Hands-On Social Studies for Ontario is filled with a year's worth of classroom-tested activities. The grade 4 book is divided into two units: Early Societies 3000 BCE-1500 CE, and Political and Physical Regions of Canada. With materials for both teachers and students, this new edition includes many familiar great features: curriculum correlation charts; summary charts showing expectations; complete, easy-to-follow lesson plans; visuals and blackline masters; material lists; and hands-on, student-centered activities. Exciting new features include: photos files that relate to the lesson topic(s); ideas for extending the learning; opportunities for self-reflection and activating prior knowledge; authentic assessment for, as, and of learning opportunities; the five components of the inquiry model; concepts of social studies thinking, guided inquiry questions, and learning goals; and support for developing historical thinking skills.

Jennifer Lawson, PhD, is the originator and program editor of the Hands-On series published by Portage & Main Press. Jennifer writes, teaches in the faculty of education at the University of Manitoba, and is a local school board trustee. She is also one of the founders of Mission to Mexico, an organization that works with and provides supports to schools in some of the most impoverished communities in Puerto Vallarta. Jennifer is a former classroom teacher, resource and special education teacher, consultant, and principal. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with her husband, Barry, and sons, Devon and Jeremy.

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