Mindful Social Studies

Natalie Keefer and Tori Flint have curated an important collection of work on social studies curriculum that is as relevant as today’s headlines. By addressing mindfulness, they also examine the critical purposes of the social studies in contemporary life – the education of an informed, thoughtful, reflective citizenry that approaches both contemporary and enduring issues with empathy, compassion, wisdom and understanding. Indeed, while the focus is clearly on the social studies, this is a book for anyone who seeks to understand how curriculum can and should change the nature of learning. It’s a must read for teachers, scholars, and thought leaders who seek to heal a divided nation and a fractured global community.

-- J. Howard Johnston, University of South Florida

As state legislatures cast social studies curricula in the center of current culture wars, Mindful Social Studies puts forward a contemplative approach to the preparation of democratic, justice-oriented citizens. This volume recontextualizes mindfulness as a transformative tool in the pursuit of social justice and highlights person-first pedagogies that empower both teachers and students to embrace empathy, compassion, and courage; while encouraging us all to sit with the fear and vulnerability that accompany the discussion of controversial issues within and outside of the classroom. This book is for any educator seeking to provide a caring classroom community as a foundation for productive civic dialogue.

-- Sarah Denney, University of Indianap