Presents picture books, fiction, nonfiction, biographies, folklore, and poetry for young students (kindergarten-grade 8) studying China. Suggests activities based on the books using art, physical education, language arts, research skills, math, science, geography, and drama. Highlights books and collections of folk tales with stories about…

Presents brief excerpts from the presidential papers of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, James Polk, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The excerpts address such matters as voting rights, limited government, political appointments, national security, and the balance of power. (MJP)

Looks at the lives of two well-known writers to explore how diverse experiences produce literate adults. Discusses Agatha Christie and Jack London who used reading and writing to earn a living and to gain international reputations. (MG)

Presents instructional activities that bring "real world" content to the study of World War II by elementary students. Includes experiential activities such as interviews, guest speakers, visits to war memorials, and reading fiction and biographies. Includes an "All-American Matching Exercise" emphasizing cultural pluralism. (CFR)

Describes the life and beliefs of Jacob C. Meyer, a history teacher of the author. Suggests that although Meyer's lack of publication dooms him to be forgotten, he is in other ways a memorable person. Includes Meyer's education, experience as a conscientious objector during World War I, and efforts at reforming the Mennonite Church. (DK)

Recommends studying Fannie Lou Hamer's work in the civil rights movement of the 1960s to teach students a greater appreciation of the citizen's role in enforcing constitutional rights. Includes a role-playing activity, discussion questions, and a handout on Hamer. Suggests students will recognize the relationship between the Fourteenth Amendment…

Considers the career and accomplishments of Colonel Wayland Parker, a late-19th-century educator and reformer. Parker worked to establish art education as an essential part of every school's curriculum. He proposed integrating art into all of the daily subjects and recommended the establishment of studio and workshop spaces. (MJP)

The article presents the life story of a young Roma cultural mediator who narrates (1) her life and professional decisions, still rather uncommon among young Roma women, and (2) the impact of her education and work experiences and achievements on her self perception. The narratives, from which the life story emerges, express the young Roma's…

This paper examines the remembrances or life stories of four young adult American Indians and their efforts to evolve an understanding of themselves as individuals and as culture bearers interacting in two different societies. The project objective was to investigate the correlation between American Indian people's ability to use their heritage…

This book provides a step-by-step guide to genealogical research in the United States and Ireland for Irish Americans. The book also contains information on the history of Ireland and Irish immigration. Chapters include: (1) "Your Irish American Heritage"; (2) "Your Irish Immigrant Ancestors"; (3) "Getting Started";…

These two issues of "Virginia Resolves" provide articles of interest to the social studies reader and provides ideas for social studies instruction and curriculum. The fall issue features seven articles: (1) "Death and the Young Child" (Rosanne J. Marek); (2) "Simulations: Bibliography for the Middle and Elementary…

Libraries nationwide are serving increasingly diverse communities as the changing face of America is reflected in the changing information needs of diverse patrons. A key issue in serving the multicultural community is adopting a revised version of collection development. Materials in the native languages of ethnic and language minorities,…

These lesson plans compose a classroom guide to teach about notable women in history. Traditionally, many fields were closed to women and only recently have women made strides in achieving professional careers. Some women, however, succeeded in becoming known throughout the world and became pioneers in their respective fields. The lives and career…

Each April issue of the Journal "Social Education" contains an annotated bibliography of notable children's trade books in the field of social studies, evaluated and selected by the Book Review Subcommittee of the National Council for the Social Studies-Children's Book Council Joint Committee. This compilation represents a five-year…

Designed for elementary teachers to use with migrant students, this bilingual English/Spanish social studies resource booklet provides an encyclopedia-style overview of Ecuador's history, geography, economy, and culture. Topics include the history of Ecuador's flag and coat of arms, geographic regions, food, Quito (the capital), recent wildlife…