This book presents a variety of social studies activities for elementary students. The activities are divided into broad social science disciplines but can be adapted to an interdisciplinary format. The activities are wide-ranging in ability level and complexity but can be modified to fit any teaching need. Each activity follows the same format…

This unit of study (for grades 5-8 and up) about the U.S. Civil War features original documents from the National Archives and Records Administration. All the records used in the unit reflect the actions of the federal government or citizens' responses to these actions. These records were selected for their historical value, their legibility and…

Suggesting that students in the primary grades can explore the world around them and practice valuable skills in spelling, reading, writing, communication, and language, this book presents cross-curricular units on intriguing animals that reach diverse needs by working through emotional memory, deductive reasoning, and multiple intelligences.…

Suggests that English teachers are in an excellent position to help students learn about the aged and aging because they know literature that treats the joys and pains of later life and they understand how language shapes and reflects cultural attitudes. Proposes objectives and presents samples of activities to be used in an aging unit. (MM)

College students reacted very positively to an introductory U.S. history survey course which required them to analyze what happened and why and to communicate cogently the results of the analyses in essays. The four major themes for structuring the course are discussed. (RM)

The faculty of Holy Names High School developed an interdisciplinary human rights program with school-wide activities focusing on three selected themes: the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in conjunction with Human Rights Week; Food; and Women. This article outlines major program activities. (SJL)

Describes an introductory undergraduate survey course on European history that incorporates three interrelated sections: constitutional government in Europe, the American revolution, and the French Revolution. The instruction emphasizes the interconnectedness among the events and includes repetition of key ideas and information. Discusses the…

Describes the Head Start Classroom of the Future project, which is being introduced into inner-city centers in Grand Rapids, Michigan; a classroom for children of Hispanic migrant farmworkers in Holland, Michigan; and a classroom for Native American children at the Isleta Pueblo Head Start near Albuquerque, New Mexico. (BB)

The "Topic Game" offers teachers in Great Britain a way to plan schemes of work, lessons, and activities for special needs students organized around themes and subthemes, and to build banks of cross-curricular projects cross-referenced with National Curriculum attainment targets. (Author/JDD)

Describes the Thematic Experience Approach, designed to build on positive experiences that enlarge the high school dropout's perspective while building self-esteem, background knowledge, and reading ability. Describes a sample unit dealing with legal rights as presented in a history class, a futures class, and two language arts classes. (RS)

Discusses thematic centers in which teachers select a theme and design of several classroom stations on the topic. Describes application of the technique in one Canadian class of six-, seven-, and eight-year olds, many of whom were English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students. Identifies characteristics of the technique. (SG)

Explores the theme of "entrances" in children's literature and film from the physical, emotional, and symbolic perspectives. Materials containing each type of theme are suggested. Programming ideas for developing the theme using art, storytelling, dramatic play, and creative writing activities are provided. A resource list including 91…

Asserts that the thematic approach used in the National Council for the Social Studies national standards marks a fresh era of thought in social studies instruction. Maintains that the strands can serve as a framework for social studies curriculum development and effective classroom learning experiences. (CFR)

Maintains that the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) curriculum standards provide an opportunity to integrate technology into a thematic curriculum approach. Includes an annotated bibliography of 19 recommended items of educational technology categorized by 10 of the NCSS curriculum themes. (CFR)

Discusses the opportunity to unite readers of all ages by encouraging reading and discussing books on a given topic. Outlines possible topics and gives book-starter suggestions that are likely to spark broad interest such as the 1940s, World War II, or Growing Up. Suggests preparations that may be made for those who are unaccustomed to book…