A substantial amount of research and curriculum development completed over the past 2 decades can be used to improve the teaching of U.S. history to young children. This digest discusses: (1) insights from recent research; (2) insights from recent curriculum development; and (3) connections of research to curriculum development. The digest…

Teaching history using children's literature, both fiction and non-fiction, is an old idea enjoying new vitality in the elementary and middle school curriculum. This digest discusses: (1) the revival of interest in teaching history through children's literature; (2) research-based guidelines for teachers of history and children's literature, and…

Briefly reports findings of research indicating that primary school children are adept at recognizing many historical stereotypes and placing them in an accurate sequence. Illustrates how time charts can be used to foster children's historical understanding. (RH)

A preliminary report of a study of primary and middle school children's ability to learn history by reading stories, looking at pictures and handling museum objects and then attempting to infer historical explanations. (BH)

Two teachers portray historical characters--from Lewis and Clark to Laurel and Hardy. And now, heeeeere's Allen and Corey! (Editor)

An imaginative teacher should encourage students to view history as a process in which they act a part, rather than concentrate on teaching them dead facts. (MB)

Discusses the value of historical fiction, using historical fiction to teach history and to teach literature, and activities using historical fiction. Offers a sample approach using the book "Underground to Canada," and notes cautions in using historical fiction. (SR)

Reviews 21 new books and provides a list of previously published books that teachers will find helpful in introducing young children (between 4 and 8 years old) to earlier eras. (PRA)

Presents a board game in which students pretend to be American Indians, settlers, or traders. Explains that students learn about people and life in Canada in the nineteenth century. Suggests that players will learn vocabulary, a sense of value, and bartering methods. Includes designs for the gameboard, commodity cards, and score cards. (DK)

Classroom observations and interviews with 60 children, aged 6 to 12 years, in Northern Ireland and comparisons with previous U.S. research show the extent to which specific forms of historical representation shape understanding of change over time. As was consistent with differing historical representations, children in Northern Ireland are less…

Students can learn to appreciate history as readers and writers of historical fiction. This section presents an introduction to historical fiction, a display idea, a mystery history game, discussion of character-building, charts for students to fill in with information on historical characters, suggestions for customizing writing centers and for…

The Internet can help teach students about women's achievements during Women's History Month. Children can go online and see pictures of the space shuttle commanded by Eileen Collins, trace Amelia Earhart's flight, or see how the late Florence Joyner captured two Olympic gold medals. A student reproducible has students visit specific web sites and…

Describes an interdisciplinary project to help elementary school children discover the relationship among technology, history, and geography that involved the building of a model Brooklyn Bridge and considering the history and role of the real bridge. Suggestions for similar projects for other cities are appended. (JPB)

The subject of gargoyles is engaging for children. Creating their own gargoyles is a journey to a place of fantasy and imagination. Ghosts, goblins, creatures of the night--this is the stuff for which students have a limitless reserve of energy. What more appropriate time than Halloween to share with them the history of these functional--and…

Social studies instruction in the elementary school is sometimes far removed from the students' daily lives, and teachers continually search for ideas to create more meaningful learning experiences. That is especially true when students study history, which can often be distant, abstract, and impersonal. As many classroom teachers realize,…