This book presents three models for teaching social studies to young children, each of which is based on use of the senses, concrete experiences, and opportunities to discuss observations. The models can be used as needed with children at differing levels since each addresses a particular level of development. The book focuses on a cognitive developmental approach but also incorporates the knowledge derived from social learning theory and behavioral learning theory. Examples are provided for teaching social studies in such traditional subjects as history and geography, as well as in economics and multicultural education. Chapter titles include: (1) "The Social Studies and the Child"; (2) "An Introduction to Young Children and the Curriculum"; (3) "An Introduction to Instructing Young Children"; (4) "The Social Exploration Model"; (5) "The Experimental Model of Teaching"; (6) "The Concept Attainment Model"; (7) "Planning for Teaching" (Sandra Bradford DeCosta); (8) "Evaluating and Meeting Children's Needs"; (9) "The Multicultural Life of the Child" (Theresa McCormick); (10) "Psychology and Values in Young Children"; (11) "The Child's Sense of History"; (12) "The Young Geographer"; (13) "The Young Child as a Consumer" (Cynthia Szymanski Sunal; Barbara Hatcher); (14) "The Child's Awareness of Aging, the Elderly, and Death" (Mary Haas; Alice Galper); (15) "Using Resources to Teach the Social Studies" (Sandra Bradford DeCosta); and (16) "A Listing of Resource Materials for the Social Studies" (Barbara Hatcher). (EH)