Provides research-based techniques that will motivate students to excel in social studies classes. Explains how to organize learning environments and student groups to reinforce literacy instruction and knowledge of democratic principles.

Reading social studies texts -- Fostering engaged learning in social studies classrooms -- Teaching vocabulary to older students -- Organizing a classroom for democratic engagement -- Promoting civic engagement -- Strategies for textbook literacy -- Strategies for reading primary and secondary sources -- Strategies for newspaper and magazine literacy -- Appendix A: unit example -- Appendix B: graphic organizers and resources for vocabulary development -- Appendix C: civic engagement quiz and resources for promoting civic engagement.