What will students learn in social studies this year?

Students learn about themselves, their family, and their community. They look at maps and globes, practice classroom rules, learn about money and jobs, and start to recognize symbols like the flag and the Bald Eagle. They also hear stories about holidays and traditions from around the world.

How can families help with social studies at home?

Talk about family stories, share photos, and cook foods that have meaning. Point out maps in the car, name the state and country, and use words like near, far, above, and below. Small daily conversations build most of what students need this year.

My child has not learned much history yet. Is that a problem?

No. At this age the focus is on sequencing events, like what happened yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and noticing how things change over time. Looking at baby pictures and talking about what students could do then and now is a great start.

How should the year be sequenced?

A common path starts with self, family, and classroom rules in the fall, then moves to community, jobs, and money in the winter, and ends with maps, symbols, and traditions in the spring. Holidays can anchor short units across the year as they come up on the calendar.

What does the Pledge of Allegiance work look like?

Students say the Pledge, learn what the words mean in simple terms, and connect it to the flag and the country. The goal is understanding the purpose, not memorizing a definition. Short daily practice works better than one long lesson.

How can families practice maps and directions at home?

Draw a simple map of the bedroom or kitchen and label the door, window, and bed. On walks, use words like left, right, behind, and next to. Spin a globe and find the United States and Idaho together.

How should wants, needs, and money be introduced?

Keep it grounded in real items students know, like food and a toy. Use coins and small classroom jobs to show saving and spending. A simple sort of pictures into wants and needs gives a quick check of understanding.

Which skills usually need the most reteaching?

Sequencing past and present often needs more practice, as does telling a map from a globe. Positional words like behind, in front, and in between also take repeated use across the day before they stick.

How do I know students are ready for first grade in social studies?

By spring, students should describe their family and culture, sequence simple events over time, point out land and water on a map, sort wants from needs, follow classroom rules, and name a few national symbols and holidays.

What does a student learn in ?

This is the year the world outside the classroom starts to come into focus. Students learn what it means to be part of a group, taking turns, following rules, and noticing how their family stories are like and unlike a classmate's. They meet maps and globes for the first time, talk about wants versus needs, and learn the flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. By spring, students can point to the United States on a globe and explain why a rule matters.

Maps and globes
Classroom citizenship
Family and culture
American symbols
Wants and needs
Holidays
Jobs in the community

Source: Idaho Idaho Content Standards

Year at a glance

How the year usually goes. Every school and district set their own curriculum, so treat this as a guide, not official pacing.

1
Me, my family, and our class
Students share stories, pictures, and music from home. They learn classroom routines like taking turns, sharing, and treating other people's things with care.
2
Being part of a country
Students meet symbols of the United States, including the flag, the Bald Eagle, and the Statue of Liberty. They learn the Pledge of Allegiance and what the words mean.
3
Holidays and where traditions come from
Students learn why people in the United States celebrate days like Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Independence Day. They also notice traditions families brought here from other parts of the world.
4
Maps, globes, and where we are
Students compare a map to a globe and learn what the little symbols on a map mean. They find land and water near home and point to Idaho and the United States.
5
Where things are around me
Students use words like near, far, above, below, and next to describe where people and objects are. This helps them give simple directions and talk about their surroundings.
6
Wants, needs, and jobs
Students tell the difference between things they want and things they truly need. They talk about saving money, spending money, and the jobs people do at home, at school, and around town.

Mastery Learning Standards

The required skills a student should display by the end of Kindergarten.

History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social…

K.SS.1

Students learn where American traditions and holidays come from and how different groups of people have shaped life in the United States.
Geography: Students will analyze the spatial organizations of people, places

K.SS.2

Students learn where places are and how people, land, and water fit together on a map. They begin to notice patterns, like why homes, stores, and parks end up near each other.
Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts

K.SS.3

Students learn what it means to buy, sell, and trade. They practice telling the difference between things people need, like food and shelter, and things people simply want.
Civics and Government

K.SS.4

Students learn what it means to be part of a community, including basic rules, who makes them, and the rights and responsibilities every person in the United States has.
Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple…

K.SS.5

Students learn that people in different places live, work, and celebrate in different ways. Seeing those differences helps students understand how communities around the world depend on each other.

