Presents a series of lesson plans to be incorporated into an interdisciplinary unit on Japan. Uses the five themes of geography as a framework for a broader exploration of the culture and history of Japan. Specifically addresses women and their role in Japanese society, and other cultural ideas. (MJP)

Provides a useful introduction and overview to using storytelling in the elementary social studies classroom. Presents a rationale for using storytelling, tips on getting started, preparation for the story, and follow-up activities. Includes a 61-item bibliography of folktales and stories. (MJP)

Describes a seventh-grade class project where students constructed a "time tunnel" (a walk-through display with models and exhibits illustrating various themes and eras). Beginning modestly, the tunnel grew over seven years to include 11 different display scenes. Discusses the construction of the project and benefits to the school. (MJP)

Analyzes the literary strategy used by a biologist in order to make a new knowledge claim in a different discipline. Argues that review papers afford the best opportunity for constructing new knowledge claims, because they do not have to conform to a routinely standardized structure, and they allow a wider semantic repertoire than do experimental…

Presents low cost ways that elementary teachers can develop classroom and school museums. Using objects and documents to record and display community events and traditions can help foster commitments to civic institutions and positive social values. Recommends creating wall murals, life ropes (personal event chronology), wall newspapers, and…

Investigates the types, frequency, and length of literature used in elementary social studies texts and teachers' manuals. Although some texts thoroughly integrated the literature into the main instruction, most relegated it to additional readings and bibliographies. Provides some useful guidelines for using literature in the social studies…

Describes five writing activities and assignments designed to help students understand the content of social studies and the process of writing. These include student journals, biographical poems, elaborate word games, and creative writing exercises. Illustrative examples relate these to social studies issues. (MJP)

Presents a series of questions and activities designed to teach the geography of Africa. The activities relate to, and are collected under the five themes of geography: Location, Place, Human/Environment Interactions, Movement, and Regions. Includes four maps and a list of resources. (MJP)

Provides a mosaic of teachers' opinions on teaching literacy through social studies. All of the teachers interviewed felt a strong responsibility for improving their students' reading skills. Many of them revealed specific approaches and strategies for accomplishing this. (MJP)

Maintains that the rich and interesting subject matter of social studies makes it a natural complement to literacy programs. Briefly describes instructional strategies for literacy and discusses how these can be used in conjunction with the "History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools." (MJP)

Provides a quick and personal overview of the trends in education and literacy over the last 25 years. Outlines a teaching strategy that has borrowed something from each of the trends. The approach combines cooperative learning with interdisciplinary language arts stations and social studies. (MJP)

Outlines the instructional strategies that overcame the language difficulties of a Hispanic/Anglo third grade social studies class. The class focused on local history in Pasadena, California which required competence in both Spanish and English. Includes instructional materials, graphic organizers, and guidelines for further units. (MJP)

Shows how the library/media resource center can become the centerpiece for active social studies learning in the middle grades. Briefly outlines a program beginning with an introduction to the library, followed by some rudimentary bibliographic instruction, culminating in group and individual projects. (MJP)

Maintains that teachers in the intermediate grades can motivate students to read biographies in a way that develops critical thinking. Describes a composite strategy that combines high expectations, teacher guidance, and student interaction. Teaching tips include a step-by-step preparation process and a format for group activities. (MJP)

Demonstrates how reading, and creative thinking can increase literacy and create historical empathy in a sixth-grade class. The centerpiece of the class on ancient civilizations is an adaptation of "Antigone," by Sophocles. Recommends the use of dramatic literature because of its ability to engage and transform students' thinking. (MJP)