Category Archives: social studies

Nonfiction Monday – Ballots for Belva

Posted on September 15, 2008 by Tricia

I’m tired of politics. No, really. I’m tired of speeches, commercials, trash talk, e-mail messages and the constant chatter (not all of it polite or respectful) that has hijacked many a listserv and lunchroom conversation. Don’t get me wrong, I … Continue reading →

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Nonfiction Monday – When I Grow Up

Posted on September 1, 2008 by Tricia

In honor of Labor Day, I thought it appropriate to review When I Grow Up: A Young Person’s Guide to Interesting and Unusual Occupations by Jessica Loy. When I was growing up, I never dreamed about “normal” occupations. Doctor, lawyer, … Continue reading →

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How’s Your Content Knowledge?

Posted on August 27, 2008 by Tricia

My students arrive in 75 minutes. On the first day of class we begin by with a scavenger hunt as both a means of introduction and a way for me to see how much they “know” about the curriculum they … Continue reading →

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Nonfiction Monday – It’s Back to School We Go!

Posted on August 18, 2008 by Tricia

Back to school is right around the corner for many kids. As summer’s end approaches, minds are on new teachers (who will it be?), new clothes (what will I wear?), school supplies and much more. First day jitters may already … Continue reading →

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Nonfiction Monday – Go, Go America

Posted on August 11, 2008 by Tricia

Alright readers, time for a quiz. Read each of the following statements and name the STATE that correctly completes the sentence. It illegal for boys to hurl snowballs at trees in the state of __. The annual Bald is Beautiful … Continue reading →

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Elementary Social Studies on the Web – Guided Tour

Posted on May 21, 2008 by Tricia

Are you looking for great resources to help you plan and deliver social studies instruction at the elementary level? Boy, do I have the sites for you! Sit back, relax, and take this guided tour of some great places to … Continue reading →

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Nonfiction Monday – The Philosopher and the Traveler: Two Books by Russell Freedman

Posted on March 3, 2008 by Tricia

When I was preparing for my trip to China last year, I read everything I could get my hands on. Two books I particularly enjoyed were by one of my favorite authors of nonfiction, Russell Freedman. Confucius: The Golden Rule … Continue reading →

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Nonfiction Monday – The Story of Salt

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Tricia

I love books that explore science and history from different perspectives. For example, I love the notion of learning about animals not by the groups they belong to (say a book on birds or reptiles), but by some common feature … Continue reading →

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School Around the Globe

Posted on January 18, 2008 by Tricia

I recently received an e-mail with the following request. I need to come up with a collection of children’s books that includes various representations of schools. I was hoping to find books involving schools in other countries and cultures, but … Continue reading →

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Connecting Social Studies and Children’s Literature

Posted on January 5, 2008 by Tricia

Looking for some ideas for integrating children’s literature into social studies instruction? These sites offer some great starting points. Thematic Book Lists from the Cooperative Children’s Book Center 40 Books About Labor http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/detailListBooks.asp?idBookLists=104 40 Books About Peace and Social Justice … Continue reading →

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