Explores how to integrate history content and skill development in elementary social studies. Suggests ways to combine history, language arts, reading, and critical thinking, including teaching history through children's literature, story telling, story writing, and mock trials. Identifies community resources for history projects. Introduces an…

Contends that existing social studies curricula do not prepare students to deal with rapid advancements in communications, technology, international politics, and the emerging global economy. Emphasizes that social studies curriculum reform must include a global perspective. (CFR)

Maintains that global and multicultural education frequently competes for attention in the social studies curriculum. Contends that a global perspective is compatible with multicultural education. Provides a bibliographic essay describing geography activity packets and posters, reference works, and hands-on "culture kits." (CFR)

Contends that computers and television have contributed to a sense of global connectedness. Presents reviews of a computer software program and two videotape series that focus on global issues and children in other cultures. Asserts that instructional materials such as these can help reduce ethnocentrism among students. (CFR)

Contends that social studies, originally a curriculum area unique to the United States, has become an international field of study. Asserts that social studies helps to develop citizenship and to encourage democratic institutions in nations that were formerly colonized by others. (CFR)

Maintains that the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) curriculum standards provide an opportunity to integrate technology into a thematic curriculum approach. Includes an annotated bibliography of 19 recommended items of educational technology categorized by 10 of the NCSS curriculum themes. (CFR)

Maintains that social studies teachers need to know that Asian Pacific American students are a diverse and increasing population. Discusses characteristics of Asian Pacific students and relevant self-concept research, and presents recommendations for learning activities and teacher-student interaction. (CFR)

Maintains that children with disabilities increasingly are attending schools and classrooms they would attend if they did not have disabilities. Reports that educational research indicates little evidence that ability grouping improves academic achievement among these students. (CFR)

Contends that young children are fascinated by big books and teachers find them enjoyable and effective. Discusses appropriate multicultural content for big books and presents suggestions for effective classroom use. Includes a bibliography of big books categorized into six multicultural groupings. (CFR)

Offers the National Council for the Social Studies' official position on Christopher Columbus' voyages to the Americas. Acknowledges the roles of Native Americans, Africans, and Asians in the Age of Discovery. Recognizes the effects of Columbus' contacts with the other cultures of the Americas. Explores the contemporary relevance of 1492. (SG)

Contends that U.S. educational change is characterized by several factors including rapid demographic shifts, new research into the nature of teaching and learning, and dissatisfaction with students' achievement on national tests. Includes an annotated bibliography of 16 ERIC articles and documents on the topic. (CFR)

Reviews criticism of elementary social studies textbooks, focusing on how the written text, the pictures, and graphics often seem unrelated. Asserts that the inclusion and use of literature selections in K-3 social studies textbooks is a newly emerging strategy. (CFR)

Reviews research on the development of social attitudes by elementary children. Reports on a study of the impact of children's literature and response activities on attitudinal shifts among 18 second-grade students. Recommends further research and provides a 12-item annotated bibliography reflecting cultural similarities. (CFR)

Discusses the history of U.S. community service programs and asserts that the potential benefits for students include increased self-esteem, enhanced motivation and interest in school, improved academic achievement, and increased social responsibility. Includes a list of six curriculum resources and a bibliography. (CFR)

Reviews the history of the national standards movement. Discusses the standards developed by the Task Force on Standards of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). Describes the content and format of the NCSS standards, how they could be used, and what resources are necessary for effective implementation. (CFR)