Every Book Is a Social Studies Book: How to Meet Standards with Picture Books, K-6

After No Child Left Behind went into effect, many school districts cut class time for social studies in favor of tested subjects like math and language arts. Some elementary teachers spend only 12 minutes per week teaching social studies. The good news is that social studies lessons can be incorporated into nearly any subject.|This text offers a teacher and student-friendly collection of lessons and activities that helps educators use picture books to engage younger students in meaningful social studies activities and bring this critical subject back in elementary schools.|In order for today's children to succeed as adults, they need a solid foundation of life skills inculcated at a young age. Social studies is key to building this critical knowledge, yet less attention is being paid to social studies in elementary schools as this subject becomes more essential. The authors of this text have a solution: use picture books as dual-purpose texts that fulfill more than just language arts needs, and take the time dedicated to those lessons to simultaneously teach social studies.||Each chapter of this text is organized around one of the National Council for the Social Studies' Ten Thematic Strands, covering diverse and engaging topics ranging from community and individuality to science and technology. This book serves as a vital resource for classroom teachers, methods professors, staff developers, and curriculum writers who prioritize keeping social studies a part of the elementary school curriculum.|âe¢ With precious class time devoted to social studies shrinking in elementary schools, this book enables pictures books to do "double duty" in English language arts and social studies|âe¢ Promotes active citizenship by helping students develop the skills necessary to make informed decisions|âe¢ Essential questions guide each chapter and encourage students to think critically about important social studies issues|âe¢