Standard	Definition	Code
History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social…	Students learn where American traditions and holidays come from and how different groups of people have shaped life in the United States.	K.SS.1
Geography: Students will analyze the spatial organizations of people, places	Students learn where places are and how people, land, and water fit together on a map. They begin to notice patterns, like why homes, stores, and parks end up near each other.	K.SS.2
Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts	Students learn what it means to buy, sell, and trade. They practice telling the difference between things people need, like food and shelter, and things people simply want.	K.SS.3
Civics and Government	Students learn what it means to be part of a community, including basic rules, who makes them, and the rights and responsibilities every person in the United States has.	K.SS.4
Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple…	Students learn that people in different places live, work, and celebrate in different ways. Seeing those differences helps students understand how communities around the world depend on each other.	K.SS.5

History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social…

K.SS.1

Students learn where American traditions and holidays come from and how different groups of people have shaped life in the United States.
Geography: Students will analyze the spatial organizations of people, places

K.SS.2

Students learn where places are and how people, land, and water fit together on a map. They begin to notice patterns, like why homes, stores, and parks end up near each other.
Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts

K.SS.3

Students learn what it means to buy, sell, and trade. They practice telling the difference between things people need, like food and shelter, and things people simply want.
Civics and Government

K.SS.4

Students learn what it means to be part of a community, including basic rules, who makes them, and the rights and responsibilities every person in the United States has.
Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple…

K.SS.5

Students learn that people in different places live, work, and celebrate in different ways. Seeing those differences helps students understand how communities around the world depend on each other.

Standard	Definition	Code
History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social…	Students learn where American traditions and holidays come from and how different groups of people have shaped life in the United States.	K.SS.1
Geography: Students will analyze the spatial organizations of people, places	Students learn where places are and how people, land, and water fit together on a map. They begin to notice patterns, like why homes, stores, and parks end up near each other.	K.SS.2
Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts	Students learn what it means to buy, sell, and trade. They practice telling the difference between things people need, like food and shelter, and things people simply want.	K.SS.3
Civics and Government	Students learn what it means to be part of a community, including basic rules, who makes them, and the rights and responsibilities every person in the United States has.	K.SS.4
Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple…	Students learn that people in different places live, work, and celebrate in different ways. Seeing those differences helps students understand how communities around the world depend on each other.	K.SS.5

History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social development of the United States.

Describe how individuals have similarities and differences by sharing…

K.SS.1.1

Students look at photos, listen to songs, and share stories from home to see how their family is both like and different from their classmates' families.
Sequence events in the past and present and begin to recognize that…

K.SS.1.2

Students put events in order, from what happened first to what happened most recently. They start to notice that things look, sound, and work differently now than they did long ago.

Standard	Definition	Code
Describe how individuals have similarities and differences by sharing…	Students look at photos, listen to songs, and share stories from home to see how their family is both like and different from their classmates' families.	K.SS.1.1
Sequence events in the past and present and begin to recognize that…	Students put events in order, from what happened first to what happened most recently. They start to notice that things look, sound, and work differently now than they did long ago.	K.SS.1.2

History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social development of the United States.

Describe how individuals have similarities and differences by sharing…

K.SS.1.1

Students look at photos, listen to songs, and share stories from home to see how their family is both like and different from their classmates' families.
Sequence events in the past and present and begin to recognize that…

K.SS.1.2

Students put events in order, from what happened first to what happened most recently. They start to notice that things look, sound, and work differently now than they did long ago.

Standard	Definition	Code
Describe how individuals have similarities and differences by sharing…	Students look at photos, listen to songs, and share stories from home to see how their family is both like and different from their classmates' families.	K.SS.1.1
Sequence events in the past and present and begin to recognize that…	Students put events in order, from what happened first to what happened most recently. They start to notice that things look, sound, and work differently now than they did long ago.	K.SS.1.2

Geography: Students will analyze the spatial organizations of people, places, and environment on the earth’s surface.

