Should elementary school students be introduced to disturbing current events topics? A common response would be to protect the innocence of young children, allowing them to live their lives relatively free of the troubles that beset the world. But closer examination reveals that the study of current events actually helps to reduce fear and worry.…

In this article, the authors emphasize the role of elementary social studies teachers as citizen activists and reformers. The authors call upon all teachers to become AGENTS for change in order to strengthen the role of social studies in elementary schools, to guarantee that all students have an equitable opportunity to learn social studies, and…

In this article, the author talks about two elementary classroom activities used as teaching tools, namely "Show and Tell" and "Sharing Time." As a teaching tool, Sharing Time has several advantages over Show and Tell. It avoids children bringing valuable items to school, reduces emphasis on materialism, allows opportunities for extended oral…

Argues that citizenship cannot be learned by reading textbooks, but instead is learned through daily interactions. States that the classroom, with its rules, authority, individuals, and groups, allows students to practice citizenship daily. Suggests that instruction focus on immediate student concerns and identifies strategies for connecting…

Recommends ways to implement citizenship education in elementary school social studies lessons and classroom procedures. Emphasizes teachers' influence as role models. Identifies conceptual, process, and affective citizenship education goals. Suggests classroom activities and events for developing students' decision-making skills, awareness of…

Contends that, because the school curriculum is slow to adapt to societal change, the social studies curriculum is ripe for a needs assessment and change. Presents elementary social studies teachers with seven challenges of expanding communications technology. (CFR)