Social Studies
Social Studies:
Grades 1 to 5
Note: The list of resources in this section provides an update to Social Studies: A Bibliography for the Elementary Level (1995).
Adventure Canada: A Multimedia Tour of Canada (CD-ROM). Virtual Reality Systems Inc. (CCT), 1996. No order number is required. ($49.95).
(CAN) This interactive program includes a CD-ROM and accompanying teacher’s resource binder. The CD-ROM contains fascinating visuals to promote interest in Canadian lands and people. In overviews of the country and each province within the nation, the program allows users to access an extended video segment describing the physical geography, a series of colour slides, text, flags, coats of arms, symbolic flowers, and map overlays of cities, roads, bodies of water, national parks, elevations, and latitude and longitude. A notepad is included.
The teacher’s resource binder contains ideas for exploration of the CD-ROM or other research materials, presentation of findings, and assessment.
Suggested Use: Grade 5 - Unit 1; Grade 5 - Unit 2; Grade 5 - Unit 3; Grade 5 - Unit 4
Other Use: Social Studies: Grade 6; Social Studies: Grades 7-9
Ago! Amee! Attention! I'm Listening! (Video). Sunburst Communications (SUN), 1997. 25 min. Order no. 2792-03 ($49.95).
Ago! Amee! invites children to view Africa through a different window—through the eyes of other children. Set in a simulated but authentic West African village with a complete cast of village children, elders, drummers, dancers, and singers, this program features two animated storytellers who captivate their young listeners with a dramatic rendering of two traditional African folktales. The video helps to build multicultural bridges and fosters an understanding of African culture.
An excellent teacher’s guide accompanies the video.
Suggested Use: Grade 1 – Unit 2; Grade 3 – Unit 3
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level
All Around Me (Print-Non-Fiction). Hewitt, Sally. (Now I Know Series). Thomson Learning (WBIN), 1995. 47 p. ISBN 1-56847-266-8 ($13.95 hdc.).
This well-laid-out and informative book covers many themes within Grades 1 to 3 social studies. The illustrations and activities encourage the students to learn about their culture and others around the world. There is a combination of science and social studies chapters. Some of the social studies chapters include: "My Family," "My Home," "Clothes We Wear," "Children of the World," and "Homes Around the World." An index and a glossary are included.
Suggested Use: Grade 1 - Unit 2; Grade 2 - Unit 1; Grade 3 - Unit 3
Building the Legend (Video). N.W.M.P. Commemorative Association (NWM), 1992. 28 min. No order number is required. ($12.50).
(CAN) In this video, a grandfather who has studied the history of the RCMP teaches his grandson about the early NWMP. Interspersed throughout their discussions are brief, interesting re-enactments of the events in the organization’s early history. Included are vignettes showing the feelings of the young recruits, devastation to the Aboriginals’ way of life caused by alcohol, Wolfe’s Cypress Hills Massacre, the trusting relationship of Walsh and Sitting Bull, and the Prime Minister’s lack of support for the Sioux. The video emphasizes that Crowfoot’s bond with McLeod contributed to the organization’s success in the young West. Note: This video uses dated terminology in its references to Aboriginal peoples. The video has been distributed free of charge to all Grades 1 to 8 schools in Saskatchewan.
Suggested Use: Grade 5 - Unit 2
Other Use: Social Studies: Grades 7-9
Celebrate!: An Anti-Bias Guide to Enjoying Holidays in Early Childhood Programs (Print-Non-Fiction). Bisson, Julie. Redleaf Pr. (MON), 1997. 149 p. ISBN 1-884834-32-9 ($27.95 pbk.).
This book is a guide on how to enjoy holidays that have their origins in many different cultures. The activities that connect to each holiday are aimed at creating respect for the culture in which the celebrations originate. In schools where the holiday question is a sensitive issue, this resource can provide guidance in a creative way. Chapters include "Developing a Holiday Policy," "Introducing Unfamiliar Holidays," "Considering Religion," and "Resources."
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Teacher Reference
A Child's Guide to Government (Video). Wildcard Productions (MGR), 1996. 25 min. Dup. order no. V418.
