While the primary focus of the Common Core Learning Standards is in improving literacy and math, elements of Social Studies topics and skills are emphasized. Primary source analysis and understanding multiple perspectives are just two examples. This article is grounded in a qualitative analysis of integrated instruction in two elementary…

The absence of social studies curriculum is a problem because it undermines the essential purposes of schooling: to prepare participatory, contributing members of a democratic society. In this article, we argue that integrating the literacy and social studies curricula is one meaningful way to support such civic-minded social studies instruction…

Africa is the cradle of civilization, yet its rich history and culture is undertaught--especially in elementary P-5 classrooms. In this article, we share Adinkra symbols from West Africa which can be used for interdisciplinary instruction and classroom management. We offer Adinkra symbols as an organizing theme for teaching in the spirit of not…

From the emphasis on lower-level test-prep materials to the disappearance of the subject altogether, elementary social studies is, in the best case scenario, being tested and, thus, taught with a heavy emphasis on recall; and, in the worst-case scenario, not being taught at all. In this article, the author responds to Jeff Passe's views on…

Maintains that a social studies program should be concerned with preparation of students for participation in a democratic society and suggests that an elementary school social studies program should deal with values, information dissemination, political processes, decision making, and socialization. (Author/DB)

Describes an elementary school program of free enterprise education that involves students in real, money-making business activities. Discusses previous class projects and methods for integrating all aspects of education into this program. Provides guidelines for starting a similar program. (GEA)

Discusses three assumptions that can help achieve the goals of international studies in the elementary school. The author shows how intercultural development can be added to Kohlberg's and Piaget's stages. A unit on the Japanese house illustrates how the study of another culture can integrate social studies and mathematical skills. (SR)

Evidence that social studies is not taught (or taught well) on the elementary level is presented, reasons why it is not taught are offered, reasons why it should be taught are suggested, and proposals for what should be done to revive the health of elementary social studies instruction are made. (RM)

Through the use of history resource folders containing literature and primary source materials, elementary teachers can involve children in historical issues. Discusses how to design and construct the resource folders and provides suggestions for themes, source materials, and learning activities. (RM)

Constructing a matrix model not only offers the teacher a theoretical and practical method for organizing his own knowledge about a topic, but provides a vehicle for the student to cope with contemporary knowledge explosion in a realistic and sophisticated manner. (Author)

Based on the premise that social studies programs must involve students in dynamic learning and language activities, the article discusses thought and language in social studies education and describes an Ohio State University Program which integrates social studies instruction and active learning-language experiences. (KC)

Presents an interdisciplinary approach to teaching history at the elementary level. Suggests that a concept-based approach could expand the role of children's literature in the elementary classroom and bring history to the center of the curriculum. Lists five points to consider when selecting literature for a history unit. (KO)

Discusses a social studies classroom unit for use with elementary students. Focuses on comparing the age of exploration and space age exploration. Provides background information on both explorations and compares the similarities and differences between the two. Includes suggestions and questions for using this interdisciplinary approach. (CMK)

Investigates the effects of an experiential classroom environment on children's learning through the integration of mathematics and social studies. Findings support the contention that children learn better by doing. Concludes that children are more attentive to their learning, achieve a deeper insight or meaning of the concepts, and are able to…

Describes a unit on Ancient Greece designed to make social studies meaningful to fourth and fifth graders. Individual projects and group activities helped students learn about ancient Greek culture. (AM)