Table of Contents

Introduction/Derry Koralek
Social Studies in Today’s Early Childhood Curricula/ Gayle Mindes
Children’s Literature: A Window to Understanding Self and Others/Stephanie Feeney and Eva Moravcik
Exploring Social Studies through Children’s Books/ Susan Friedman with Stephanie Feeney
The Language of Lullabies/Alice Sterling Honig
Using Social Stories to Ease Children’s Transitions/ Jennifer Briody and Kathleen McGarry
Social Studies in Action/Susan Friedman
Social Studies: Learning about the World around Us/ Jo-Anne D’Addesio, Betsy Grob, Lenore Furman, Kathleen Hayes, and Judy David
Resources for Teaching and Learning about Social Studies/Gayle Mindes
Reflecting, Discussing, Exploring: Questions and Follow-Up Activities/Susan Friedman
This Is Social Studies . . .
Cleaning Up the Streets/Judy David and Betsy Grob
Real Superhero Play/Ruth Hensen
Cross-Cultural E-mail Connections/Michaele Salmon and Susan Evans Akaran
Making the Calendar Meaningful/Stefanie Adamson
Cristi’s Library Dilemma/Emily Vance and Patricia Jiménez Weaver

Promotional Information

When engaged in social studies, with guidance and encouragement from adults, children develop awareness of self and family and become active participants in the larger community. The knowledge and skills learned through social studies prepare children to become informed and engaged citizens of their country and the world.

In this collection of articles from Young Children and Beyond the Journal, experts discuss the historic roots of the social studies field, explain how quality books can help children understand themselves and others, and provide many examples of teachers and children engaged in meaningful social studies. The book includes a list of key resources as well as questions and activities designed to aid readers in reflecting on the articles.

This volume is part of NAEYC’s best-selling Spotlight series—great resources for the college classroom and for staff development.

About the Author

Derry Koralek, chief publishing officer of NAEYC, oversees the development of all print and digital publishing, including books, brochures, periodicals, professional development guides, posters, and websites for educators and families. Derry is editor in chief of Young Children and TYC—Teaching Young Children.

Gayle Mindes, EdD, is professor of education at DePaul University in Chicago. She teaches preservice graduate studies with a focus in social studies.