Making Connections
children's exposure & involvement --- today's vital social issues --- your interests
past --- literature --- present
Objective: To develop a themed social studies investigation anchored in an intermediate level historical novel, consisting of extended social studies research, lessson planning, and materials development in the areas of culture, history, and geography.
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Rationale for the ELE3340 Novel-based Project:  To become a creator of effective Social Studies curriculum, to relate Social Studies teaching/learning interactions to the great themes of the human experience (past and present), to enable children to make decisions and carry out meaningful actions for change for a better world.

Consider your interest in these topics from U.S. history

Connect one of the above with one or more of the issues below

Concern for and interest in today's global issues

Choose one of the following novels, upper elementary level,
as your source and organizer for the themed Social Studies investigation                                                                            

Civil War Era                                                     Depression Era                                                    
Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt                       Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
                                                                             

Native American culture                                   Immigration                                                                                                         
Julie of the Wolves by J.C.George                     Dragonwings by Laurence Yep
   

Ideas for Women Heroes: 
Julie of the Wolves -- Rachel Carson (naturalist, environmentalist), Sacajawea, Pocahantas.  Do we know any Native American women who served in wartime?
Dragonwings -- women pilots: Amelia Earhart, Sally Ride, Katharine, the sister of the Wright Brothers, Beryl Markham
Across Five Aprils -- Harriet Tubman, Clara Barton, Louisa May Alcott
Roll of Thunder -- Marian Anderson, Ida B. Wells, Fannie Lou Hamer