The Essentials of Social Studies, Grades K-8

by Checkley, Kathy

• ISBN13: 9781416606451
• ISBN10: 1416606459
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-12-30
• Publisher: Assn for Supervision & Curriculum

Summary

In today's climate of accountability and high-stakes testing, many U.S. schools are choosing to focus on the three Rs to the exclusion of other subjects, including social studies. Yet it is more crucial than ever for schools to foster the qualities that will enable students to actively participate in a democratic and global society. The Essentials of Social Studies, Grades K-8 takes a look at how innovative educators are helping students to hone these skills. Readers of this book will learn more about: The challenges that elementary and middle school teachers face in keeping social studies in the curriculum, How to align social studies lessons with curriculum standards, Strategies to infuse social studies instruction with passion and purpose, Ways to promote students' deep understanding of social studies content, Why lessons and assessments should give students opportunities to solve problems, work on projects, and engage in simulations, How social studies can prepare students for a lifetime of active civic involvement, Professional development that will help teachers bring the social studies curriculum to life in the classroom.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. vii
Preface	p. ix
Trends in Social Studies Education	p. 1
Exploring Standards and Themes in Social Studies	p. 15
Bringing the Curriculum to Life Through Instruction and Assessment	p. 29
Students as Citizens and Activists	p. 44
Implications for Professional Development	p. 57
Afterword: Looking Forward	p. 73
Web Resources	p. 76
References	p. 78
Index	p. 81
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