(CAN) This program provides young students with a basic introduction to the workings of the Canadian government. Using a combination of live action, computer animation and an amusing storyline, this program explores and examines the principles behind democracy. It explains in simple, easily understood terms the ideas behind why we choose to have a government, what representation is, and finally what the word responsible means to our Cabinet. The story begins with a young girl challenging her school's decision to have a "boys only" hockey team. She takes up the challenge and with the help of a friendly dragon named Maple begins to understand how the political process works and how she can make a difference to the system.
Suggested Use: Grade 5 - Unit 4
Endless Possibilities: Generating Curriculum in Social Studies and Literacy (Print-Non-Fiction). Cordeiro, Pat, ed. Heinemann Educational Bks (GDS), 1995. 138 p. ISBN 0-435-08903-X ($38.50 pbk.).
This resource provides valuable suggestions for using teaching strategies such as simulation, critical thinking, and mock elections. Focussing on interdisciplinary units, the book connects social studies to other subjects such as music in a medieval theme and language arts in discussion of the writing process and authoring cycle. Most chapters discuss teacher reflection and continuous assessment in conjunction with their specific topics. Although written for use with younger students, this book’s strategies are also useful with Middle Level students. A table of contents is included.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Social Studies: Grade 6; Social Studies: Grades 7-9
Everybody's Different (Video). Sunburst Communications (MGR), 1994. 14 min. Dup. order no. V6787. Teacher's Guide - Order no. G6787 ($8.50 loose-leaf).
With song lyrics that proclaim, "Everybody’s different, no one’s quite the same," this program celebrates the specialness of individual differences. It helps the youngest students understand that everyone is different in some way, and that it is not only okay to be different- it can be very interesting. A storyteller points out that many different activities are going on in the park around her because different people like to do different things. She uses her collection of kites to explain how differences are important, and then introduces three scenarios that illustrate how people are different and special.
Supporting print is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Grade 3 - Unit 3
Other Use: Health Education: Elementary Level
Harcourt Brace World Atlas (Atlas). Peturson, Rod, Harrison, Patricia and Harrison, Steve. Harcourt Brace & Company Canada Ltd. (HBJ), 1998. 64 p. ISBN 0-7747-0473-X ($14.95 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) This colourful atlas presents a thorough introduction to basic mapping principles through visual examples and focus questions. Maps in the atlas illustrate the major Aboriginal groups in North America, European exploration routes in the Americas, and physical and political features of the continents, North American countries, and Canadian provinces. Each map includes a fact box, colour photographs, and a discussion of a major issue relevant to the region. The atlas provides information about time zones, population, languages, life expectancy, and environmental concerns. Included are a table of contents, a North American index, and a world index.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Social Studies: Grade 6; Social Studies: Grades 7-9
Homes Around the World (Print-Non-Fiction). Kalman, Bobbie. (Crabapples Series). Crabtree Publishing Company (LRDC), 1994. 32 p. Order no. 9181 ($8.35 hdc.).
(CAN) In this picture book, students will see the many styles of houses that exist around the world. The book covers most areas of the world with comparisons of homes in areas such as cities, mountains, deserts, the tropics, and on the water. By making this comparison of houses, the pictures offer both a geographical and cultural lesson. For example, in the chapter "Homes on the Go!" there are pictures that show Arab and African nomads as well as a picture of a North American motor home. An index and a glossary are included.
Suggested Use: Grade 3 - Unit 3
If You Were a... Veterinarian (Print-Non-Fiction). Schomp, Virginia. (If You Were Series). Marshall Cavendish (MAC), 1998. 32 p. ISBN 0-7614-0613-1 ($21.95 hdc.).
With its use of colourful pictures of veterinarians looking after a wide range of animals, this book will appeal to young readers. The large-type text explains very well what a veterinarian does. Also included in the book is a short illustrated section about veterinarians at different times in history. Whether urban or rural, students using this book can get a clear picture about the life a veterinarian. Included are an index and a glossary.
Suggested Use: Grade 2 - Unit 3
Journey Across Canada Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Beckett, Harry. Rourke Pubns., Inc. (LRDC), 1997. 24 p. Order numbers follow. ($19.55 hdc.).
