Social Studies and Literature Teaching with Children’s Literature

Why teach with Literature? Children should be actively engaged in learning experiences Social Studies should be relevant to children’s lives Social Studies should be a shared learning experience Social Studies should deepen children’s conceptual understanding Von Heyking, A.; Social Studies Through Literature, (2001), Scholastic Canada

Appropriate use of Literature A literary selection, writing assignment, cooperative learning activity, or computerized simulation cannot be considered curriculum simply because it features social studies combined with some other subject or set of skills. Nor can such activities be substituted for genuine social studies activities.

To qualify as worthwhile elements of social studies curricula, activities must engage students in using important ideas in ways that promote progress toward social understanding and civic efficacy goals. A Vision of Powerful Teaching and Learning in the Social Studies: Building Social Understanding and Civic Efficacy. So, Literature must address a Social Studies general or specific outcome, whether knowledge, attitude, or skill.

Advantages to using Literature Stories place children in time Children are comfortable with stories A good way to start a lesson Social Studies is real-life based. Stories give another view Visual representation in stories to assist with understanding Adds variety to lessons and units

Advantages (con’t.) Stories clarify concepts. Children like to know the answer Promotes higher order thinking skills Promotes conversation and interaction Heightens moral and social awareness Develops positive attitudes towards other cultures Provides insights to self

Cautions for Using Literature Social Studies content can distort the purpose of the story. Do not substitute stories for a textbook Fact or Fiction? Children may not know Stories can provide a superficial treatment of Social Studies concepts

Guidelines Teach explicitly, directly and often the distinction between fact and fiction Give students opportunities to respond aesthetically to the story Select good books

What are “Good” books? Broaden or deepen a Social Studies concept Interesting and developmentally appropriate Accurate and free of stereotypes Moral issues should invite critical thinking Illustrations complement the text Collection reflects multicultural nature of our nation and world