Category Archives: social studies

Teaching Economics with Children’s Literature: Little Blue Truck Leads the Way

Posted on February 19, 2010 by openwidearchive

 “Wooeee… went a siren.  Coming through!  Busy police car, things to do!” “Up roared a taxi. Screech went the brakes.  Stop! yelled Blue. For goodness’ sakes!”. Little Blue Truck Leads the Way is a children’s book written by Alice Schertle … Continue reading →

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Teaching Ancient Civilizations with Children’s Literature: Pompeii Lost & Found

Posted on February 8, 2010 by openwidearchive

Pompeii Lost & Found, written by Mary Pope Osborne and illustrated by Bonnie Christensen, tells the story of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius which buried Pompeii.  The story begins right before the eruption; “As everyone went about their daily routines … Continue reading →

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Madam President

Posted on February 8, 2010 by openwidearchive

  "A President has to lead by example, even if it means cleaning her own room." Madam President is a fun and clever book written by Lane Smith.  It follows a girl as she explains some of the duties of … Continue reading →

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Teaching Ancient Civilizations with Children’s Literature: Ancient Rome and Pompeii

Posted on February 8, 2010 by openwidearchive

Magic Tree House Research Guide #14: Ancient Rome and Pompeii: A Nonfiction Companion to Vacation Under the Volcano, written by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce, illustrated by Sal Murdocca is an excellent way to supplement teaching Ancient Roman … Continue reading →

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Teaching Ancient Civilizations with Children’s Literature: The Trojan Horse

Posted on February 6, 2010 by openwidearchive

Warwick Hutton masterfully retells and illustrates the famous legend of  The Trojan Horse. The familiar story is told in child friendly language that provides context to the simple and beautiful  watercolor and pen illustrations.  For those who may be unfamiliar … Continue reading →

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Teaching Civics with Children’ Literature: Grody’s Not So Golden Rules

Posted on February 3, 2010 by openwidearchive

Introduction and Summary Grody’s Not So Golden Rules, written and illustrated by Nicole Rubel, is a funny story of a boy/dog who imagines what life would be like if he followed his own set of rules. As Grody lists his rules, … Continue reading →

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Know and Follow Rules

Posted on February 2, 2010 by openwidearchive

Introduction and Summary:  Know and Follow Rules  was written by  Cheri J. Meiners, M. Ed. and illustrated by Meredith Johnson. The story takes place in a typical classroom. The narrator is explaining how in school there are rules and the … Continue reading →

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Don’t Know Much About the Presidents

Posted on February 1, 2010 by openwidearchive

Don’t Know Much About the Presidents is a great resource for kids to explore the lives of the presidents and their families by learning fun and interesting facts.  The author, Kenneth C. Davis, begins the book with an introduction to … Continue reading →

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln

Posted on February 1, 2010 by openwidearchive

 Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln  by Doreen Rappaport is a non-fiction picture book that walks vividly, with illustrations by Kadir Nelson, through the life of the 16th president of the United States. It begins with his childhood … Continue reading →

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: A Picture Book of George Washington

Posted on January 31, 2010 by openwidearchive

A Picture Book of George Washington, written by David A. Adler, illustrated by John & Alexandra Wallner is a simple biography about George Washington.  It provides important facts and dates relevant to a student in the lower elementary grades.  It … Continue reading →

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