This article shares lessons from committed and inspirational educators from across the country with whom the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) worked in 2020. Their experiences reinforce that nonpartisan teaching about democracy is possible (i.e., not teaching who to vote for, but rather how the system…

Family history projects have been used extensively in social studies education. They help to personalize history and mediate an awareness of self in relation to others. This article details how one such project, implemented in a teacher education program, promoted dialogues of respect and fostered community among pre-service teachers. It includes…

An innovative program for schools that promotes respect and understanding between major religions enables students to engage with peers around the world via videoconferencing. Using videoconferencing and online community, "Face to Faith" enabled students from across the globe to learn from, with, and about one another. In the 2013-2014…

In late December of 1951, a news story out of Mims, Florida, shocked the nation. The story contained elements of prejudice, discrimination, injustice, lynching, rape, bombings, and murder. The story not only made headlines across the country, but also the world. On the evening of December 25, a bomb was placed under the floor joists of the bedroom…

This article examines social studies in the primary grades and shows how community resources can facilitate social learning. A three-stage model is examined which addresses the issues of citizenship and community involvement in the primary grades. It provides for teacher/school, parent/community, and learner involvement in all stages of…

A model is provided which shows how the community can become a laboratory in which the learner studies data and makes decisions. In the community laboratory, learners are both participants and observers, helping them understand why they live as they do and how citizens work together to improve community life. (Author/JR)

Most students assume that a thriving society runs smoothly because people abide by the laws. But there are various informal, as well as formal, means of social control such as gossip, ridicule, and shame that function even in complex societies to achieve social control, or conformity to group norms. Good teaching ideas have the potential to lead…

In this introduction, the author sets the tone for a series of articles which are intended to stimulate elementary teachers and school personnel to recognize the value of community resources and to undertake steps to make full utilization of such resources. (Author/JR)

The use of diaries helps students increase their understanding of everyday life of past historical persons. Using a diary is recommended as a tool for teaching the Bicentennial. One sample diary is examined. (JR)

To become an integral part of the school program, local resources must be identified, documented, and cataloged at the school or district level. A form for collecting data and sample activities and ideas for using these community resources in interdisciplinary social studies/language arts courses in the elementary grades are presented. (RM)

Provides suggestions for turning the search for local history materials into a coherent package for the classroom. Teachers should choose a project that teaches skills and helps shape student values. A thematic approach (for example, transportation) contributes to selectivity and is useful for producing a sourcebook. (KC)

Describes activity for elementary social studies methods instructors to teach preservice teachers the value of field trips. Students select and visit field trip locations and prepare presentations to the class. Evaluation forms for the presentation and a field trip resource sheet are included. (KC)

In this article, the author relates his experience of being attacked for teaching American history at a rural school in north Alabama using a critical, more inclusive approach to American history and social studies. He describes how he struggled with the notion of perspective in teaching primary documents, particularly papers written by those not…

Examines how the objectives of open schools and those of contemporary social studies are similar in trying to make the individual a functioning member of society with a high level of participation. One is to guide the children in learning activities that emerge from their own interests and involve the community as a resource and a laboratory.…

Suggests teaching techniques, content, and problem areas to be considered when teaching about black family life in America. The article discusses advantages of separate courses as opposed to units within a course, the importance of examining literature, who should teach, effective pedagogical styles, and being mindful of assumptions about the…