Suggests ways of studying women's biographies so as to provide young girls with appropriate role models. (DD)

This book adopts a questioning approach to studying history in which students become biographers who read, discuss, research, and write books about their subjects, providing their own original interpretations of the facts. By digging into the past and reflecting on what they have learned, students get involved in the process and are eager to do it…

This study unit is designed to assist elementary students in discovering Eleanor Roosevelt's contributions to U.S. history and to the world. The unit begins with a brief biography of Eleanor Roosevelt, followed by biography study questions. Learning activities are then suggested. Students are asked to make costumes and portray her at different…

Childrens' historical books by author Jean Fritz offer teachers a stepping stone to fun and interesting history units. Make-believe journeys, time lines, role playing, and storytelling activities based on the Fritz biographies help children learn many different skills. (DF)

These learning stations use questions about television and film stars, as well as famous historical figures, to motivate students in problem solving and other technical language skills. (Author/SJL)

Presents the ideas of four elementary school classroom teachers with regard to reading instruction. Includes "An Invitation to Reading Fluency,""Reading Chapter Books for Fun,""Easing the K-1 Transition through Language Experiences," and "A Meeting of Minds: Teaching Using Biographies." (PRA)

This book provides biographical information about 19 stylistically different illustrators of children's picture books. The illustrators and illustrations selected for representation demonstrate the many changes and styles in book illustration that have occurred during the past 50 years. Focus is upon how and why these individuals became children's…

Describes 33 books that give children insight into living in the great Midwest and into westward expansion, including books by and about Laura Ingalls Wilder, on the nature of the prairie, famous figures of the Midwest, picture books, and novels. (SR)

This lesson plan uses fascinating letters (written by people famous, infamous, and ordinary, some of whom lived through extraordinary times), as a starting point for discussion of and practice in the conventions and purposes of letter-writing. Its 10 lessons seek to make students able to: (1) list at least 5 conventions of letter writing; (2) cite…

Presents brief annotations of 31 books (published in 1997) for children and young readers (of which libraries and schools might want multiple copies), grouped in the following categories: books with lessons for young writers; picture books packed with information; appreciating memoirs and biographies; for the poetry shelves; and books for the…

This article summarizes the plot of "Bonjour, Lonnie," a picture book about an orphaned African American Jewish boy's search for his roots; provides discussion questions; and outlines research and language arts activities in biography, art, civil rights, and family heritage. Includes an interview with the author, and highlights the 1997…

Examples from American slave narratives offer demonstrative evidence that slave biographies and autobiographies deal with the worthwhile theme of the denial of and struggle for freedom and contain exciting adventure plots consisting of mystery, romance, risk-taking and disguises. Characters striving for freedom exhibit positive traits such as…

This book is intended (1) as a supplementary text in college courses in children's literature, (2) as a source of information for educators involved in curriculum development programs in the field of children's literature, (3) as a reference guide for schools and community libraries, and (4) as an aid to parents in guiding their children's…

This bilingual English/Spanish social studies resource booklet provides an encyclopedia-style overview of Venezuela's history, geography, economy, and culture for teachers to use with migrant children in the elementary grades. Topics presented in the English portion include climate, land, people, customs, government, arts, food, culture, wildlife,…

Intended for elementary teachers to use with migrant students, this bilingual English/Spanish social studies resource booklet provides an encyclopedia-style overview of Peru's history, geography, economy, and culture. Topics included are the people, geographic regions, festivals and celebrations, the economy, natural resources, Lake Titicaca,…