world history at second grade reading level?

Question

Can any school teachers or librarians recommend good resources for a doing a general overview of "world history" with students limited to 2nd grade reading ability? This is going to be used with students who have both ESL and learning disability concerns. Any fun/appropriate social studies suggestions are welcome, but I would love to find at least one non-Eurocentric resource, as this will be used in an international school setting. Developmental appropriateness and cultural diversity matter more in this case than academic accuracy. Any ideas are appreciated.

Answer 1

Well, it depends on what you mean by 'world history'...if you're covering paleolithic - WW2, i suggest you get a not - too - detailed book with pictures. In second grade, pictures are still a good way to remember and associate things, so if you can find a good book (i suggest looking at DK books and 'children's encyclopedia/history books'.) you've basically got it...handouts are also good, especially decorated with memory aids.

Simply retold myths are also a good way to get to know the culture of each place you are studying (assuming you are going region by region), and as you move on, maybe you could continue in a 'story' style, introducing historical figures as new characters. If diversity is more important than academic accuracy, perhaps dates can be neglected, but there should be a consistency in how often you make them memorise dates.

I don't have that much experience teaching ESL, so I don't quite know exactly how the reading levels differ, and what's difficult, but I hope my ideas can help you.

Taylor

Answer 2

When you say "international school setting" do you mean the IBO organization" If so check out their site occ.ibo.org for resources.