NEW - Ideas for using technology in every area of social studies instruction Throughout the material. Familiarize future teachers with resources found in today's classrooms encourages them to make the most of e-mail, digital cameras, the Internet/World Wide Web, and other "high-tech" tools. NEW - Discussion of the latest NAEYC standards Including content standards. Ensures students leave the class with a solid understanding of professional guidelines readies them for the expectations of pupils, parents, principals, and the community. NEW - Expanded treatment of key topics in the social studies curriculum Including the thematic project approach and multicultural education. Keeps the text up-to-date and relevant to today's educational environment provides the content future teachers need to know in order to succeed in their first classrooms. A separate chapter on diversity With a full complement of curriculum materials, methods, and activity ideas for teaching young children to value themselves and others. Offers resources and a rationale for future teachers to respect diversity creates a template for full inclusion of all learners, regardless of special needs or individual differences.

Children's literature citations/references in every chapter Including prose, poetry, and other genres. Identifies current and classic works that incorporate the chapter's principles helps students create a powerful reading list to accompany social studies content in any classroom. A strong focus on child development Throughout the text. Grounds students in the general milestones of childhood growth, development, and learning ties child development theory to effective planning for helping younger learners succeed. Opening questions, a concluding summary, and references In every chapter. Organizes chapter content for quick review focuses readers' attention on key chapter content and serves as a handy means for them to gauge their understanding. Extend Your Knowledge sections After each chapter. Presents resources for taking students further into the social studies discipline offers ideas for in-class discussion, term paper topics, and individual or group research projects.