Effective Teaching in Elementary Social Studies focuses on the importance of social studies in the preparation of individuals for their role in a free society.  The text takes the approach that it is important for students to be actively engaged in learning about their social world.  Approaching social studies as active learning holds the potential to help social studies become one of the most popular parts of the curriculum. In addition, the text recognizes that many new teachers need specific guidance in helping them achieve success.  Accordingly, this text includes specific descriptions of teaching approaches and includes a wealth of lesson plan ideas.

Table of Contents:
1.  DEFINING THE SOCIAL STUDIES What is the Social Studies A Working Definition of the Social Studies  Common Strands  The Social Studies Curriculum  Working With Standards    2.  HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY History  Geography    3.  POLITICAL SCIENCE, ECONOMICS AND RELATED SOCIAL SCIENCES  Political Science  Economics  Sociology  Anthropology    4.  ACTIVE LEARNING: GIVING LIFE AND MEANING TOSOCIAL STUDIES   A rationale for Applied Learning  Challenges to Implementing Applied Learning  Approaches to Providing Active, Concrete Learning Experience  Service Learning  Preparing Short Term for Active Learning Experiences  Dealing with Controversial Issues    5.  SELECTING TEACHING APPROACHES FOR KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION  Variables that Influence Selection  Approaches Focused on Knowledge Acquisition    6.  SELECTED TEACHING APPROACHES FOR KNOWLEDGE DISCOVERY  Approaches Focused on Discovery of Knowledge     7.  TEACHING SOCIAL STUDIES SKILLS  Developing Social Skills  Developing Map and Globe Skills  Research Skills   Time and Chronology Skills  Interpreting Political Cartoons    8.  ACCOMMODATING CULTURE,  GENDER, AND EXCEPTIONALITY   Multicultural Dimensions  Gender Issues  Exceptionality    9.  SOCIAL STUDIES FOR LIMITED-ENGLISH-PROFICIENT LEARNERS  The Instructional Challenge  Categories of Language Proficiency  Problems for Limited-English-Proficient Students  Sheltered Instruction in the Social Studies  Successful Instructional Practices  Modifying Lessons    10.  PLANNING FOR SUCCESS Aims, Goals, Learning Objectives  Information needed for Instructional Planning  Organizing Planning Information    11.  INTERDISCIPLINARY DIMENSIONS  Choosing Appropriate Themes  Integrating Unit Content    Integrating Units Around Children’s Literature  Integrating the Arts  Integrating Music   Integrating Mathematics  Integrating Science and Technology  Integrating Language Arts    12.  ASSESSING SOCIAL SSTUDIES OUTCOMES  Defining Terms  Types of Assessment   The Assessment Blueprint  Evaluation and Grading