Contents: Objectives in Teaching Social Studies, Scope and Sequence in the Social Studies, Trends and Issues in the Social Studies, Learning Opportunities in the Social Studies, Pupil Learning in the Social Studies, Reading in the Social Studies, Writing in the Social Studies, Social Studies Children s Literature, Grouping for Instruction in the Social Studies, Leadership in the Social Studies, Social Studies and Democracy in the Classroom, Technology in the Social Studies Curriculum, Maps, Globes and the Social Studies, Current Events in the Social Studies, Social Studies, Integrating School and Society, Measurement and Evaluation in the Social Studies, Social Studies in Teacher Education, Restructuring the Social Studies (A Public Debate).

Featuring sound educational strategies based on solid research and proven methodology, this exceptional resource provides teachers with best practices in social studies instruction that can be immediately implemented in the classroom. Authored by two social studies experts with more than 60 years combined classroom experience, this resource is designed for anyone who is interested in current educational theory and best practice. Packed with various teaching methods and techniques, up-to-date research-based theory and practical applications, this book is great for new and experienced teachers. This resource is aligned to the interdisciplinary themes from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. 200 pp.

"Randi Stone has assembled an exciting collection of teaching methods to benefit all learners. The book brings together an esteemed group of teachers who are to be congratulated for sparking interest in a subject that is too often taught solely from a textbook." —Heather E. Robinson, Fifth-Grade Teacher Desert Canyon Elementary School, Scottsdale, AZ Adopt or adapt these exemplary social studies strategies from the nation′s best teachers! Randi Stone transports readers into the lively classrooms of award-winning teachers in this collection of outstanding methods for teaching social studies to diverse elementary, middle, and high school learners. Like its companion volumes for teaching writing, mathematics, and science, Best Practices for Teaching Social Studies presents firsthand accounts from educators offering fresh ideas and inquiry-based techniques to build student confidence, increase academic achievement, and develop critical thinking skills. Highlights include master teachers′ tips on how to: Organize and produce oral history projects Use technology to explore diversity Teach the art of geography and the geography of art Put the "social" back into social studies, and more! Beginning and experienced teachers alike will discover an abundance of creative teaching practices to strengthen the social studies curriculum.

Designed for use in elementary and secondary social studies education courses, this book supports the teaching of social studies methods in a range of educational settings. By highlighting long-standing content and principles of social studies education in a concise and direct way, this volume offers the building blocks of a comprehensive course, for use as springboards to the effective presentation of professors' desired course emphases. With sections on foundations, subject areas, and best practices, this text explains the intersection between the "modelling" role of social studies teachers as democratic citizens, social studies fields of study, and strategies implemented in the classroom to encourage students' critical thinking and values formation.

This readable, accessible book offers prospective teachers a comprehensive introduction to teaching social studies to middle and secondary school students. With the purpose of social studies being the development of reflective, competent, concerned citizens, the book first examines the origins and evolution of social studies and citizenship education across the United States. Following this, targeted chapters address the art, science, and craft of social studies teaching as a means for engaging learners in knowledge construction. In the final section, the authors look at ways to improve social studies instruction through the incorporation of emerging technology into the social studies curriculum. For middle and secondary school social studies teachers.

This practical book shows how veteran, justice-oriented social studies teachers are responding to the Common Core State Standards, focusing on how they build curriculum, support students’ literacy skills, and prepare students to think and act critically within and beyond the classroom. In order to provide direct classroom-to-classroom insights, the authors draw on letters written by veteran teachers addressed to new teachers entering the field. The first section of the book introduces the three approaches teachers can take for teaching for social justice within the constraints of the Common Core State Standards (embracing, reframing, or resisting the standards). The second section analyzes specific approaches to teaching the Common Core, using teacher narratives to illustrate key processes. The final section demonstrates how teachers develop, support, and sustain their identities as justice-oriented educators in standards-driven classrooms. Each chapter includes exemplary lesson plans drawn from diverse grades and classrooms, and offers concrete recommendations to guide practice. Book Features: Offers advice from experienced educators who have learned to successfully navigate the constraints of high-stakes testing and standards-based mandates.Shares and analyzes curricular and pedagogical approaches to teaching the Common Core, including lesson plans teachers can use in their own classrooms. Examines a range of philosophical and political stances that teachers might take as they navigate the unique demands of teaching for social justice in their own context. “This inspiring book invites us into conversations that cannot help but to make our teaching more collective, impactful, and profound.” —Kevin Kumashiro, University of San Francisco “This is a must-read book for practicing and aspiring educators interested in learning how to teach justice-oriented, critical social studies.” —Brian D. Schultz, Northeastern Illinois University “At a time of increasing pressure on teachers, this book provides practical approaches from teachers, for teachers to teach within the confines of the Common Core without compromising rigor, integrity, or social justice.” —Tyrone C. Howard, director, UCLA Black Male Institute, UCLA

Using their proven formula for guiding novice, pre-service, and experienced teachers, the authors synthesize real-world insights and the most practical elements of pedagogy to provide a ready-to-use resource of best classroom practices. Based on the authors' experience as teacher educators and skilled social studies teachers, this text helps practitioners: • Make instruction meaningful • Develop literacy to build social studies skills • Incorporate district expectations and state standards • Create a community of learners • Collaborate with colleagues The authors provide easy-to-follow lists, tips, and sample forms and letters to help teachers organize their daily work and reduce stress.