Titles in this series include:
|
Alberta |
Order no. 9138 |
|
British Columbia |
Order no. 9139 |
|
Manitoba |
Order no. 9140 |
|
New Brunswick |
Order no. 9141 |
|
Newfoundland |
Order no. 9142 |
|
Northwest Territories |
Order no. 9143 |
|
Nova Scotia |
Order no. 9144 |
|
Ontario |
Order no. 9145 |
|
Prince Edward Island |
Order no. 9146 |
|
Quebec |
Order no. 9147 |
|
Saskatchewan |
Order no. 9148 |
|
Yukon |
Order no. 9149. |
(CAN) Each province and territory is profiled in a well-illustrated and easy-to-read text. Within each book, topics covered include geography, weather, history, making a living, attractions, and cities. There is no separate volume for Nunavut, but the Northwest Territories title has a discussion of its creation in 1999. An index, a glossary, and a map are included.
Suggested Use: Grade 3 - Unit 2
Liliana's Grandmothers (Print-Fiction). Torres, Leyla. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Inc. (GDS), 1998. unp. ISBN 0-374-35105-8 ($26.95 hdc.).
Liliana has one grandmother who lives down the street from her in America, and one who lives in another country and speaks only Spanish. No matter how much her grandmothers differ, they both love her. Torres’s gentle watercolour illustrations complement this soothing story of intergenerational relationships.
Suggested Use: Grade 1 - Unit 2; Grade 2 - Unit 1; Grade 3 - Unit 3
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level; Health Education: Elementary Level; Kindergarten
Listen for the Bus: David's Story. 1st ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). McMahon, Patricia. Boyds Mills Press (CDS), 1995. unp. ISBN 1-56397-368-5 ($24.99 hdc.).
The life of a child who is blind and partially deaf is told through text and photographs in this informative book written by the mother of a child who started Kindergarten the same day as David. David’s feelings and emotions are explored by following him through a typical day. Although some adaptations must be made in order for him to attend the local public school, he shows that he has his own ways of knowing what day it is, what class he is going to, and when he is walking in the front door of the school. This book eloquently tells the story of a child who successfully copes with the world around him without the benefit of vision.
Suggested Use: Grade 1 - Unit 1
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level; Health Education: Elementary Level
Our Neighborhood Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Children's Press (LRDC), 1997. 32 p. Order numbers follow.
Recommended titles in the series are:
|
Ask Nurse Pfaff, She'll Help You! |
Order no. 9336 |
($6.95 pbk.) |
|
Dr. Kanner, Dentist With a Smile |
Order no. 9337 |
($6.95 pbk.) |
|
Mr. Yee Fixes Cars |
Order no. 9338 |
($6.95 pbk.) |
|
Ms. Murphy Fights Fires |
Order no. 9339 |
($6.95 pbk.) |
|
Who Keeps the Water Clean? Ms. Schindler! |
Order no. 9340 |
($4.85 pbk.). |
This series about community helpers is written in simple, large-print text that is complemented with both black-and-white and colour photographs.
Suggested Use: Grade 2 - Unit 3
Pedrito's Day (Print-Fiction). Garay, Luis. Stoddart Publishing Co. Ltd. (GDS), 1997. unp. ISBN 0-7737-2999-2 ($16.95 hdc.).
(CAN) Pedrito shines shoes each day in the market to earn money for a bicycle. While running an errand for a neighbour one day, Pedrito makes a careless mistake. When Pedrito realizes that he has lost his neighbour’s money, he accepts responsibility honestly, and solves the problem on his own. Pedrito’s maturity in handling the situation earns his mother’s respect. In this picture book, bright, detailed illustrations depict a South American home and marketplace.
Suggested Use: Grade 2 - Unit 2
Other Use: Health Education: Elementary Level
Postcards From Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Raintree Publishers Group (LRDC), 1996. 32 p. Order numbers follow.
