Essentials of Elementary Social Studies

Essentials of Elementary Social Studies is a teacher-friendly text that provides comprehensive treatment of classroom planning, instruction, and strategies. Praised for its dynamic approaches and a writing style that is conversational yet professional, this book enables and encourages educators to effectively teach elementary social studies using creative and active learning strategies. This seventh edition has been refined with new and relevant topics and strategies needed for effectively teaching elementary social studies. Updates include: A refreshed chapter on technology designed to better prepare elementary teachers to effectively incorporate technology, including artificial intelligence, into social studies instruction while understanding the benefits and dangers New classroom-tested, elementary-appropriate lesson plans for each grade level (K-6), in keeping with the book’s emphasis on planning and teaching New discussions on promoting inclusive practices in the classroom and supporting neurodiverse students and students with learning disabilities Additional attention to discussions around citizenship for younger grades New and revised case studies New "Checking for Understanding" sections at the end of each chapter that offer comprehension, application, and reflection on key concepts throughout the chapters Supplemental digital and video sources related to various topics throughout the chapter Full of practical guidance for K-6 teaching, Essentials of Elementary Social Studies is essential reading for pre-service teachers in Social Studies Education and Elementary Education as well as in-service elementary social studies teachers.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. Contemporary Elementary Social Studies 2. Social Studies Curriculum 3. Decision Making in Social Studies 4. Planning Social Studies Instruction 5. Assessment and Evaluation 6. Reading and Writing in Social Studies 7. Social Studies and Diverse Learners 8. Social Studies and the Acquisition of Skills 9. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 10. Experiencing Social Studies 11. Technology and Media in Social Studies 12. Lesson Plans for Elementary Social Studies

About the Author :
William B. Russell III is Professor of Social Science Education at the University of Central Florida, USA. Stewart Waters is Professor of Social Science Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA.

Review :
“Russell and Waters successfully capture current thinking, content, and skills vital for empowering children in their journeys to understand and participate as active citizens in the world. The energetic and conversational style invites interaction. Essentials of Elementary Social Studies 7Th Edition offers a fresh and contemporary collection of research-based strategies, topics, resources, instructional technologies, and theory-to-practice connections… all of which are needed and wanted by elementary educators.” Janie Hubbard, Associate Professor of Elementary Social Studies Education, The University of Alabama, USA “As a true methods book, Russell and Waters focus on an array of approaches to teaching elementary social studies that would be beneficial to both beginning and experienced educators. Essentials of Elementary Social Studies 7th Edition is a thorough and thoughtful introduction to the practice of teaching elementary social studies. For anyone interested in a book that is built around the practical aspects of elementary social studies, this book is a must read.” Bonnie Bittman, Associate Professor of Teacher Education, The University of Hawaii, USA “Essentials of Elementary Social Studies 7th Edition is well organized, easy to read, and is certain to be a useful resource for anyone interested in methods for teaching elementary social studies. Russell and Waters have written a very teacher friendly text that offers practical and engaging strategies for elementary classrooms. The text includes useful lesson plans as well as innovative and diverse teaching ideas that are sure to be helpful for any current or future elementary social studies teacher. Additionally, the authors provide activities for each chapter that can be utilized in elementary social studies methods courses for teacher preparation programs.” Irenea Walker, Assistant Professor of Elementary Education, Illinois State University, USA “Essentials of Elementary Social Studies 7th Ed speaks to the current issues in the field of social studies education such as teaching economic and geographic thinking skills outlined in the C3 Framework by the National Council for the Social Studies. Additionally, the authors share classroom activities for the pivotal topics discussed. The examples throughout provide the support many novice teachers need, along with new classroom strategies that many experienced educators can integrate into their teaching practices.” Jeremiah Clabough, Associate Professor of Curriculum & Instruction, The University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA