Elementary social studies, which seeks to instill in children the principles of democratic citizenship and the core values of social responsibility, has an important responsibility in U.S. classrooms. Yet, to achieve these goals, elementary social studies must overcome a number of challenges. Social studies lessons are marginalized in the school day, and critics complain these lessons lack disciplinary rigor and focus. In addition, scholarship in the field is under-funded and under-researched. A History of Elementary Social Studies: Romance and Reality recounts the history of...

Ideal whether you're a pre-service or in-service teacher, POWERFUL SOCIAL STUDIES FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS outlines ways to select content and teach history, geography, and social sciences meaningfully. It combines theory and research with examples from classroom practice. The fourth edition emphasizes the importance of using developmentally appropriate content and methods when helping students to develop social understanding and prepare for civic life. It also includes a solid research base, uses additional visuals to display content, provides examples of curriculum and design, and reflects...

Presents an engaging approach to teaching US history that promotes critical thinking and social responsibility. In Volume 1, students investigate 20 significant historical episodes, arranged chronologically, beginning with the colonial era and ending with Reconstruction. A comprehensive Instructor's Manual is available.