Demonstrate an understanding of maps and globes by

K.SS.2.1

Maps and globes show where places are in the world. Students learn to read simple maps and understand that a globe is a round model of the Earth.
identifying the similarities and differences between a map and a globe

K.SS.2.1.a

Maps and globes both show where places are in the world. Students learn what makes them alike and what makes them different, such as how a globe is round and a map is flat.
identifying basic map symbols

K.SS.2.1.b

Students learn to read a simple map by recognizing what its symbols stand for, like a blue line for a river or a star for a capital city.
identifying land and bodies of water in the local community

K.SS.2.1.c

Students look at a map of their neighborhood and point out which parts are land and which parts are water, like a river, lake, or pond nearby.
identifying the geographic location of the United States and Idaho on a map and…

K.SS.2.1.d

Students point to the United States and Idaho on a map and on a globe, learning where their country and state sit in the world.
Describe the relative location of people, places

K.SS.2.2

Students learn to describe where things are using everyday words like near, far, above, below, left, right, and next to. They practice placing and finding objects relative to each other.

Standard	Definition	Code
Demonstrate an understanding of maps and globes by	Maps and globes show where places are in the world. Students learn to read simple maps and understand that a globe is a round model of the Earth.	K.SS.2.1
identifying the similarities and differences between a map and a globe	Maps and globes both show where places are in the world. Students learn what makes them alike and what makes them different, such as how a globe is round and a map is flat.	K.SS.2.1.a
identifying basic map symbols	Students learn to read a simple map by recognizing what its symbols stand for, like a blue line for a river or a star for a capital city.	K.SS.2.1.b
identifying land and bodies of water in the local community	Students look at a map of their neighborhood and point out which parts are land and which parts are water, like a river, lake, or pond nearby.	K.SS.2.1.c
identifying the geographic location of the United States and Idaho on a map and…	Students point to the United States and Idaho on a map and on a globe, learning where their country and state sit in the world.	K.SS.2.1.d
Describe the relative location of people, places	Students learn to describe where things are using everyday words like near, far, above, below, left, right, and next to. They practice placing and finding objects relative to each other.	K.SS.2.2

Geography: Students will analyze the spatial organizations of people, places, and environment on the earth’s surface.

Demonstrate an understanding of maps and globes by

K.SS.2.1

Maps and globes show where places are in the world. Students learn to read simple maps and understand that a globe is a round model of the Earth.
identifying the similarities and differences between a map and a globe

K.SS.2.1.a

Maps and globes both show where places are in the world. Students learn what makes them alike and what makes them different, such as how a globe is round and a map is flat.
identifying basic map symbols

K.SS.2.1.b

Students learn to read a simple map by recognizing what its symbols stand for, like a blue line for a river or a star for a capital city.
identifying land and bodies of water in the local community

K.SS.2.1.c

Students look at a map of their neighborhood and point out which parts are land and which parts are water, like a river, lake, or pond nearby.
identifying the geographic location of the United States and Idaho on a map and…

K.SS.2.1.d

Students point to the United States and Idaho on a map and on a globe, learning where their country and state sit in the world.
Describe the relative location of people, places

K.SS.2.2

Students learn to describe where things are using everyday words like near, far, above, below, left, right, and next to. They practice placing and finding objects relative to each other.

Standard	Definition	Code
Demonstrate an understanding of maps and globes by	Maps and globes show where places are in the world. Students learn to read simple maps and understand that a globe is a round model of the Earth.	K.SS.2.1
identifying the similarities and differences between a map and a globe	Maps and globes both show where places are in the world. Students learn what makes them alike and what makes them different, such as how a globe is round and a map is flat.	K.SS.2.1.a
identifying basic map symbols	Students learn to read a simple map by recognizing what its symbols stand for, like a blue line for a river or a star for a capital city.	K.SS.2.1.b
identifying land and bodies of water in the local community	Students look at a map of their neighborhood and point out which parts are land and which parts are water, like a river, lake, or pond nearby.	K.SS.2.1.c
identifying the geographic location of the United States and Idaho on a map and…	Students point to the United States and Idaho on a map and on a globe, learning where their country and state sit in the world.	K.SS.2.1.d
Describe the relative location of people, places	Students learn to describe where things are using everyday words like near, far, above, below, left, right, and next to. They practice placing and finding objects relative to each other.	K.SS.2.2

Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts.

Distinguish between wants and needs

K.SS.3.1

Needs are things people must have to survive, like food, clothing, and shelter. Wants are things people would like but could live without. Students learn to tell the difference between the two.
Explain the benefits of saving money and give examples of how people use money…

K.SS.3.2

Students learn why saving money matters and practice naming everyday things people buy, like food, toys, or clothing.
Recognize and describe different types of jobs, including work done in…

K.SS.3.3

Students learn that different people do different kinds of work, from teachers and doctors to parents cooking dinner at home. They practice naming jobs and describing what each person does.

