Summary
Contents
With an emphasis on active learning, this supplementary text helps busy elementary and middle school teachers engage all students in the vibrant world of social studies. This inquiry-based book presents hands-on explorations, interaction with primary sources, and critical thinking activities, that provide concrete methods to successfully integrate the language arts into the social studies curriculum.
Key Features
Promotes the development of literacy skills by authentically integrating language arts; Supports differentiated instruction for specific grade levels, English language learners, and students with special needs; Connects to standards in language arts, social studies, and technology
Unit III: Multiple Voices
Current approaches to social studies education acknowledge that there are multiple histories and multiple interpretations of historical events. The importance of this pluralistic approach to social studies curriculum and learning is evident. Such an approach provides students with opportunities to learn beyond facts and figures and to become critical thinkers (Committee on Developments in the Science of Learning, 1999). As critical thinkers, they are involved in investigations and problem solving that encourage them to use multiple sources and interpretations as evidence for their own conclusions. History can and should be studied as an inclusive subject that acknowledges and celebrates the interplay of multiple and diverse viewpoints. Even the youngest elementary students can be challenged to view events from multiple perspectives and perceptions. ...
