Social Studies

What are Social Studies texts?

• There are a number of different subjects that fit into the overarching theme of social studies. Some of those subjects include political science, geography, history, economics, and behavioral science, according to the Iowa Core. Nonfiction social studies texts allow students to explore all there is to know about the world, but in a way that is interesting and exciting, if you find the right text for them.

Criterion for Quality and Selection:

• One of the main criterion when selecting a text in this genre is looking for author credibility and accuracy. If the text has a well known author or is published by a well-established company there is a better chance the information in the text will be accurate. It is important to remember that the author doesn't necessarily need to be well known for the information to be accurate, we as teachers will have to be the judge of that.
• A second criterion, that I feel is important with social studies, is the voice of the text. Many students find social studies extremely boring, so finding text that is written in an informal voice would be very beneficial for students. 

Use in the Classroom:

• Can be used as supplementary materials when learning about difficult subjects, or subjects of interest for the students. If students aren't understanding the textbook they could refer to a book in the curriculum library that is more at their readability level to gain a better understanding. 
• There are main different topics when covering social studies, and not all textbooks go into depth on certain subjects that may be important to specific states. Finding books that go into more detail about those subjects and having them available for students to read will help them understand what has happened around them.

TEXT EXAMPLES:

George, J., & Small, D. (2000). So you want to be president? New York, NY: Philomel Books.

• Complex Text Level: 2nd - 3rd Grade
• Grade Level Span for Read-Aloud: 1st - 2nd Grade
• Major Themes:
• Patriotism
• Presidential History
• Worthy Qualities of Writing:
• The purpose of the text is to make United State's presidents relatable to students. There are many different qualities presidents have possessed, such as owning pets, having similar names, having brothers and sisters, being athletes, and careers before becoming presidents.
• The text features include fun, comic pictures that correlate with the text, and provide humor for the reader. A second great text feature is the use of a presidential timeline at the conclusion of the text, with a brief autobiography of each president. There is also a list of featured illustrations, so the reader can know for sure which president is being depicted in the comic-like drawings.
• Use in the Classroom
• Students could compare themselves to the presidents, or they could compare the presidents themselves by simply using the text, or with added resources.
• Support Needed:
• Background knowledge of some of the most influential presidents.
• What a president is and what they do.

Waryncia, L. (2006). If I were a kid in ancient Greece. Peterborough, NH: Cricket Books.

• Complex Text Level: 4th - 5th Grade
• Grade Level Span for Read-Aloud: 3rd- 4th Grade
• Major Themes:
• Ages & Stages of Childhood
• Ancient History
• Compare and Contrast
• Worthy Qualities of Writing:
• The book includes great text features throughout. Some of those features include a table of contents, a glossary, and an index. Another great feature is the "Hist-O-Bits", which provide fun facts that apply to what is being mentioned on the page.
• The voice is informal, which makes it fun for students to read and easy to follow along with. The text continually uses the word "you" so that students can relate to what they are reading.
• Throughout the text multiple Greek words are used and the author does a great job of defining the words for the students. 
• Examples: Zeus, Apollo, Olympia, lyre, temple
• Use in the Classroom
• The text can be used as supplementary to a lesson to add more information, or excite the students about the topic at hand. An example would be using the text, If I Were a Kid in Ancient Greece, to help students connect with children during that time period, while learning the facts from the main text.
• Students can compare and contrast their lives to those of children in ancient Greece and learn more about the culture itself.
• Support Needed:
• Preteaching some of the more difficult vocabulary, and especially the pronunciation of the Greek words. 
• Use this book while discussing Greek culture, since the text refers to many landmarks in Greece, and the Greek gods. 
• Teacher should have some prior knowledge about Greek culture in order to aid the students when they have any questions about the text.