Titles in this series include:
|
Australia |
Order no. 9229 |
($23.70 hdc.) |
|
Brazil |
Order no. 9230 |
($20.90 hdc.) |
|
Canada |
Order no. 9231 |
($20.90 hdc.) |
|
China |
Order no. 9232 |
($20.90 hdc.) |
|
Germany |
Order no. 9233 |
($20.90 hdc.) |
|
Great Britain |
Order no. 9234 |
($20.90 hdc.) |
|
Japan |
Order no. 9235 |
($20.90 hdc.) |
|
Russia |
Order no. 9236 |
($20.90 hdc.) |
|
Spain |
Order no. 9237 |
($20.90 hdc.). |
Through the use of a series of postcards with captions, young readers can gain an appreciation for countries around the world. Each book in this series takes a snapshot look at an individual country. Within the individual titles there are a variety of colour photographs that show various aspects of a country’s culture. The brief text complements the illustrations on the land, the people, and the culture. An index and a glossary are included.
Suggested Use: Grade 3 - Unit 3
A Real Farm Girl (Print-Fiction). Ioannou, Susan. (Hodgepog Book Series). The Books Collective (BOO), 1998. 123 p. ISBN 1-895836-52-2 ($6.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Mary’s father has gone away to fight in the war, and Mary and her mother go to her Grandmother’s farm while he is gone. Mary is determined to become a real farm girl, and whether it is learning to milk a cow, chasing kittens out of the barn, or coping with her cousins, she eventually proves that the farm is where she belongs. James Rozak illustrated this easily read book from the HodgePog series.
Suggested Use: Grade 5 - Unit 3
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level
Social Studies and the Elementary School Child. 6th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Maxim, George W. Merrill Publishing (PRN), 1999. 656 p. ISBN 0-13-649898-1 ($80.71 hdc.).
This reference combines theoretical understandings and practical advice to describe the content and strategies most effective in teaching social studies. The book looks at ways to create a supportive learning environment that is sensitive to differences in students’ gender, cultural heritage, and learning style. Included are sections discussing ways to promote inquiry, integrate the arts, use varied resources, encourage reading and writing as meaning-making activities, and learn cooperatively. Chapters of the book focus on lesson and unit planning, and on the content of civics, geography, and history education. The book contains a table of contents, vignettes of teacher experiences, illustrative examples, an author index, and a subject index. The examples presented in this book are largely American.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Social Studies: Grade 6; Social Studies: Grades 7 to 9
Stories in Season (CD-ROM). Pebble Beach Interactive (LRDC), 1997. Order no. 8364 ($29.15).
(I/M, SK) This compact disc presents four interactive picture books, Alfred's Summer by Darrell Pelletier, Byron Through the Seasons by the Children of La Loche and Friends, Just a Walk by Jordan Wheeler, and Peter's Moccasins by Jan Truss. It has been produced to work in a Windows or Mac environment. Text and narration may be accessed in English, French, Cree, Dakota, Dene, or Saulteaux. As well, selected illustrations link to definitions or descriptions of objects or activities related to the story.
The teacher's guide may be viewed or printed using Adobe Acrobat.
This disc was distributed free of charge to each elementary school in Saskatchewan.
Suggested Use: Grade 1 - Unit 2; Grade 1 - Unit 3; Grade 2 - Unit 1; Grade 3 - Unit 1
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level; Kindergarten
Symbols of Canada (Print-Non-Fiction). Canadian Government Publishing (LRDC), 1999. 57 p. Order no. 972 ($4.85 pbk.).
(CAN) This booklet describes and illustrates the symbols of Canada and its political regions. Included are the symbols of the Queen and her representatives in Canada, the words to "O Canada" and "God Save the Queen," and the coats of arms, floral emblems, flags, and tartans of each province and territory. The book explains briefly the significance of each symbol and suggests activities to promote appreciation of the nation. A poster insert illustrates the Houses of Parliament and lists Canada’s prime ministers and governors general, as well as national and provincial symbols.
Suggested Use: Grade 5 - Unit 1
Other Use: Social Studies: Grades 7-9
Teaching Strategies for the Social Studies: Decision-Making and Citizen Action. 5th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Banks, James A., Banks, Cherry A. McGee and Clegg, Ambrose A. Addison-Wesley Longman, Inc. (LRDC), 1999. 502 p. Order no. 9137 ($79.50 pbk.).
