Let's Link Literature and Social Studies Author:Bonnie Connelly, Susan Stern Using Picture Books in Social Studies is like waving a magic wand in front of your class before asking students to open a textbook. In one sweep, you build background knowledge, preview vocabulary, introduce new concepts, make connections, and promote higher level thinking. The best part is that you make the information available to all stude... more »nts: struggling and nonreaders, ESL, typical, gifted, and those with special needs.« less