Effective Teaching in Elementary Social Studies focuses on the importance of social studies in the preparation of individuals for their role in a free society.  The text takes the approach that it is important for students to be actively engaged in learning about their social world.  Approaching social studies as active learning holds the potential to help social studies become one of the most popular parts of the curriculum.

In addition, the text recognizes that many new teachers need specific guidance in helping them achieve success.  Accordingly, this text includes specific descriptions of teaching approaches and includes a wealth of lesson plan ideas.