This article models the integration of social studies and language arts commonly used in elementary classrooms by using a text that incorporates straightforward social studies content in the context of the daily experiences of a Chinese family in the U.S. The authors illustrate how to use the award-winning novel, Front Desk by Kelly Yang, with young learners in grades 4–6 to examine the myriad of experiences with class, race, language, and exploitation that immigrants from China to the United States often encounter.

In this article, the authors suggest that prop boxes can make more time in the school day for social studies learning and play. The authors share suggestions for designing and implementing prop boxes with young children. Several examples of social studies prop boxes for kindergarten and first grade are investigated.  

The digital resources selected here for using literature to teach social studies will help engage learners and enliven the discipline.

Find the criteria for nominating a member (in 2019) for a NCSS award or grant. Outstanding Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year Elisabetta Bavaro Oceanside Union Free School District Oceanside, New York Empower Your Students to Take Action: Fostering Global Citizens and Solutionary Thinkers This workshop will discuss how the 2018 NCSS Elementary Teacher of the Year converted her engaged learners into empowered learners. Student agency is at the heart of this classroom transformation. Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals, see how you can promote global…