Underwear: What we Wear Under There by Ruth Freeman Swain, Illustrated by John O'Brien

Underwear: What We Wear Under There is cute non-fiction account of the history of underwear. It provides a look at underwear from the ancient times and how it has developed throughout the years until present time. All explanations include a brief historical perspective on the reasoning behind the use of underwear, the use of material and many other aspects. The illustrations on every page help reinforce the topics and provide picture clues to what some of the vocabulary used, means. This easy reader for third graders is an engaging piece of literature that shares fun facts of history on a topic that any child can relate to.

Swain, Ruth Freeman. Underwear: What We Wear Under There. New York: Holiday House, 2008. Print.

Teaching Suggestions for Underwear: What We Wear Under There 

This text can be used as a read aloud for a third grade or any upper elementary grade classroom. Using the time line provided at the end of the book could be a great aid for demonstrating how history can be organized.

• Before reading, ask students how they think underwear or any other piece of clothing (or common good used by all) was invented. Have students discuss whole class and share their views on the topic. Apply the processes they may share to other goods or manufacturing processes. Introduce the book and review a few vocabulary terms they may be unaware of: loincloths, tunic, kimono. Most other terms have in text definition, those can be tackled when read. 
• During reading, point out the details that help support the fact or topic during that time period. Explain to students that when writing a story or a historical account it is important to have supporting details so that the point is made for readers. 
• After reading, have students create a time line of their lives; from their first memory to presently. Have students record any triumphs, challenges, etc on their time lines. Later, they can create a fun story about their lives, mimicking the style of Underwear: What We Wear Under There.

Supplemental Websites for Underwear: What We Wear Under There

• How to Make a Time Line  This  website provides step by step instructions on making a time line that you can refer to and alter to provide your students with directions!
• Google: Timelines for... Use the google search engine and search "Timelines for (whatever topic you like) and examples will show up of timelines. These examples can be shown to students for reference.