Presents two classroom ideas for elementary social studies: (1) a job description and responsibility program and (2) a cross-cultural, folktale-based activity using an award-winning children's book. Includes instructions for implementing the activities, a list of job descriptions, and a chart of African terms and their English meanings. (CFR)

Presents ideas developed by four teachers for teaching the geographic themes. Includes a plastic flamingo sent traveling with instructions for those taking it to return postcards to a first grade class, a wall mural of the United States, and a song representing geographic concepts. Describes how one school painted maps of the continents in a…

Describes ways to integrate geography into the curriculum of primary and intermediate grades. Suggests hands-on activities for teaching abstract concepts through concrete experiences. Includes two units: creating a global map of the earth and incorporating social studies into language arts and mathematics by using magnet cars on maps. (NL)

Presents two interdisciplinary lessons combining social studies, reading, and writing. Includes recommended children's literature for both lessons. Suggests classroom activities designed to teach history and social studies through reading historical fiction. (CFR)

Focuses on thematic units in elementary social studies, arguing that theme studies engage students, reduce boredom, and encourage cooperation, and more effectively use textbook information. Explores the selection process for choosing themes and subthemes. Illustrates two themes--festivals and buildings/houses--and suggests several activities…

Asserts polls show that the general public, high school seniors, and college seniors have many misunderstandings about the U.S. economic system and its role in the international economy. Maintains that grade level programs need to be interdisciplinary and utilize active learning techniques. (CFR)