Safe, noncontroversial social studies textbooks are neither meaningful nor necessary according to many students. As an alternative, teachers can integrate well-written trade books into the social studies curriculum. Well-researched diaries, journals, biographies, and autobiographies should become an integral part of the curriculum. (28 references)…

Argues that teachers should apply the same techniques to teach expository writing in social studies textbooks as they do with teaching children's literature. Presents four activities that can be used in whole class and small group instruction. Provides examples and a 13-item bibliography of more information. (CFR)

Reviews the literature of the critical thinking/problem solving approach to learning and discusses how these concepts relate to teaching research skills. Two activities designed to teach critical thinking and research skills in the context of grades 5 and 6 social studies are summarized. (2 references) (MES)

Discusses "Cobblestone," a social studies magazine, and "Penny Power," a consumer education publication, in this the second of a two-part article concerning content area periodicals for intermediate grade students. (FL)

A qualitative study was undertaken to create lesson plans that integrate science and social studies with the hope that teachers will expand them and incorporate them into their curricula. An instructional package of lesson plans that teachers can use to integrate the science and social studies curriculum was devised. The "Mississippi State…

This paper investigates the proper length of instruction in various curriculum areas. The 17th century educator, Johann Amos Comenius, believed that a teacher should be careful not to present too much for a child to learn. A review of the research shows that there are no clear and ironclad answers. Some studies have shown that large deficits in…

This research focused on increasing cultural awareness and cultural literacy among 17 world geography students in a Florida sixth-grade. Pre- and post-tests, surveys, cultural notebook evaluation sheets, a speaker's bureau directory log, accountability notebook log, and a cultural resource materials log were used to gather data. Strategies…

Provides direction for developing appropriate, meaningful social studies instruction for the middle school. Identifies characteristics of early adolescents that have a direct relationship to curriculum design and the selection of appropriate social studies instruction strategies. Offers National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)…

Alternative assessments, grounded in reflective practice, can enliven instruction and improve students' knowledge, reasoning, and communication skills. When teachers share a rubric with students, everyone knows the standards for success. Sense of community and small class sizes in rural schools provide an ideal environment for teacher-student…

Asserts that most representations of non-Western cultures are inherently tainted with Eurocentric and colonialist precepts. Argues for, and describes, a variety of strategies to deconstruct these perceptions. Maintains that issues of ethnicity, inclusion, and difference are more complex than normally thought. (MJP)

This document investigates issues, principles, and practices in music education programs in elementary schools. Objectives were to determine how music education programs meet the intellectual, cultural, and artistic needs of children in a changing society and to provide direction in planning and implementing more realistic and comprehensive music…

This teaching unit was written to supplement the curriculum of intermediate and secondary teachers in Washington State. The material is applicable to social studies classes, special events and American Indian studies. The unit includes an extensive account of the various historical periods in American Indian Education, beginning with initial…

Maintains that citizenship education is at the center of social studies instruction. Asserts that citizenship responsibilities can be taught in the K-12 classroom. Presents three case studies of teachers using classroom techniques to improve student's support for democratic values. (CFR)

A literature review was conducted in an effort to locate programs that could improve opportunities for learning for middle graders, and particularly educationally disadvantaged middle graders. Of the more than 200 programs that were reviewed, about 80 were identified as having promising components for middle grades educators. Section I discusses…

Argues that the integration of mainstream literacy into social studies instruction is necessary to ensure that students in urban middle school classrooms learn content. Also argues for instruction from a "multiple literacies" approach in order to validate and engage disinterested students. (CFR)