This week we are looking at Social Studies texts. I'm really interested in this one because I found out not too long ago that I have to teach a period of Social Studies next year. I'm really interested in texts on Ancient Civilizations which will be my focus, but the one I'm sharing today is called Mississippi Morning by Ruth Vander Zee.
The story takes place in Mississippi in the 1930s and focuses on a boy named James Williams. His Pa is part of the Ku Klux Klan, and James does not realize it. This story describes how James begins to realize the true character of his father. He struggles with this realization, as he has a good friend that is an African American. It is a great addition to US History and teaching about Civil Rights.
I used this as a character ed piece after we read a story about Rosa Parks in our basal reader. With Rosa Parks we were learning how she was harassed by the Klan in Alabama. My smarties did not understand this concept.. enter the Mentor Text. You can read more about how I used the story in a post {HERE.} In the post I tied the story to a poetry book as well. That is realistic fiction based. I used the pieces for comparative text which is a big test prep skill for us.
I did create a short unit based on the book and it is in my TpT store. If you are interested in picking it up, you can go {Here}
Be sure to stop by and visit Amanda and Stacia at Collaboration Cuties and link up a Mentor Text about Social Studies! I'll be on the look out for books about Ancient Civilizations and WWI and WWII, and the French, Russian, and Industrial Revolutions!
This looks like a wonderful book. I will add it to my wish list. I don't teach SS, but I try to incorporate it as much as possible and this will fit well with our SS standards in SC. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCreating Lifelong Learners
Sounds like a great book! I just found your blog through the linky and I'm happy to say I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteTara
TeachingwithTWitte
Hi Michele,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. It's great that you still do read alouds with older kids and that they have picture books to cover these complicated concepts. I'm sure they get through to the kids much more than a textbook.
Jessica
Literacy Spark
This looks like a great book with beautiful illustrations. I am curious to read it on my own.
ReplyDeleteGwen
Learning With Mrs. Brinn
Looks like another great one! Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteAll the best--
Sarah @ Hoots N' Hollers
This looks like a great book!! Some of the things that happened in history are so hard for students to understand so it's great you have this text to use.
ReplyDeleteHm, I'm not sure the linky this week helped with what you are looking for, but I will be on the look out for you!
Amanda
Collaboration Cuties