In many elementary classrooms nationwide, less and less time is spent on social studies. Lack of attention to social studies is evident in states like New York where teacher evaluations are contingent on students' performance on two subjects: English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. In this article, the authors describe their experience…

Describes an integrated approach to social studies in which students participate in literature studies by reading tradebooks. Explains that the children engage in individual and small group activities to construct meaning from the text. Suggests that children create dioramas, character charts, and a club form of activities rather than just…