Can reading a book about a boy and a hen in Ghana make a difference to fifth graders in their Michigan community? Indeed, it can, and in myriad ways. At a suburban elementary school in Michigan, the authors introduced fifth graders to economic concepts in a project-based learning (PBL) unit. They began by reading aloud and discussing the picture…

In this article, the authors describe how integrating interactive mobile tools into elementary pedagogy can generate enthusiasm and critical thinking among students as they learn about the world. The activities described took place over the course of six one-hour periods spanning six days. These activities address three major social studies…

In the beginning of this article, the authors share the story of Mr. Paredes, a fourth grade teacher in a bilingual classroom, who explains his approach in selecting particular pieces of children's literature that address gender roles and equity. His hope, he states, is that the students will be able to identify the stereotype and challenge…

Can an easy-to-read, funny picture book spur fifth graders to find their inner feminist? It can, if it's Anthony Browne's "Piggybook", and teachers use the activity ideas in "Every Book is a Social Studies Book". "Piggybook" by Anthony Browne is a tale whose cover tells the story: the mother, Mrs. Piggot,…

For everyone--children, parents, teachers--who have experienced instances in their lives where they have been teased, alienated, isolated, shunned, Allen Say gives us the beautifully illustrated book "The Favorite Daughter." In this book (a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for 2013), author and illustrator Say wraps and unwraps issues…

Cemeteries have traditionally been cast as scary and creepy places in children's literature, as well as in popular television shows and movies. Spooky media images, coupled with exaggerated stories from their friends, might leave young learners wary of cemeteries and with feelings of fear and anxiety. Cemeteries are, however, unique community…

Over her 23 years of teaching elementary school, Vera, a third grade teacher (and co-author of this article), had often fallen into the familiar rhythm of the fall social studies curriculum, with its predictable narrative of discovery, bravery, heroism, and thanksgiving. Her journey to becoming a more reflective, thoughtful, and equitable teacher…

Teaching social studies using literature requires the teacher to know social studies content and determine the accuracy of the material. Is a narrative authentic? In other words, does it accurately depict the time and place in which a story is set? Are there omissions, stereotypes, or simplifications that could distort the reader's…

Standing tall in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is an enduring symbol of America. Layers of historical content and symbolism are uncovered in books that tell various parts of her story. By reading one or more of these books, students can begin to see that the experience of immigration is complex--it's not one narrative, but many that…

The integration of social studies and literacy is often touted as a way to bring social studies back into the literacy- and math-dominated classroom of the high-stakes testing era. Curricular integration done well is difficult; if done poorly, essential social studies content, concepts, and skills may be only superficially addressed. The authors…

In the age of globalization--marked by growing interrelationships and interdependence between nations, economies, people, and cultures the world over--U.S. educators are increasingly interested in how to induct young children effectively and appropriately into the responsibilities of global citizenship. Research studies, conceptual explorations,…

In 1998, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center launched OurStory: History through Children's Literature, a history and literacy program series for family visitors to the Museum that was designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together. Ten years later, to reach a broader, national…

Mental flexibility emerges as an essential skill for preparing young learners for global competency and denotes the ability to learn from and about different perspectives. Students who are regularly exposed to "alternative approaches to a wide range of scientific, social and everyday problems" appear to be more receptive to alternative solutions…

Today's young students, when they grow to be adults, will have to make decisions the consequences of which will impact their lives and the lives of others. As consumers, they will need to understand that they can't have everything they want. They will have to make spending, savings, and investing decisions that benefit their own families over the…

Since 1790, the United States government has conducted a count of its people by conducting a census every decade. The U.S. Census provides valuable data describing the population according to a variety of criteria including ethnicity, gender, age, and income, among other categories. Teaching about demographics and some of the interesting issues…