Suggesting that reading plays aloud is an effective way to promote literacy and history in the grade 4-8 classroom, this book presents 22 short, readers' theater plays about extraordinary American men and women. The plays in the book are designed to enrich classroom learning by building oral literacy, fostering a knowledge of American heritage,…

This resource book provides information and activity sheets on explorers of North America. The five sections of the book trace the explorers' contributions both geographically and chronologically. Each section includes thought questions, biographical portraits and skill activities for grades 4-8. Section 1, "They Opened the Door,"…

A biogaphy of W. E. B. Du Bois is presented in this book for young children. Du Bois is widely regarded as the foremost black intellectual from the United States. A great scholar, he was the first black American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University. Of his written work he is probably best known for his essays, "The Souls of Black…

This biography for younger readers recounts the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, one of the first black organizers of voter registration in Mississippi. The book presents an overview of the civil rights movement while describing Hamer's life in Mississippi, her involvement in voter rights in 1962 at the age of 45, and her efforts as a civil rights…

This biography for younger readers describes the life of Malcolm X, the African American religious and political leader who was prominent in a movement to unite black people throughout the world. The book presents an overview of the civil rights movement and documents Malcolm's role as an advocate for black separatism, black nationalism, and the…

This biography for younger readers depicts the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Nobel Peace Prize winner who dedicated himself to the struggle for equal rights for African Americans while embracing the principle of nonviolent resistance. The book presents an overview of the civil rights movement and chronicles King's role as national leader…

Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, a journalist and speaker, headed a back-to-Africa movement in the second half of the nineteenth century that was one of the first black rhetorical movements to meet the challenges of institutionalized racism in the United States. Turner was a preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, becoming first an elder…

This annotated bibliography of books and articles targeted toward elementary school students includes both fiction and nonfiction entries representing social, historical, and political perspectives of various issues involved in the study of human rights development in the United States. The 84 entries cover books published between 1944 and 1980.…

This booklet summarizes basic information concerning Hungary and Hungarians in America. It is intended as an initial source of reference for the teacher, student, and general reader. The history of Hungary is discussed in three sections, including the origins of Hungarians, the history and culture of Hungary since 1500, and conditions in Hungary…

The purpose of this booklet is to bring New York state's four signers of the Declaration of Independence back into the mainstream of American Revolutionary history. Brief biographical sketches are presented about four patriots--Philip Livingston, Lewis Morris, William Floyd, and Francis Lewis. After providing a short history of New York during the…

Fifty children's books about the Pacific Northwest area of the United States are listed in this annotated bibliography. Fiction, nonfiction, and biographies published during 1963-1973 are included. The books were chosen for use with grades 1-9 and the appropriate grade level is noted after the annotation for many of the entries. Entries are listed…

The men and women profiled in this book spring from diverse backgrounds. Each was elected or appointed to his or her position, and all have wielded political leadership in ways that have had a profound impact on the lives of their fellow citizens. The book highlights the lives and achievements of 250+ individuals with the qualities to have become…

In this lesson plan, students in grades 6-8 explore the role and impact of recent First Ladies through research and family interviews, then work in groups to present a documentary portrait to the class. Through these 7 lessons, students will: (1) learn about the political and non-political careers of recent First Ladies; (2) explore the…

This teaching guide consists of a biography of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy (Onassis), the wife of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States and questions for students to answer after reading the biography. The guide contains activities, such as playing the role of an inquiring camera girl (Mrs. Kennedy's first job in…

High school students can study the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt using primary and secondary sources, including biographies, autobiographies, diaries, interviews, and memoirs. Afterwards, students should prepare their own evaluative essays on Roosevelt. This approach will help them to understand a highly complex president. (CS)