If you are reading this journal, chances are you do not need to be persuaded of
the importance of teaching social studies in the early grades. However, many elementary
school teachers with a passion for teaching social studies are finding that the administratively defined time for direct instruction in social studies is becoming increasingly
restricted. Fortunately for the teacher who is convinced that social and civic education
should be at the center of the elementary school curriculum, where there is a will there
is a way. Not only can teachers make maximum use of time by infusing social studies
concepts and themes throughout their language arts and math instruction,1
they can also
use the physical environment in a strategic way to promote social studies learning