Social Studies textbooks from grades 1-4 published by Macmillan (1985), Scott Foresman (1986), and Silver Burdett & Ginn (1988) were selected for review to assess the position given by these books to geographic place vocabulary. Each was evaluated on the basis of frequency and continuity of places named, the attention to stressing place name importance, directing the use of drill, and evidence of suggesting mnemonic devices to teach place vocabulary. Silver Burdett appears to have done the best job of presenting place names in a manner that would facilitate easy recall by students using those books. Four problems are seen with students successfully developing place vocabularies: (1) place vocabulary development is not a stated goal, skill, or objective in any of the series examined; (2) teachers are not encouraged to have students memorize a place vocabulary; (3) drill and mnemonic devices are not activities suggested for teaching a place vocabulary; and (4) there is a lack of focus on a manageable number of places as consistent points of reference. The establishment of a place name vocabulary must become a priority for teaching students to be competent citizens. Teachers should identify the map/globe locations of places at every opportunity. They should select a manageable number of places as a fundamental place vocabulary and employ drill and mnemonic devices to help students memorize these place names. Three tables and a 10-item bibliography are included. (JB)