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.…

Proposes that, in addition to demanding literal comprehension of reading materials, study guides should contain questions that require the type of critical reading that promotes interactive, constructive, and dynamic cognitive behaviors. Provides a sample of a general study guide that would promote these reading behaviors. (AEM)

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)

Reading and related basic skills should be stressed in the elementary social studies curricula. An integrated curriculum makes social studies more meaningful to students and strengthens its position in the curriculum. (Author/AM)

Presents a model for infusing energy conservation into the social studies curriculum at the junior high school level. The model provides for vocabulary-concept building, prereading activity, content reading, and group and individual activities. (RM)

A major goal of the social studies teacher should be to nurture independent reading-thinking habits, including inquisitiveness, critical thinking, and evaluation of ideas presented in information. How this can be done through skillful question planning is discussed. (RM)

Teaching basic skills in elementary social studies courses does not promote more teaching of social studies; it decreases social studies teaching time. The adverse impact of overemphasizing the 3-Rs and auditory and abstract learning over visual and tactile-kinesthetic experiences is discussed. (AM)

Demonstrates how philosophical thinking can be stimulated by reading folk tales, myths, and legends. Explains how to emphasize the stories' hopefulness and optimism and to de-emphasize violence and morals. (Author/AV)

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…

Social studies is an information-laden subject, with much of the required information in textbooks. Although text-books are only one medium for learning social studies content, it is the dominant resource in most classrooms. Years ago, Goodlad (1984) found that textbook reading assignments were one of the most common instructional approaches used…

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)

A reply to a critique of the article "Integration of Basic Skills: The Great Deception in Elementary Social Studies" (Social Studies, Nov-Dec 1982), this article argues that reading about social studies will not teach social attitudes or problem-solving behaviors. (RM)