Social studies in general, and Black history in particular, are marginalized at the elementary level. The ways Black history has been taught are problematic, focusing on either celebrating civil rights heroes or lamenting the oppressive treatment of Black people, thus flattening the rich and varied histories of Black people. An almost singular…

This article describes a project that helped fourth-grade students connect personally with and bring North Carolina history to life. Over the months of this project, students asked questions, investigated topics of interest that they chose, conducted in-depth research that included interviewing experts, learned to use a video editor to combine…

All too often, students see history only as a product--a massive collection of unrelated names and events, dates and places. But if students are presented with history as a process, they can become aware of how the product (written history) is created. Oral history is an excellent means for students to gather information and produce historical…

Elementary school teachers and students in the U.S. are engaging with the past in new ways. Teachers send students on guided online searches for images. Students explore interactive timelines, create podcasts based on oral history interviews with family members, and make digital video projects with historical photographs and video clips. A host of…

There is no country on Earth more populated by immigrants than the United States. Most U.S. residents (99 percent) have ancestors who were immigrants to this continent, whether they came voluntarily as travelers, or involuntarily as slaves. These immigrants have helped to shape the social and economic foundations of their adopted nation. According…

Maintains that viewing and studying old photographs can acquaint young students with the skills of historical inquiry and help them conceptualize local and family history. Includes teaching tips, in-class activities, and suggested guest speakers. (MJP)

A common criticism of American history curricula is that the content mostly relates the activities and accomplishments of Anglo males. The stories and contributions of women and people of color are frequently missing from history textbooks. While authors and publishers have worked in recent times to rectify these omissions, the voice of Native…

Describes a social studies methods course in which students explore the buildings where they live and then develop lessons on "buildings" for elementary students that connect to the themes within "Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies." (CMK)

Presents class activities to facilitate concept acquisition in elementary social studies classes. Suggests ways to teach the concepts of family, city, the presidency, and immigration. Methods outlined include field trips, oral history projects, family shield design, letters to past U.S. Presidents, fact quizzes, art activities, and guest speakers.…

Asserts that folktales from around the world can be used in the elementary social studies classroom to teach about cultural traits. Discusses types of folktales and recommends instructional procedures and classroom activities. Maintains that studying folktales can increase children's awareness of moral and social issues. (CFR)

Discusses how teaching about quilts and quilting in elementary social studies provides a more complete view of social history and includes the voices of women and men of different races, cultures, and social classes. Provides suggestions on teaching about quilts and identifies seven children's books on the topic. (CFR)

Presents instructional activities that bring "real world" content to the study of World War II by elementary students. Includes experiential activities such as interviews, guest speakers, visits to war memorials, and reading fiction and biographies. Includes an "All-American Matching Exercise" emphasizing cultural pluralism. (CFR)