Reading & Writing in Social Studies

Students often struggle to understand the increasingly complex content and vocabulary presented in social studies. Frustrated teachers often feel that it is easier to just cover the information presented instead of working to help students make meaningful connections. Effective strategies increase students learning AND build scores on standardized social studies reading and writing tests.

Glenn will share successful strategies that target the unique features and constructions of social studies texts as well as other forms of non-fiction & fiction. Handouts and materials provided can be used immediately to modify your social studies instruction.


Presentation Handouts

Slideshare presentation

Workshop Resources

National Archives for Teachers
Library of Congress Learning Page
Our Documents
America's Library
University of Kansas Document Links
Social Studies Central Documents page
Reading Quest: Making Sense in Social Studies
National Council for the Social Studies
ThinkFinity
Video game resources
Graphic Organizers from TeacherVision
Editable Graphic Organizers
Word Magnets (word sorts)
Image resources

Wordle

Tell Me a Digital Story

Social Studies Central reading resources

Literacy Connections
Literacy Matters
Reading Strategies for the Social Studies Class
What's New in Children's Lit
Cyberguides
PBS TeacherSource: Recommended Books
Carol Hurst's Children's Lit Site
K12 Literary Genres
Suggested Children's Lit Activities
Opening Doors to Social Studies with Children's Literature
NCSS Notable Tradebooks
BibMe
xTimeline
PhotoStory 3
Comic Life