Storytime in Social Studies: Using Picture Books Across an Inquiry
- inquirED
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
What role can picture books play in building civic and cultural understanding, as well as developing literacy skills? In a recent NCSS and inquirED webinar, author Janet Wong and curriculum designer Kim Perry Cummings joined inquirED's Martin Andrews to explore these questions through the lens of Apple Pie Fourth of July. In the conversation, they surfaced how a single book, when revisited with intention, can support meaningful literacy and social studies instruction over time.
Key Takeaways
Picture books can serve as rich entry points for both literacy and social studies.
Revisiting a single text across multiple lessons deepens comprehension and content understanding.
Students can analyze character change, explore cultural identity, and reflect on national identity.
Story-based instruction builds empathy, supports discussion, and promotes civic thinking.
Picture Books in Social Studies: Background Knowledge and First Read
"Picture books are amazing entry points," Kim shared. She described how they meet students where they are developmentally and emotionally, how they spark curiosity, support all learners, and promote perspective-taking. And in the process, they bridge literacy and content learning.
Kim described how a first lesson could begin long before the book itself is opened. Students might start by analyzing Fourth of July images, watching a short video about the holiday’s origins, and discussing the meaning of national traditions. Then, they could preview Apple Pie Fourth of July together—noting the title and illustrations, and connecting what they already know to what they might discover in the text. After reading, students might retell the story using a 4Ws Story Map and draw scenes to reinforce understanding. Finally, they could reflect on how the traditions in the story connect people to one another and to the broader national community—even when those traditions look different.
As Janet explained, the book itself was inspired by a real experience—one that challenged her own assumptions. On the Fourth of July, 1996, she called her parents' store expecting it to be empty. But her father quickly ended the call: the store was packed with people buying Chinese food.
"I realized I was the one being narrow about what it meant to be American," Janet said. That moment became the seed for a story about culture, pride, and community.
Picture Books in Social Studies: Deepen Understanding Through Close Reading
In a second lesson, students could revisit the book—this time, with the goal of tracking how the main character's feelings shift throughout the day. Before rereading, they might use their drawings from the day before to retell the story with a partner. Then the teacher could introduce a shared timeline, breaking the day into morning, afternoon, evening, and after dark.
As they reread, students could pause at each point on the timeline to analyze the character's actions and emotions. They might use an emoji handout and class discussion to chart those shifts—from frustrated and disconnected to proud and included.
This work is deeply connected to both literacy and social studies. "Character change is a clue that there's something to learn," Kim explained. "We want students to see that shift not just as emotional, but as a reflection of how diverse traditions can coexist within a national celebration."
Literacy in Social Studies Materials Review Rubric
Use inquirED's free rubric to ensure your social studies curriculum helps students build lifelong literacy skills.
Picture Books in Social Studies: Identify a Message and Apply It to the Real World
In the final lesson, students could synthesize what they’ve learned by revisiting key vocabulary words like tradition, culture, and community through a word game. Then, they might closely read a few central spreads in the book—comparing moments where the girl feels disconnected to those where she feels seen and included.
Students could then bring it all together by writing about what the character learns and what they themselves take away. They might share their thinking in a structured classroom discussion, reflecting on their developing understanding of national identity and belonging.
"I want kids to know they belong," Janet said. "And for other students to think, 'I can be welcoming.' It's not complicated. It's just about seeing each other."
Resources
Explore Janet Wong's work at janet-wong.com and check out her newest projects: Clara's Kooky Compendium of Thimble Thoughts and Wonder Fuzz and My Kooky Compendium.
Watch the Recording
If you missed the live event or would like to revisit any part of the discussion, you can watch the full recording below.
About inquirED
inquirED supports teachers with high-quality instructional materials that make joyful, rigorous, and transferable learning possible for every student. Our social studies curricula – Inquiry Journeys (K-5) and Middle School World History – are used across the country to help students build deep content knowledge and develop inquiry skills essential for a thriving democracy.
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