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Social
Studies Textbook Analysis
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Social Studies: Textbook
Analysis
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First Grade: My World
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Adventures in Time and Place
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In
comparing the two texts, My World: Adventures in Time and Place and My
World, several similarities and differences arose. Both textbooks
had good and bad points and neither of them proved to be the ideal book.
Even though structure was similar in both books, there were differences
when examining the details. Both textbooks included good visual aids;
each book displayed them in a different manner. Both My World and
My World: Adventures in Time and Place follow the course goals and curriculum
of the state. In both books, scope and sequence were presented topics.
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Both
books were basically the same structurally. Tables of contents, glossary,
etc. were present in both. Chapters were arranged by topics.
This arrangement made sense on the first grade level because of the type
of information that is covered. The vocabulary used in both books
stays on the first grade level and should not prove too difficult for the
students.
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In
both books, the chapters begin with clearly stated main idea. The
information in the text relates to and elaborates upon the main idea of
the section. The titles (of chapters and subtopics) did a good job
of identifying the main topic of the chapter. Within the chapters,
the authors fairly consistently provided background knowledge to allow
the students to connect the new information to old information. Provided
within the chapters are questions that allow students to evaluate and analyze
information and then generate their own ideas. Included at the end
of each chapter are summaries that review and summarize the information
presented in the chapter.
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Visual
aids are included throughout the books. These aids are useful and
appropriate and are properly labeled and are full of multiculturalism.
But, My World is full of pictures and includes very few words. For
this reason, children would probably pick My World. On the other
hand, My World: Adventures in Time and Place includes many visuals but
there is more paragraph development, written information, and thinking
activities. Both books had a 1997 copyright, but My World: Adventures
in Time and Place had more up to date content and pictures.
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As
has been shown, both books have strengths and yet both still have weaknesses.
By examining both books, it can be seen that no one book can provide all
the information needed to teach a first grade social studies lesson in
the best manner.
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