Category Archives: social studies

Teaching History with Children’s Literature: Ballots for Belva

Posted on November 22, 2009 by openwidearchive

How many men in 1884 do you think would vote for a woman for president? Keep in mind that women didn’t even have the right to vote at this time.  None? Maybe a few? Meet Belva Lockwood – the very … Continue reading →

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Teaching History With Children’s Literature: How We Crossed the West

Posted on November 19, 2009 by openwidearchive

Using quotes from the explorers’ journals, Rosalyn Schanzer, writer and illustrator of How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis & Clark, brings to life the “hair-raising adventures and narrow escapes” of Lewis and Clark. The journal excerpts and … Continue reading →

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Teaching History with Children’s Literature: 1607: A New Look at Jamestown

Posted on November 19, 2009 by openwidearchive

1607: A New Look at Jamestown, written by Karen E. Lange with photographs by Ira Block, is a National Geographic children’s book that promotes the rediscovery of Jamestown beyond the common misconceptions that have prevailed through the years. Lange captures … Continue reading →

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Freedom on the Menu

Posted on November 16, 2009 by openwidearchive

    Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins, written by Carole Boston Weatherford with paintings by Jerome Lagarrigue, tells the story of an important event of the civil rights movement from a little girl’s point of view.  Connie, a young black girl, … Continue reading →

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: If A Bus Could Talk

Posted on November 16, 2009 by openwidearchive

   If A Bus Could Talk:  The Story of Rosa Parks written and illustrated by Faith Riggold is a book about the story of Rosa Parks and her act of courage during the Civil Rights Movement. Marcie, on her way … Continue reading →

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted on November 16, 2009 by openwidearchive

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr., written by David A. Adler and illustrated by Robert Casilla, is an excellent book to explain the legacy and important contributions made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. within America.  Students are made … Continue reading →

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Rosa

Posted on November 15, 2009 by openwidearchive

Introduction Civil rights is an important aspect of American History. There are many important people that helped create  a desegregated America. Even though some of these individuals may have done small things to help achieve desegragation, they made important impacts … Continue reading →

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Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: Where Washington Walked

Posted on November 15, 2009 by openwidearchive

Where Washington Walked  chronicles the life of George Washington. It’s written by Raymond Bial and has wonderful photographs of the actual places Washington lived, worked and travelled to. It talks about ordinary things Washington did such as “experimenting with crop … Continue reading →

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Teaching Geography with Children’s Literature: Virginia: Facts and Symbols

Posted on November 3, 2009 by openwidearchive

Summary Virginia: Facts and Symbols is a fact book all about the great state of Virginia. Bill McAuliffe does a wonderful job presenting children with all the knowledge they need to know. about Virginia. From learning Virginia’s nickname; Old Dominion, to learning that the … Continue reading →

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Teaching Geography with Children’s Literature: The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman

Posted on November 3, 2009 by openwidearchive

Young Tameka wants her favorite uncle, Ray, to visit her in California.  Ray is too busy with his job in South Carolina to travel to Tameka’s home; so, he sends Oliver K. Woodman, a hand-crafted wooden man, in his place.  The Journey of Oliver … Continue reading →

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