Teaching Civics in the Library

Civics education is “on the books” in all 50 states, yet civic illiteracy is widespread. Only one third of 12th graders are able to explain the significance of the Declaration of Independence, and fewer than half of 8th graders know the purpose of the Bill of Rights. This instructional guide explores the foundations of civics education—and the reasons for its demise—with commentary from civics education leaders and scholars across the nation. Questions for eliciting civics discussion are provided for all grade levels, along with detailed civic action and service projects and reading plans. Best practices and grant writing options are included. The author argues for a return to early 20th century civics education and details the traditional and present-day role of America’s libraries in developing a civic-minded populace. School and public librarians are urged to utilize trade books and carefully evaluated websites to integrate civics within educational and youth services offerings.

Reneé Critcher Lyons is an assistant professor in the School Library Media Program at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. She lives in Boone, North Carolina.

Reneé Critcher Lyons

Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 224
Bibliographic Info: 50 photos, appendices, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2015
pISBN: 978-0-7864-9672-3
eISBN: 978-1-4766-2092-3
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments ix
Preface 1
I. The Importance of Civics Education: Are We a Nation of Participants or Spectators? 3
II. History and Current Status of Civics Education in Public Schools 12
III. Anticipated 21st Century Progression 19
IV. Traditional Role of School and Public Libraries in Civics Education 33
V. 21st Century Role of School and Public Libraries in Civics Education 43
VI. Collection Development for Civics Education Integration 54
VII. Thematic Integration: Introduction and Activities and Resources, ­Pre-K to Grade 1 74
VIII. Thematic Integration: Activities and Resources, Grades 2–4 82
IX. Thematic Integration: Activities and Resources, Grades 5–6 90
X. Thematic Integration: Activities and Resources, Grades 7–8 103
XI. Thematic Integration: Activities and Resources, Grades 9–10 115
XII. Thematic Integration: Activities and Resources, Grades 11–12 124
XIII. Civics-Related Reading Promotion Plans 137
XIV. Lesson Plans in Association with Foreign-Born American Patriots: Sixteen Volunteer Leaders in the Revolutionary War 152
XV. Ask for Support: Civic Organizations, Resource Centers, Civic Institutes and Support Networks 178
XVI. Closing Tips and Thoughts 188
Appendix A: Discussion 191
Appendix B: Civic Action 198
Appendix C: Civic Service 203
Bibliography 205
Index 207

“recommended”—ARBA.