Category Archives: social studies

Teaching Geography with Children’s Literature: The Armadillo From Amarillo

Posted on January 26, 2010 by openwidearchive

“An armadillo from Texas wondered, “Where in the world am I? What’s out beyond these tangled woods? What’s out beyond the sky?” Introduction and Summary The Armadillo From Amarillo by Lynne Cherry is a beautifully illustrated tale of an armadillo’s journey around Texas … Continue reading →

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Teaching Geography with Children’s Literature: Listen to the Wind

Posted on January 26, 2010 by openwidearchive

“We are the children of Korphe. Not so long ago we had our lessons outside. We learned to write with sticks, on the ground. But then Dr. Greg came to our village, and he listened to the wind…” Listen to … Continue reading →

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Teaching Geography with Children’s Literature: Roughing It On the Oregon Trail

Posted on January 26, 2010 by openwidearchive

Set in 1843, Roughing It on the Oregon Trail, written by Diane Stanley and illustrated by Holly Berry, is based on the 5 month 2,000 mile journey on the Oregon Trail.  The story starts off with twins, Lenny & Elizabeth going back through … Continue reading →

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Teaching Geography with Children’s Liturature: On the Same Day in March

Posted on January 25, 2010 by openwidearchive

Ever considered that while the children in Canada are playing games in the snow, the children in Barbados are swimming in the ocean and playing baseball on the scolding sand?  On the Same Day in March: A Tour of the … Continue reading →

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Teaching Geography with Children’s Literature: This Land is Your Land

Posted on January 22, 2010 by openwidearchive

“This land is your land, this land is my land, from California to the New York island, from the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters, this land was made for you and me.” Every child in the United States … Continue reading →

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Teaching History with Children’s Literature: The Silent Witness

Posted on November 23, 2009 by openwidearchive

The Silent Witness written by Robin Friedman and illustrated by Claire A. Nivola tells the story of the Civil War as told by a young Lucretia “Lula” McLean. The story begins by introducing Lula, her family members, and her rag … Continue reading →

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Teaching History with Children’s Literature: The Story of Jamestown

Posted on November 23, 2009 by openwidearchive

The Story of Jamestown is a great “comic book” style book on the settling of Jamestown. It is written by Eric Braun and illustrated by Steve Erwin, Keith Williams and Charles Barnett III. The illustrations are wonderful which rich colors … Continue reading →

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Teaching History with Children’s Literature: …If You Lived in WILLIAMSBURG in COLONIAL DAYS

Posted on November 23, 2009 by openwidearchive

  …If You Lived in WILLIAMSBURG in COLONIAL DAYS by Barbara Brenner is an informational book which describes the everyday life of colonists living in Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia.   This story is set up in a Question and Answer … Continue reading →

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Teaching History With Children’s Literature: Virginia

Posted on November 23, 2009 by openwidearchive

Virginia by Erik Bruun and illustrated by Rick Peterson is a must read if you are teaching Virginia History. The narrator of the story is a young boy teaching the history of Virginia to his peers. It includes all the basic … Continue reading →

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Teaching History with Children’s Literature: The Blue and the Gray

Posted on November 22, 2009 by openwidearchive

If you are looking for a different kind of book to introduce the Civil War to your students, try The Blue and the Gray by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Ned Bittinger. The story revolves around two best friends whose … Continue reading →

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