With the significant enrollment increase of English Language Learners (ELLs) nationwide, social studies teachers face challenges to educate these students. As a response to the literature of preparing all content teachers to work with ELLs, this article introduces three teacher-friendly language-focused strategies. These strategies help social…

The number of middle school students with learning disabilities (LD) taught social studies in general education classes continues to rise. Providing general education teachers with additional ways to support students with LD as they navigate social studies reading materials could help planning and teaching for all students. In middle school, when…

Reading in content areas is generally difficult for English-language learners (ELLs), but reading in social studies is particularly challenging for ELLs for several reasons. First, ELLs often lack background information that textbook authors assume readers have. Second, ELLs in the process of learning a new language do not have…

Methods that social studies teachers can use to help elementary and secondary students overcome textbook-related vocabulary difficulties are discussed. Methods include having teachers point out specialized uses of terms, identify potential areas of confusion, provide clear instructions, and prepare glossaries. (RM)

Problems that students may have because of their unfamiliarity with the passage structures used in many social studies textbooks are discussed. Passage structures are defined as certain rhetorical structures such as compare/constrast, general/specific, and sequence. A teaching strategy for helping students overcome these difficulties is included.…

Suggestions to help social studies teachers use historical fiction and biography to teach critical reading to intermediate grade students are made. For example, teachers should help students to check various sources for the author's qualifications, purpose, and bias and assist students in analyzing language and writing style. (RM)

Describes a technique involving a story-frame concept which may be helpful in improving comprehension of content-area materials. Lists procedures for using this technique. Provides an example of a story frame for studying about Gandhi. Suggests that the value lies in enabling students to see the connection between a story and the presentation of…

Asserts that the study of geography promotes spatial skills and increases awareness of the significance of location and place. Maintains that novels are good resources for geographic instruction. Provides geographic content reviews and suggested instructional methods for using two novels, "Old Yeller" and "Prairie Songs." (CFR)

Asserts that, even with the expansion of new electronic media and educational technology, books still represent the widest range of possibilities for providing multiple perspectives on the human experience. Provides a list of 20 books reviewed and recommended in the article. (CFR)

Asserts that most teachers would like to teach about religion, especially in history, but hesitate because they are uncertain about what they can teach legally. Recommends using children's literature to point out how religions affect the way families throughout the world live in their homes and communities. (CFR)

Asserts that the use of multiethnic adolescent literature can help teachers create meaningful learning opportunities to explore diverse perspectives. Recommends the use of thematic literature studies and provides a framework model. Includes four multidisciplinary cognitive maps and a bibliography. (CFR)

Asserts that using children's literature in social studies can enrich the course content and help achieve prescribed objectives. Maintains that well-planned activities based on carefully chosen books are necessary for successful implementation of this approach. Recommends 23 books in 4 subject categories: (1) cultural studies; (2) geographical…

Contends that teaching world studies requires breaking down cultural barriers. Describes a world studies course in which African literature is used to provide a pluralistic view of encounters between African and European civilizations. Includes descriptions and interpretations of the books used in the course. (CFR)

Contends that historical fiction can generate lively discussions among students about relevant social science concepts and contemporary social problems. Discusses why literature is a preferable alternative to many history and social studies textbooks. Presents a literature-based unit for eighth-grade U.S. history. (CFR)

Describes an instructional unit in which students developed a series of mock trials based on legal issues in popular fairy tales. Asserts that meaningful learning takes place when children's activities in schools involve real-life experiences. Provides a list of 19 legal issues found in fairy tales. (CFR)