Social Studies and the Elementary School Child

This sourcebook and guide is designed to help teachers plan and implement their own effective social studies programs. Covers a philosophy for teaching, emphasizing that no single method of instruction is sufficient to achieve all goals and objectives of elementary social studies instruction. Offers a comprehensive view of lesson planning. Explores instructional approaches. Considers contents sources (for civic education, geography, history). Discusses learning tools (reading, writing, the expressive arts). Explains how to select instructional resources. Includes recommendations within a developmental framework that highlight both grade-appropriateness and adaptations for other grade levels. Addresses topical issues: constructivism, decision-making strategies, critical thinking skills, thematic planning, cooperative learning, and alternative assessment methods. Includes a "classroom sketch" and "classroom connection" in each chapter. Contains "technology sampler" boxes with starting points for exploiting computers as crucial planning and instructional tools. For prospective elementary school social studies teachers.