Southern United States folk music is rich in not only sound, but in voices of the past. Folk songs were created by working class individuals who described aspects of their life in connection with societal issues and events. Folk songs, now digitally archived, can serve as primary historical sources that can be used to enhance the secondary social…

First graders engaged in an extended historical inquiry. Close readings of secondary and primary sources evoked rich class discussion. Scaffolding directed students' scrutiny of secondary sources for historical gaps; they ably detected source and intent within the primary sources. Students articulated newly constructed understandings through…

In this piece, we share a story about the power of historical investigation as a means of developing critical literacy in young children. Drawing on the work of VanSledright (Social Educ 68:230, 2004), we outline four aspects of historical thinking as they relate to the development of critically minded citizens. We then turn to a discussion of a…

Social studies content is more meaningful to students when they can empathize with the people they study. Such empathy can be fostered via content material that is presented in a relevant, emotional, intimate, and even entertaining manner. Folk music offers this type of creative and constructive approach. The elementary school classroom is the…

The folk songs and ballads of early America describe life as experienced by the common people. They were sung within the family, by neighbors and at gatherings of larger communities. The stories told were carried in the memories of those who heard them. Once a strictly aural and oral tradition, the words came to be written down, and the surviving…

This document, part of the lesson plan series, "Teaching with Historic Places," examines roadside attractions of the United States. Following introductory material the document sets out student objectives and teaching activities. Among the instructional suggestions are sections on "Setting the Stage"; "Locating the…

The legend of the gunfighter-lawman, frontier justice, and the extent of violence in western history are suggested as possible course content to make history more relevant and interesting. (DE)

Discusses the Salem witchcraft trials as a reflection of the social and moral values of colonial Massachusetts and New France. Traces the history of the trials. Describes other instances of witchcraft and folk superstitions during that same historical period. Provides primary sources of a picture, map, and excerpts from letters pertaining to the…

Reports a panel proceeding enumerating classroom experiences in teaching local and regional American history to high school and college students through oral history techniques. (TO)

Annotates seven popular American cultural myths and explains how historical myths can serve as vehicles of misinformation in the social studies classroom. Presents tips to teachers on how to teach history in an open and honest manner without glamorizing historical figures. (Author/DB)

Argues that teaching history through poetry to secondary-level students presents a broad humanistic perspective of each era studied. Demonstrates the method by including four poems to illustrate different perspectives on immigration to the United States. Claims that history becomes more memorable and understandable, and that poems in themselves…

As part of an American History survey course at East Tennessee State University, students conducted research on ordinary objects from homes, barns, and workshops in the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee, learned techniques for displaying and interpreting artifacts, and designed and constructed exhibits illustrating aspects of homelife and work in the…

Describes the origins and growth of country music shows on radio stations during the 1930s. Asserts that the growth of the radio broadcast industry, particularly in the southern United States, was intertwined with country music. Discusses the role of country music and other ethnic music during the Great Depression era. (CFR)

Presents a folkloristic analysis of two history teachers' performances of lectures in an eleventh grade U.S. history course. Discusses educational research on teachers as storytellers, a folkloristic framework for analyzing teachers' storytelling, and the reception of stories by students. Reveals that the history lectures combine both anecdote and…

Discusses the role of historians from an anthropological perspective. Maintains that there are "double histories": a political, official history and a history focusing on place and society. Asserts that history's virtues make it both important and impossible. (CFR)