If you are searching for ideas to teach social studies in fun and meaningful ways, 50 Ways to Teach Social Studies is a book that provides a plethora of ideas of practical lessons connected to real-world topics that will save the busy teacher time and effort. The activities in this book are housed under themes and include content connections (civics, history, geography, economics), guiding questions, and literacy connections. From community, primary sources, and music to food, visual media, and experiential learning, this book will inspire you to make connections in your own environment to expand the teaching of social studies.
S. Kay Gandy is a retired university professor of 17 years and retired elementary teacher of 27 years. Through work with international education, she has gathered teaching ideas across the globe.
Preface Introduction Chapter 1: Using Primary Sources to Teach Social Studies Chapter 2: Using Music to Teach Social Studies Chapter 3: Using Literature to Teach Social Studies Chapter 4: Using Visual Media to Teach Social Studies Chapter 5: Using the Environment to Teach Social Studies Chapter 6: Using the Community to Teach Social Studies Chapter 7: Using Food to Teach Social Studies Chapter 8: Using Experiential Learning to Teach Social Studies Conclusion Appendix A: Salt Dough Recipe for Making Tiles Appendix B: The Little Red Hen Operetta Appendix C: Cinderella Story Comparison Chart Appendix D: Main Street Template for Architecture Appendix E: Main Street Template for Courthouse Square Appendix F: Main Street Template for Building Use Appendix G: Table for Using the FILM Strategy Appendix H: Amish Friendship Bread Recipe Appendix I: Johnny Cake Recipe Bibliography Summary of Activities About the Author and Illustrator
I love the research-based, cross-curricular, and hands-on nature of Dr. Kay Gandy's book 50 Ways to Teach Social Studies. The work has a rich, research base leading to amazing, tried, and true opportunities to positively impact student learning. The cross-curricular emphasis allows social studies educators to engage with the subject in a global manner that encourages critical thinking. The hands-on applied nature of the book allows for instant classroom application. Dr. Gandy's book is well worth the exploration. -- Andrea Paganelli, author of books for teachers including, Power Up Your Read-Alouds: Building Reading Excitement through Technology As a teacher of ESL students, I find this book extremely innovative in ways to help students learn other than by reading a textbook. Many of our students come to school with little to no formal educational experience. Dr. Gandy provides a multitude of engaging activities to support learning for all students. She brings learning alive, interactive, and makes it fun. The activities in 50 Ways to Teach Social Studies not only help students to learn with a more hands-on and real-life approach, but are exciting and appealing for classrooms across the country. Dr. Gandy's knowledge and love of social studies shines in this book. -- Sydney A. Miles, ESL elementary teacher, Carencro Heights Elementary School, Carencro, LA S. Kay Gandy has done it again! Her second activity book for social studies, 50 Ways to Teach Social Studies, has a myriad of wonderful ideas for the busy social studies teacher. Her activities require accessible materials; the directions are easy to follow; and her Summary of Activities is organized and informative. It's a must have book for all elementary teachers of social studies. -- Kathleen Matthew, professor, education department, Black Hills State University
