Is social studies another unintended casualty of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)? Nationwide, instruction in history, geography, civics, and economics is being squeezed out as schools feel the pressure to meet proficiency goals in reading and math. Al Franscella, a spokesman for the National Council for the Social Studies, asserts that “what isn’t tested, isn’t taught.” … [Read more...] about Don’t Know Much about History
history
Living History
If you want history to come alive for your children, I recommend two excellent series of activity books. These series target elementary and middle schoolers; although some of the activities require adult supervision, the works themselves ingeniously address the child audience and provide a wide range of creative explorations. … [Read more...] about Living History
The Play’s the Thing
Few authors have matched William Shakespeare in creativity, insight, and intellect. I have been playing with Shakespearean activities for fourth- through eighth-graders and have chosen two for an in-depth look. … [Read more...] about The Play’s the Thing
Reading the Holocaust
The Holocaust Library is a seven-volume set covering one of the most horrific periods in history. Appropriate for middle-school-aged gifted students, it provides a critical examination of the people and events of the Holocaust. … [Read more...] about Reading the Holocaust