Social studies instruction benefits from collaboration between classroom teachers and library media specialists who together can identify the best trade books to meet the goals of the social studies curriculum. Many lists of effective collaboration strategies have been published, but there are few descriptive examples of successful…

Outlines an instructional unit where students construct culture kits illustrating a specific culture. Culture kits are constructed out of realia and other material including maps, travel brochures, photographs, newspapers, souvenirs, and other items. Discusses collecting these items and possible multicultural applications. (MJP)

Provides a set of teaching activities for a mini-unit on pirates. Urges the use of such activities as a means of stimulating student interest in determining the difference between fact and myth. Presents an interdisciplinary approach which reinforces skills ranging from geography to creative writing. (KO)

Suggests learning activities for elementary level social studies, using cassette tapes of radio programing from the 1930s and 1940s. Explains this teaches the period's history and culture while introducing students to the magic of radio. Lists sources for tapes and albums, books about radio's golden age, and names of radio libraries and…

Recognizes the necessity to develop a values curriculum. Advocates using folktales (myths, legends, fables) to teach values to elementary students in a manner nonthreatening to parents. Provides examples of appropriate fables and folktales and their morals. Cites two sources to help teachers guide children in their moral development through folk…

Asserts that folktales from around the world can be used in the elementary social studies classroom to teach about cultural traits. Discusses types of folktales and recommends instructional procedures and classroom activities. Maintains that studying folktales can increase children's awareness of moral and social issues. (CFR)