This comprehensive guide addresses four topics related to the teaching of social studies. The first topic deals with the nature and goals of social studies. It includes ideas for unit and lesson planning, strategies to incorporate social inquiry methodology in the classroom, and suggestions for teaching higher level thinking skills. The second topic speaks to skills, issues, and materials. This segment identifies key skills such as context reading, writing, inquiry, group interaction, and mapping. The third topic examines history, sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, and geography. It provides key concepts and structures to enhance the content of the social studies unit. The final topic presents strategies on teaching value inquiry, decision making, and citizen action. It also suggests student evaluation strategies. The resource includes a table of contents and an index.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Canadian Studies; Social Studies: Grade 6; Social Studies: Grades 7-9; Social Studies 10/History 10; Social Studies 20/History 20
Through the Eyes of Children Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Abdo & Daughters Publishing (KNP), 1994-1996 pgn. varies. Order numbers follow. ($35.99 hdc.).
Titles in this series include:
Australia ISBN 1-56239-326-X
Ecuador ISBN 1-56239-546-7
Israel ISBN 1-56239-330-8
Nepal ISBN 1-56239-549-1
Turkey ISBN 1-56239-327-8.
Young readers will be able to relate to other cultures when they use this book. The colourful photographs show children in various activities within their culture. The easy-to-read text complements the photographs very well. Chapters such as: "What’s Good to Eat," "School Is Fun," "Life in the City," "Their Land," and "Family Living," bring the children into the lives of cultures around the world. A glossary and an index are included.
Suggested Use: Grade 3 - Unit 3
What We Eat (Print-Non-Fiction). Lynn, Sara and James, Diane. (Play & Discover Series). Thomson Learning (WBIN), 1994. 31 p. ISBN 1-56847-141-6 ($12.95 hdc.).
With a picture book format and easy-to-read text, students will find this book very entertaining. The colourful illustrations will assist students in learning about the different food groups and the origins of food. Several hands-on activities help to reinforce the learning. Students can learn how to make vegetable prints or a no-cook pizza. An index and a student quiz are included.
Suggested Use: Grade 2 - Unit 3
What We Wear (Print-Non-Fiction). James, Diane and Lynn, Sara. (Play & Discover Series). Thomson Learning (WBIN), 1994. 31 p. ISBN 1-56847-143-2 ($12.95 hdc.).
The easy-to-read picture book takes a first look at clothes people wear. Rather than taking a traditional comparative cultural look at clothing, this resource compares the fabrics and functions of clothing. For example, it examines cotton, silk, wool, the use of beads, how to cover up for protection, and fun clothes. The colourful illustrations represent various cultures. There are also several activities presented such as weaving paper, creating masks, and printing cloth. Included are an index and a quiz for the students.
Suggested Use: Grade 2 - Unit 3
The Whispering Cloth: A Refugee's Story (Print-Fiction). Shea, Pegi Deitz and Riggio, Anita, illus. Boyds Mills Press (CDS), 1996. unp. ISBN 1-56397-134-8 ($24.99 pbk.).
This picture book tells the story of Mai, a young Hmong child, who has fled from Laos to a refugee camp in Thailand with her grandmother. While in the camp, Mai’s grandmother teaches her how to stitch story cloths. It is through this pa’ndau that Mai tells her story: attack by soldiers, death of her parents, flight to the refugee camp, life in the camp, and dreams of a new home. Although these events were brought about due to American involvement in Vietnam, she dreams of a new home in the United States. The consequences of war are well portrayed in this story.
Suggested Use: Grade 1 - Unit 4
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level
Winds Through Time. 1st ed. (Print-Anthology). Walsh, Ann, ed. Beach Holme Publishing Ltd. (BHL), 1998. 162 p. ISBN 0-88878-384-1 ($12.95 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) Canadian historical fiction for young adults is not easy to find—and this anthology of short stories is a welcome addition for Canada’s youth. Fifteen short stories are presented, and all of them have believable young protagonists in historically accurate settings. The diversity of Canadian geography, culture, and economics is evident, as well as the complexity of political and social reforms. Topics range from the "Home Children" to the Métis to early suffragettes. Some of the recurring themes are survival, responsibility, perseverance, and the interconnectedness of lives near and far. Brief author biographies are found at the back of the anthology, with entries sketching the historical events around which their stories are developed.
Suggested Use: Grade 5 - Unit 1; Grade 5 - Unit 2; Grade 5 - Unit 3; Grade 5 - Unit 4
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10
