Despite its rich heritage and enduring popularity, country music has historically been marginalized in American music education, usually in favor of more "high-brow" musical practices. This article explores potential explanations for this imbalance within the context of a general overview of cultural and social considerations and…

From 1997-2001, the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Arts Council have cosponsored an annual Kentucky Folklife Festival to celebrate the traditions of diverse groups from across the state. Folklife, or folklore, includes traditions that are shared by a group of people who have a mutual background or interest. Folklore can be expressed…

This annotated bibliography cites print and nonprint resource materials on folklore which can be used with elementary students. The bibliography is coordinated with and can be used to supplement the content of the Holt Databank System program, grades three through six, and the Man: A Course of Study (MACOS) curriculum, grades five and six. In…

This theme issue of "Goldfinch" focuses on the definition of 'hero' and uses examples from Iowa's history to demonstrate the definition. Heroes of all ages have appeared in legends and real life, facing different challenges in the circumstances of life. The heroes profiled are ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. Those…

Resources about Arizona for children in kindergarten through eighth grade are listed. Materials include fiction and non-fiction and are mostly English language titles. Books listed have generally been published since 1977, although classic titles distinguished by literary or artistic merit are included, as are bibliographies published before 1977.…

A theme issue of the Iowa State Historical Department magazine focuses on elementary readings and activities about prehistoric Iowa. The issue contains a total of 16 articles. In "History Makers," a ten-year-old recounts his family's discovery of a mammoth bone on their farm. "Imagine a Camping Trip Long Ago" looks at how the…

Folk music is an excellent resource for learning American history. As the voice of common people, folk music reminds us that history is not merely a body of chronological information, but the composite experience of generations. (Author/RK)

"The Goldfinch" is a periodical that introduces young children to various facets of Iowa history. Each issue has a different theme topic and a number of articles covering diverse aspects of the topic being addressed. This issue focuses on myths and legends. Featured articles discuss how stories passed from generation to generation to…

A theme issue of the Iowa State Historical Department magazine ("The Goldfinch") focuses on elementary readings and activities about Iowa prairie life. A total of 13 articles is included. In "History Makers," eight letters recount student and teacher prairie experiences. "The Prairie: Problems or Paradise?" recounts…

This theme issue of "The Goldfinch" focuses on weather in Iowa and weather lore. The bulletin contains historical articles, fiction, activities, and maps. The table of contents lists: (1) "Wild Rosie's Map"; (2) "History Mystery"; (3) "Iowa's Weather History"; (4) "Weather Wonders"; (6)…

Designed for use at the elementary level, this study guide accompanies a short history of the life and culture of the Massachusetts Bay Colony prior to the American Revolution (see related document, ED 108 997). The guide provides additional material as well as a series of study questions, suggestions for additional reading, and field trips within…

This issue of "The Goldfinch" focuses on Iowa history. The booklet is divided into two sections. Section 1, "Features," contains the following: (1) "Looking for History"; (2) "Talking History"; (3) "Climbing the Family Tree"; (4) "Tribal Storytelling"; (5) "News About You"; (6)…

Designed for use at 4th-through-10th-grade level, this short history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony provides a view of colonial life style and culture prior to the American Revolution. The first sections discuss the Puritan migration and early settlement around Boston. Descriptions of colonial housing, furniture, food, clothing, clothing styles,…

The achievements and fictional exploits of Davy (or David) Crockett have entered the American imagination--it is difficult to distinguish what he did and said from what has been attributed to him. And it is also difficult to discuss the influence of the frontier on the American temperament without reference to David Crockett. This lesson plan…

Produced by the Montana Council for Indian Education as part of its Indian Culture Series, the five short articles in the book explain how the Plains Indians got horses in legend and in fact. The stories describe the behavior codes, rules, cultural and social significance, and eventual cessation of horse raids, and the ceremony and tradition…