READING LIKE A HISTORIAN

Eight chapters address significant moments or topics in U.S. history, including Pocahontas’s "rescue" of John Smith, the events at Lexington Green, Lincoln’s alleged racism, the Dust Bowl, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. An essay debating the topic’s historiographical substance fronts each chapter, followed by a robust selection of materials: rationales for teaching the particular event, three or four sample lesson plans (including targeted skills) employing the included five to nine included primary textual and visual sources, tools such as graphic organizers and analysis charts, and suggested resources. Aligned with Common Core State Standards.

"The focusing questions, the teaching tips, and the primary sources make it possible for any teacher of history and social studies to help students become more interested, careful, and effective in handling information. The beauty of the book is that the authors show how to accomplish this while working with even the most traditional dreary textbook. Any educator interested in producing more thoughtful students should buy and use this book!"
—Grant Wiggins, president of Authentic Education, co-author of Understanding by Design and Schooling by Design

"What a great resource for teachers of history! This book explains how teachers can help students bring a critical eye to history, teaching ways of thinking that they can use in all of their studies.
—Diane Ravitch, research professor of education at New York University, author of The Death and Life of the Great American School System

Everyone agrees that developing critical thinking skills’ is essential for 21st century learners. But how? This wonderful book vividly illustrates how teachers of history—and, indeed, other subjects—can teach students to be critical thinkers and democratic participants, as well as more effective readers. All educators who want to promote deeper understanding should read and use this book."
—Linda Darling-Hammond, Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Teaching and Teacher Education, Stanford University, author of The Flat World and Education