Teaching Social Studies Today, Third Edition

An easy-to-use resource for bringing effective, standards-aligned social studies instruction to diverse K–12 classrooms

Teaching Social Studies Today is a K–12 professional resource packed with classroom-ready activities, inquiry-based lessons, and online resources. Included are inquiry-based teaching strategies that reflect the National Council for the Social Studies C3 standards and incorporate research on how to engage all types of learners. This updated Third Edition has an expanded focus on the importance of teaching social studies—along with new examples that reflect today’s classrooms.

With lessons focusing on interdisciplinary connections, primary sources, and media literacy, Teaching Social Studies Today provides meaningful guidance on helping students master content and embrace civic engagement. Also included are tips for differentiating instruction for multiple learning needs, including English language learners, readers who are struggling, advanced and neurodivergent learners, and hybrid/remote learners.

Teaching Social Studies Today

• Aligns with C3 Framework and research-based pedagogy
• Emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world connections
• Includes reproducible organizers, reflection prompts, and step-by-step model lessons
• Provides assessment rubrics, formative checks, and performance tasks

Novice and seasoned teachers alike will appreciate this supportive, easy-to-use resource for building civic engagement and critical thinking in K–12 social studies classrooms.

| Teaching Social Studies Today is a K–12 professional development resource with classroom-ready activities, model lessons, and digital tools for social studies instruction. This book empowers educators to deliver standards-aligned, inquiry-based, and digitally integrated lessons. Refreshed with up-to-date strategies and resources, this Third Edition emphasizes the importance of social studies in today’s classrooms. Teachers will appreciate the concrete strategies that they can adapt across grade levels and diverse learning environments. With lessons organized around the NCSS C3 Framework for Social Studies, Teaching Social Studies Today provides meaningful guidance on helping students master content and embrace civic engagement. |

Kathleen Kopp, M.S.Ed., taught elementary school for over 32 years, serving as a classroom teacher, teacher on special assignment, and curriculum specialist. She presents at local, state, and national conferences for educators. In addition, Ms. Kopp develops instructional materials and has been awarded a Learning® Magazine Teachers’ Choice Award and the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers. She is the coauthor of What the Science of Reading Says about Reading Comprehension and Content Knowledge.