uncritically by the rest of society. The evidence suggests that many textbooks are biased and, in a large number of cases, outright racist. The concept of…

Asserts that, since the civil rights movement of the 1960s, social studies textbooks have changed to reflect a multicultural perspective. Encourages primary-level teachers to supplement instruction with visual aids that represent ethnic groups in positive ways. (CFR)

This document lists resources and suppliers for teachers who want to obtain balanced and accurate resources for teaching about Arab culture. The Arab-American community provides a wealth of personal experience and expertise. There is no more effective teaching aid than first hand accounts of major historical events, sharing a taste of Arabic home…

Twenty-four units which focus on the contribution of women and minority group members to the development of the Pacific Northwest provide supplementary material for high school social studies classes. The lives of 12 women are treated in separate units. Other topics include the Pacific Northwest 100 years ago, the temperance movement, oral history…

Discusses a teacher's views of changes in education about and attitude toward Japan as it shifted from a military to an economic power. Describes pre-World War II views of Japan and the evolution of U.S. public opinion over time. Includes information on university outreach programs, private cooperative groups, resource centers, and teacher travel…

Designed for high school students, this unit provides library activities for six topics in Pacific Northwest history. Although the references are located in the Renton High School (Olympia, Washington) library, the lessons are appropriate for anyone with access to the materials. The six topics are natural environment, Indians, western frontier,…

This middle school curriculum guide helps teachers to work with students to explore the experiences of new immigrant children and to nurture student understanding of migration and its impact on individual refugees and recipient community members. An introductory section ("Notes to the Teacher") explains the issues that call for this…

Argues that the inclusion of ethnic folktales into a social studies unit can reinforce stereotypical assumptions unless it is balanced with accurate and insightful social and cultural instruction. Summarizes and discusses a number of Latino folktales and how they could be used as springboards for appropriate instruction. (MJP)

Presents study results of teaching social studies in a rural environment. Addresses size of school, teacher preparation in social studies, teacher orientation toward teaching content, and achievement scores. Concludes that teachers in rural schools have more positive opinions of their students but need additional teaching materials and inservice…