In this introduction, the author sets the tone for a series of articles which are intended to stimulate elementary teachers and school personnel to recognize the value of community resources and to undertake steps to make full utilization of such resources. (Author/JR)

To become an integral part of the school program, local resources must be identified, documented, and cataloged at the school or district level. A form for collecting data and sample activities and ideas for using these community resources in interdisciplinary social studies/language arts courses in the elementary grades are presented. (RM)

Describes the essential goals of the justice education movement, implications for early childhood education, and curriculum content. Curriculum focuses on the importance of rules and their connection to laws. Activities to illustrate this connection are suggested. Law-related community resources are identified. (DB)

This book shows how the school grounds, whether urban, suburban, or rural, can become an enriching extension of the classroom. The author blends theory and practice, providing readers with teacher-tested suggestions and activities for using the outdoors. The book offers step-by-step guidance to help ensure success when teachers take a class…

Presented are ideas for eight environmental and conservation education programs, many of which span grade levels and skill areas. For each program described, there is a person listed to contact for additional information. (KC)

Describes activity for elementary social studies methods instructors to teach preservice teachers the value of field trips. Students select and visit field trip locations and prepare presentations to the class. Evaluation forms for the presentation and a field trip resource sheet are included. (KC)

Designed for elementary school teachers in Santa Cruz, California, this book outlines an experiential approach to community study. Because the term community can encompass a scope as narrow as the school or as wide as the region, these guidelines are adaptable to several elementary grade levels. The book is arranged in six sections. The first…

A model is provided which shows how the community can become a laboratory in which the learner studies data and makes decisions. In the community laboratory, learners are both participants and observers, helping them understand why they live as they do and how citizens work together to improve community life. (Author/JR)

Examines how the objectives of open schools and those of contemporary social studies are similar in trying to make the individual a functioning member of society with a high level of participation. One is to guide the children in learning activities that emerge from their own interests and involve the community as a resource and a laboratory.…

The CREST (Creative Resources Enriching Student Talents) program's creative arts model for gifted elementary school students offers courses in the visual and performing arts using community resources and artists to broaden and enrich children's creativity through general exploratory activities, group training activities, and individual and small…

Collecting, utilizing, and displaying old or antique items will give elementary children some firsthand experience of how people in the past lived, what they worked with, and the progress of their industrial development. Using brainstorming, interviews with senior citizens, resource people, and classroom demonstrations are suggested techniques.…

(MDH)

Designed for teachers who are unaware of desirable places to visit, of whom to contact, or of services and materials available to students, this pamphlet contains specific information on how to collect and construct a file of pertinent, available community resources. It will help the classroom teacher assemble and organize information about a…

This article examines social studies in the primary grades and shows how community resources can facilitate social learning. A three-stage model is examined which addresses the issues of citizenship and community involvement in the primary grades. It provides for teacher/school, parent/community, and learner involvement in all stages of…