Standard	Definition	Code
Distinguish between wants and needs	Needs are things people must have to survive, like food, clothing, and shelter. Wants are things people would like but could live without. Students learn to tell the difference between the two.	K.SS.3.1
Explain the benefits of saving money and give examples of how people use money…	Students learn why saving money matters and practice naming everyday things people buy, like food, toys, or clothing.	K.SS.3.2
Recognize and describe different types of jobs, including work done in…	Students learn that different people do different kinds of work, from teachers and doctors to parents cooking dinner at home. They practice naming jobs and describing what each person does.	K.SS.3.3

Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts.

Distinguish between wants and needs

K.SS.3.1

Needs are things people must have to survive, like food, clothing, and shelter. Wants are things people would like but could live without. Students learn to tell the difference between the two.
Explain the benefits of saving money and give examples of how people use money…

K.SS.3.2

Students learn why saving money matters and practice naming everyday things people buy, like food, toys, or clothing.
Recognize and describe different types of jobs, including work done in…

K.SS.3.3

Students learn that different people do different kinds of work, from teachers and doctors to parents cooking dinner at home. They practice naming jobs and describing what each person does.

Standard	Definition	Code
Distinguish between wants and needs	Needs are things people must have to survive, like food, clothing, and shelter. Wants are things people would like but could live without. Students learn to tell the difference between the two.	K.SS.3.1
Explain the benefits of saving money and give examples of how people use money…	Students learn why saving money matters and practice naming everyday things people buy, like food, toys, or clothing.	K.SS.3.2
Recognize and describe different types of jobs, including work done in…	Students learn that different people do different kinds of work, from teachers and doctors to parents cooking dinner at home. They practice naming jobs and describing what each person does.	K.SS.3.3

Civics and Government: Students will build an understanding of the foundational principles of the American political system, the organization and formation of the American system of government, and that all people in the United States have rights and assume responsibilities.

Practice citizenship in the classroom by

K.SS.4.1

Citizenship is how students treat each other every day. In class, students practice taking turns, following shared rules, and helping out, the same habits that make neighborhoods and communities work.
taking responsibility for one’s actions

K.SS.4.1.a

Students learn that their choices affect others, so they own what they do, say, and fix when something goes wrong.
practicing honesty and showing kindness to oneself and others

K.SS.4.1.b

Students practice being honest and kind at school, which are two of the basic habits of being a good citizen.
recognizing the purpose of rules and practicing self-control

K.SS.4.1.c

Rules keep a classroom safe and fair. Students practice following them on their own, without being reminded.
caring for one’s personal property and respecting other students’ property; and

K.SS.4.1.d

Caring for your own things and leaving other people's things alone is one of the first rules of being a good citizen. Students practice this every day in the classroom.
taking turns, sharing

K.SS.4.1.e

Students practice being good citizens by taking turns, sharing, and cooperating with classmates so the whole group can learn and work together.
Identify symbols of the United States including but not limited to the…

K.SS.4.2

Students learn to recognize the flag, the Bald Eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and other symbols that stand for the United States.
Understand the meaning and purpose of the Pledge of Allegiance

K.SS.4.3

Students learn what the Pledge of Allegiance is, what its words mean, and why Americans recite it together.
Describe holidays and tell why they are commemorated in the United…

K.SS.4.4

Students learn why Americans celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and what each holiday remembers or honors.

