Thematic Teaching of Women’s Rights Issues with Social Studies Trade Books

This edited volume explores thematic teaching strategies focused on women's rights issues, utilizing social studies trade books to enhance student learning and engagement.

In this edited volume, authors present innovative frameworks and strategies for thematically teaching women's rights issues within the context of U.S. history. Each chapter focuses on a significant woman, utilizing reputable trade books to enhance literacy and social studies skills for students in upper elementary through middle school classrooms. This approach aims to foster a deeper understanding of women's rights and the historical context surrounding these issues.

The book begins with an insightful introduction by Jeremiah Clabough, who outlines the importance of thematic teaching in addressing women's rights issues and other controversial topics. Following this, Natalie Keefer and Tori Flint contextualize the subsequent chapters within relevant theories and research, discussing the implications of multiple literacies in promoting women's rights in North America and beyond. This foundational work sets the stage for a rich exploration of the subject matter.

Subsequent chapters feature contributions from a diverse group of scholars in social studies education, each highlighting influential women who have made significant strides in advancing women's human rights in the United States. Each chapter pairs these figures with notable trade books that detail their lives, challenges, and achievements. Moreover, authors share student-centered pedagogies, emphasizing inquiry-based methods aligned with the NCSS C3 Framework, enabling educators to effectively integrate literacy and social studies while thematically teaching about women's rights issues in the classroom.