Genre: Social Studies

The National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies defines social studies as:the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. Within the school program, social studies provides coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology, as well as appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences. The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.  With such a broad definition, this genre covers massive amounts of texts.  Any texts that can relate to people and culture development, changes that have happened over time, historic events, global connections and civic practices is considered part of the social studies genres.  This genre is incredibly important in the elementary classroom.  Students can be exposed to a variety of texts that combine reading standards with social studies standards.  These texts are informational, focused on specific event and foster themes of family, culture, community, geography and history.  Due to the complexity of these themes, the texts may be suited for more developed reader.  However, with scaffolding by an educator, there are a plethora of texts perfect for Read Alouds.  In searching for Social Studies book for the classroom, important features to look for are: accuracy, appropriateness and appeal.

My Favorite Picks:

Vansant, W. (2013). Grant vs. Lee: The graphic history of the Civil War's greatest rivals during the last year of the war. Zenith Press.

Grade Equivalent: 7.4
Complexity Band: 6-8

This is a comic book designed text that tells the stories of General Grant and General Lee during the Civil War.  This text really reaches out to students due to its comic style.  The many illustrations really add depth to the narration.  Unfortunately, the complex themes and graphic illustrations would make this book better suited for 6th grader and above.  It is a great book to show comparing and contrasting while joining writing and social studies together.  In the classroom, students could choose a side of the story they agree with and write their point of view  and justify their answers.  This is also a great text to introduce another aspect of war.  War is a significant part of our past and continues to be part of our future.

Brewster, H., & Coulter, L. (1998). 882 1/2 amazing answers to your questions about the Titanic. New York: Scholastic.

Lexile: 1050L
Complexity Band: 6-8

 

I loved this book!  The intriguing title reaches out to inquiring readers.  This text is a book of questions students may have about the events that took place on the Titanic.  This text is literally filled with questions and answers about the horrific event.  Since the book is answer over 800 questions, it is not ideal for a Read Aloud but a few questions and answers may spark enthusiasm for future readers.  Titanic is a big concept that is hard to grasp but the layout of this book, makes it feel very informal and non-threatening.  This book is ideal for motivated second graders and all upper grades. Text features include: simple vocabulary, a glossary, additional reading recommendations in the back and listings of websites to further learning.