Grade level: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, e, p, i, s, t.

Social Studies at the Center presents a view of teaching and learning that connects what students learn in social studies with how they learn it and what they feel about it.

The provocative title of this book plays on a too-familiar response from teachers and students alike. But now many teachers have begun to seek an approach to social studies that takes account of the ways children learn and that builds on their own knowledge and strengths. The authors in this book have found ways to do this. Wendy Hood writes in the Introduction that they have ". . . not only rediscovered social studies education in general, they have also found themselves exploring the many disciplines of the social sciences that combine to make social studies . . . The issues of the disciplines are visible, the content of the disciplines is visible, and the questions central to each discipline are central in these classrooms. While the studies described began in one discipline, they branched out or melted into one or more of the others." In this contributed collection, twenty-three teachers explain their successful strategies for teaching the social studies disciplines in a whole- language context. If This Is Social Studies covers contemporary subjects (the Gulf War), traditional topics (students as historians), well-known projects (Scottish Storyline), social studies in the community, and multicultural matters. Teachers at elementary through middle and high school levels will find this book's holistic approach to social studies a refreshing departure and a source of new, practical ideas. Indeed, the diversity of ideas and styles is as broad as the book's subject!

Ways That Work is an idea book from start to finish, modeling several different ways social studies content can be organized in elementary and middle school classrooms.

A collection of hands on learning activities with creative ideas that fit in nicely with alternative assessments.

Learn how to use role-plays to bring history and literature to life! When students take on the roles of historical or literary figures, they develop a greater understanding of characters’ identities and motivations, and are able to more deeply explore and reflect upon key issues and themes. In this new book from award-winning teacher David Sherrin, you’ll find out how this lively instructional format will make teaching a more immersive, interactive, and memorable experience for your middle school and high school students. The book includes: A clear how-to guide to get the most out of role-playing in your class; Ready-made units and lessons to get you started right away, complete with sample scripts, scaffolding worksheets, and assessment rubrics; Templates and step-by-step instructions to help you design your own role-plays. The pre-made units, which Sherrin spent years refining in his classroom, cover historical topics such as the rise of Nazi Germany and the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs. You’ll also find fun and interactive role-plays based on literary works like The Pearl and Fences. These lessons will help students at all ability levels to become better communicators, problem-solvers, and creative thinkers.

Enrich students' social studies learning in Morning Meeting! This book is ideal for getting K-6 students excited about - and deepening their understanding of - the world around them. The activities cover a wide range of topics, concepts, and skills, in geography, civics, economics, and more - all without adding to your already packed schedule. · Features clear, step-by-step directions · Can be used with any curriculum · Includes key vocabulary words · Provides variations and extensions for further learning · Activities are sorted by grade, but can be adapted for any grade