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The goal for social studies teachers is to offer an array of knowledge, skills, and dispositions that fulfill the ten National Council for the Social Studies standards. Powerful learning should be facilitated as specific social studies lessons, integrated across the curriculum, demonstrated throughout social interactions, and should reflect proficiencies as critical thinkers, decision makers, and problem solvers. Engaging in learning experiences within a multitude of contexts increases learners’ abilities to understand and accept themselves, one another, and society as they develop cultural competence. To advance teachers’ and young learners’ comprehension of these expectations, we share a four-part learning experience grounded on the word RESPECT, which serves as the acronym for navigating cultural competence, self-efficacy, and moral development in the classroom. Using the story, “The Sneetches” by Dr. Seuss, participants are guided through a series of hands-on experiences illustrative of social studies that is honest, natural, authentic, and holistic.

Rachel Carson was a notable woman who studied the environment and cared for the planet Earth. Her life was highlighted by several significant events that unfolded to future events culminating with her writing the landmark book Silent Spring. In this NCSS notable trade book lesson plan format, students record 12 significant events in Rachel Carson’s life on a graphic organizer. The graphic organizer is designed as 12 circles like the face of a clock to show chronological order. Using the information provided in the book Rachel: The Story of Rachel Carson (Ehrlich, 2003), students record 12 events to illustrate the cycle of life. This practical graphic organizer also can be used for recording important events in other people’s lives read in biographies and autobiographies as well as important events in each student’s life. Reading and sharing from the graphic organizer in chronological order prompts meaningful class conversations and learning experiences.

Notable Social Studies Trade Book (NSSTB) lists include books selected annually by the Book Review Committee of the National Council for the Social Studies in conjunction with the Children’s Book Council. These lists are excellent resources for teachers who use children’s literature to support social studies instruction in their classrooms. We report our analysis of award-winning titles for primary grades published from 2001-2011. Biographies and books that address topics about families are featured as a starting place for primary grades teachers to begin incorporating NSSTB into their social studies instruction. We conclude by suggesting ways for primary grade teachers to utilize the book lists each year.