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
Strategy 17: Personal Correspondence as a Primary Source
Strategy 17: Personal Correspondence as a Primary Source
Postcard Exploration
The students sorted through the postcards they had been given. They knew to touch gently and had all washed their hands before beginning the activity.
“Here's another postcard addressed to ‘Elva,’ but she has a different last name.” “That's weird,” Jose said with a furrowed brow. “They both have the same address, so it must be the same person.”
“Maybe she got married,” offered Julie helpfully. The teacher smiled to herself. Her great-grandmother Elva had actually been married three times!
Julie and Jose smiled, and all three of the team members began to write enthusiastically on their data sheets.
“This is so funny,” comment Jin. “They're writing about our city, San Francisco!”
“It's dated ...