Social studies 

Social Studies focuses on how children understand themselves, their families, and the world around them. It’s about understanding people, communities, and how we live together.

 

In this area, children are:

  • Learning about family roles and relationships
  • Understanding community helpers and different jobs
  • Exploring rules, fairness, and responsibility
  • Recognizing similarities and differences between people
  • Learning about places and environments
  • Developing a sense of time (past, present, routines)

Name of Activity:

Taking Care of Our Earth

Originating Idea:

The children have been noticing trash in the classroom and outside and are curious about keeping their environment clean.

Curriculum Area & KDI:

H. Social Studies – 58. Ecology: Children understand the relationship between people and the environment.

Materials:

  • Recycling bins (labeled: paper, plastic, etc.)
  • Clean recyclable items
  • Trash bag
  • Gloves (optional)

Appropriate Age Group:

Pre-K

Beginning of Activity:

Today, we are going to talk about how we can take care of our Earth. We all share the environment, and it is important to keep it clean.

Middle of Activity (Scaffolding):

Early:
A child may not understand recycling. I will explain simply, “This goes in recycling because we can use it again,” and model sorting.

Middle:
A child can sort items. I will ask, “Where should this go?” and encourage independent thinking.

Later:
A child understands environmental impact. I will ask, “Why is it important to recycle?” or “What happens if we don’t take care of the Earth?”

End of Activity:

Today we learned how to take care of our Earth by cleaning up and recycling. You helped keep our environment safe. Tell a friend one way you can help the Earth.

Follow-Up Ideas (2):

  • Go on a classroom or playground clean-up.
  • Plant flowers or start a small garden.

Assessment:

Children were able to identify ways to care for the environment and sort recyclable materials.

Name of Activity: All About Me

Originating Idea:

The children have been talking about their families and noticing similarities and differences between each other.

Curriculum Area & KDI:

H. Social Studies – 53. Diversity: Children understand that people have different characteristics, interests, and abilities.

Materials:

  • Paper
  • Crayons/markers
  • Mirrors
  • Family photos (optional)

Appropriate Age Group:

Pre-K

Beginning of Activity:

Today, we are going to talk about what makes each of us special and unique. We all look different, like different things, and have different families.

Middle of Activity (Scaffolding):

Early:
A child may have difficulty describing themselves. I will ask simple questions like, “What color are your eyes?” or “What do you like to do?”

Middle:
A child can describe basic traits. I will ask, “What makes you special?” or “How are you the same as your friends?”

Later:
A child explains differences and similarities. I will ask, “How are people different?” or “Why is it good that we are all different?”

End of Activity:

Today, we learned that everyone is different and special in their own way. You shared things about yourself and listened to others. Tell a friend one thing that makes you unique.

Follow-Up Ideas (2):

  • Create a class book about each child.
  • Read books about diversity and discuss them.

Assessment:

Children were able to describe themselves and recognize differences between people.

Name of Activity: Then and Now

Originating Idea:

The children have been talking about their past experiences (birthdays, when they were younger) and are beginning to understand the idea of time.

Curriculum Area & KDI:

H. Social Studies – 57. History: Children understand past, present, and future.

Materials:

  • Photos of children as babies (or teacher examples)
  • Timeline chart (Then / Now)
  • Paper and crayons

Appropriate Age Group:

Pre-K

Beginning of Activity:

Today, we are going to talk about “then” and “now.” “Then” means something that happened in the past, and “now” means what is happening today.

Middle of Activity (Scaffolding):

Early:
A child may not understand time concepts. I will explain simply using examples like, “When you were a baby, that was then.”

Middle:
A child can identify past vs present. I will ask, “What could you do then? What can you do now?”

Later:
A child understands change over time. I will ask, “What do you think you will be able to do in the future?” to extend thinking.

End of Activity:

Today we talked about things from the past and things happening now. You thought about how you have grown and changed. Tell a friend something you can do now that you couldn’t do before.

Follow-Up Ideas (2):

  • Create a personal timeline for each child.
  • Talk about daily routines (morning, afternoon, night).

Assessment: Children were able to identify differences between the past and the present

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