Social Studies

          There are multiple themes that fall under social studies. The themes include political science, geography, history, economics, and behavioral science. Social studies text gives students multiple perspectives of specific history events. Social studies text help break down tough information that is discussed in classroom textbooks. The first criterion I look at when selecting social studies text is accuracy. Social studies discuss important dates and it is important when selecting a text to make sure the information being discussed is correct. The second criterion I look at when selecting a social studies text is purpose. Social studies covers a wide range of subjects it is important when selecting a text to make topic of the text correlates with the standards being covered in class. It is also important to make sure the text is appropriate for your students.

          When selecting Social Studies text to be used with in the classroom its important to make sure the text aligns with Iowa Common Core Literacy standards. It is also important to make sure the text aligns with the specific subject in Social Studies that will be covered in class. In my classroom I will use social studies texts for read aloud and shared readings. I plan to have multiple social studies texts available in my classroom library for students to read on their own time. Lastly, I need to make sure the text is appealing to my students. Students are more likely to read a text if it is appealing. 

Owings, L. (2013). Exploring countries: Indonesia. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Bellwether Media.

Complex text level

• Third and fourth grade
  

Grade level for read-aloud

• Second and third grade

The major themes discussed throughout this text is the land, people, food, holidays, and dances in Indonesia. The text includes bolded words and the bolded words can be found in the glossary. The glossary helps students understand difficult words used throughout the text. The illustrations used in the text give students insight of what life is like in Indonesia. The illustrations are also directly correlated to what the text is discussing to help with student understanding. The text includes fast facts which helps keep the attention of students when reading the text. Students may need assistance with complex vocabulary words found throughout the text.

McCollum, S. (1999). Kenya. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Carlrhoda Books.

Complex text level

• Second and third grade
  

Grade level for read-aloud

• First and second grade

The major themes discussed throughout this text is the locations, landforms, climate, and culture throughout Kenya. The text includes a pronunciation guide that helps students pronounce difficult words that are used throughout the text. The text bolds complex words used throughout the text. The bolded words can be found at the back of the book in the glossary. This can be a great reference tool for students when reading the book independently. The text includes fast facts on a majority of the pages. The fast facts gives students insight on interesting practices done in Kenya. Students may need assistance with complex vocabulary words found throughout the text.