A textbook all early childhood teachers need to help them restore civic education and the social studies to their appropriate role as the essential core of the school curriculum.

George S. Morrison, emeritus professor, Early Childhood Education, University of North Texas

Both eminently practical and reflective of current research and critical issues in our society, this noteworthy and up-to-date text offers teacher educators and students a comprehensive approach to using social studies as the core and framework of a curriculum for young children. The book covers familiar topics—such as the roles of community and citizenship—along with more challenging ones such as recognizing and addressing the role of institutional racism. Study questions and suggestions for enhancing learning prompt readers to further build their knowledge of social studies content and strategies for teaching young children.

Derry Koralek, early childhood author and consultant; former editor in chief of Young Children journal and Chief Publishing Officer at NAEYC

When social studies is taught well, it elevates young children’s appreciation of other people, deepens their regard for the social contexts people inhabit, and enlivens their view of themselves in the human world. This new edition of a foundational text expands familiar perspectives and includes necessary new voices concerning culture, equity, bilingualism, and community. Each contributor invites beginning and experienced teachers into deep inquiry with first-person accounts, suggested activities, study questions, and recommended resources to maintain that inquiry long afterwards. An excellent and important resource.

Ross A. Thompson, Ph.D., distinguished professor, Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis