In this article, the author tells how her students researched every aspect of their own beloved stuffed animals, which led to an interview with a labor leader. When students learned that children in other countries played a role in manufacturing their stuffed animals, sometimes in unhealthy conditions, they decided to take action as citizens. As…

Developing national identity is a goal of schools around the world. Historically this goal has been especially important for nations coming out of colonization as new governments seek to unify their nations and promote national identities. From 1842 to 1997, Hong Kong was a British colony whose excellent harbor made it a linchpin of British…

Teaching social studies concepts and skills through an introduction to world languages is a powerful vehicle for student learning. Simultaneously, teachers can increase student awareness of language diversity by teaching students about the world and its many countries and supporting English language learners. Fortunately, for linguistically…

Highlights geography resources available from the Educational Resource Information Center (ERIC). Provides a brief description of five resources. Articles deal with teaching geography through the use of unique images of China, the integration of tactile and visual learning, the Gall-Peters map projection, a map game, and geographic literacy. (KO)

Provides a lesson that examines cultural naming patterns in China as a means of drawing students into the study of that culture. Suggests that naming patterns are important in revealing similarities and differences in social and political attitudes and encourages students to develop new perspectives toward other cultures. (KO)

Describes a theme cycle called "Building Bridges to China" developed for third grade students that focuses on the similarities between the lives of children and families in China and the United States. Explains that the theme cycle addresses the National Geography Standards and three of the National Council for the Social Studies…

Explores folktales from China, Africa, and Russia suggesting ways to utilize them in the social studies classroom as a means to teaching children about other cultures. Warns that when using folktales it is important to explain that the folktales do not bear a one-to-one relationship with present-day societies. (CMK)

Provides activities for primary and intermediate grades which will encourage an appreciation of diversity. Primary activities are concerned with the Native American's respect for nature and Japanese culture. Intermediate activities focus upon the African American celebration of Kwanzaa and the creation of Chinese words to describe technology. (KO)

Presents two students' observations and recollections of their trip to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women held in China. They attended the Conference as part of a delegation of the Girls International Foundation. Briefly discusses the different issues raised during the Conference and the girls' preparation for their trip. (MJP)