Standard	Definition	Code
Practice citizenship in the classroom by	Citizenship is how students treat each other every day. In class, students practice taking turns, following shared rules, and helping out, the same habits that make neighborhoods and communities work.	K.SS.4.1
taking responsibility for one’s actions	Students learn that their choices affect others, so they own what they do, say, and fix when something goes wrong.	K.SS.4.1.a
practicing honesty and showing kindness to oneself and others	Students practice being honest and kind at school, which are two of the basic habits of being a good citizen.	K.SS.4.1.b
recognizing the purpose of rules and practicing self-control	Rules keep a classroom safe and fair. Students practice following them on their own, without being reminded.	K.SS.4.1.c
caring for one’s personal property and respecting other students’ property; and	Caring for your own things and leaving other people's things alone is one of the first rules of being a good citizen. Students practice this every day in the classroom.	K.SS.4.1.d
taking turns, sharing	Students practice being good citizens by taking turns, sharing, and cooperating with classmates so the whole group can learn and work together.	K.SS.4.1.e
Identify symbols of the United States including but not limited to the…	Students learn to recognize the flag, the Bald Eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and other symbols that stand for the United States.	K.SS.4.2
Understand the meaning and purpose of the Pledge of Allegiance	Students learn what the Pledge of Allegiance is, what its words mean, and why Americans recite it together.	K.SS.4.3
Describe holidays and tell why they are commemorated in the United…	Students learn why Americans celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and what each holiday remembers or honors.	K.SS.4.4

Practice citizenship in the classroom by

K.SS.4.1

Citizenship is how students treat each other every day. In class, students practice taking turns, following shared rules, and helping out, the same habits that make neighborhoods and communities work.
taking responsibility for one’s actions

K.SS.4.1.a

Students learn that their choices affect others, so they own what they do, say, and fix when something goes wrong.
practicing honesty and showing kindness to oneself and others

K.SS.4.1.b

Students practice being honest and kind at school, which are two of the basic habits of being a good citizen.
recognizing the purpose of rules and practicing self-control

K.SS.4.1.c

Rules keep a classroom safe and fair. Students practice following them on their own, without being reminded.
caring for one’s personal property and respecting other students’ property; and

K.SS.4.1.d

Caring for your own things and leaving other people's things alone is one of the first rules of being a good citizen. Students practice this every day in the classroom.
taking turns, sharing

K.SS.4.1.e

Students practice being good citizens by taking turns, sharing, and cooperating with classmates so the whole group can learn and work together.
Identify symbols of the United States including but not limited to the…

K.SS.4.2

Students learn to recognize the flag, the Bald Eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and other symbols that stand for the United States.
Understand the meaning and purpose of the Pledge of Allegiance

K.SS.4.3

Students learn what the Pledge of Allegiance is, what its words mean, and why Americans recite it together.
Describe holidays and tell why they are commemorated in the United…

K.SS.4.4

Students learn why Americans celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and what each holiday remembers or honors.

Standard	Definition	Code
Practice citizenship in the classroom by	Citizenship is how students treat each other every day. In class, students practice taking turns, following shared rules, and helping out, the same habits that make neighborhoods and communities work.	K.SS.4.1
taking responsibility for one’s actions	Students learn that their choices affect others, so they own what they do, say, and fix when something goes wrong.	K.SS.4.1.a
practicing honesty and showing kindness to oneself and others	Students practice being honest and kind at school, which are two of the basic habits of being a good citizen.	K.SS.4.1.b
recognizing the purpose of rules and practicing self-control	Rules keep a classroom safe and fair. Students practice following them on their own, without being reminded.	K.SS.4.1.c
caring for one’s personal property and respecting other students’ property; and	Caring for your own things and leaving other people's things alone is one of the first rules of being a good citizen. Students practice this every day in the classroom.	K.SS.4.1.d
taking turns, sharing	Students practice being good citizens by taking turns, sharing, and cooperating with classmates so the whole group can learn and work together.	K.SS.4.1.e
Identify symbols of the United States including but not limited to the…	Students learn to recognize the flag, the Bald Eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and other symbols that stand for the United States.	K.SS.4.2
Understand the meaning and purpose of the Pledge of Allegiance	Students learn what the Pledge of Allegiance is, what its words mean, and why Americans recite it together.	K.SS.4.3
Describe holidays and tell why they are commemorated in the United…	Students learn why Americans celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and what each holiday remembers or honors.	K.SS.4.4

Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple perspectives and global interdependence.

Name traditions that came to the United States from other parts of the world

K.SS.5.1

Students name holidays, foods, or celebrations that people brought to the United States from other countries. This is an early look at how cultures from around the world shape everyday life here.

Standard	Definition	Code
Name traditions that came to the United States from other parts of the world	Students name holidays, foods, or celebrations that people brought to the United States from other countries. This is an early look at how cultures from around the world shape everyday life here.	K.SS.5.1

Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple perspectives and global interdependence.

Name traditions that came to the United States from other parts of the world

K.SS.5.1

Students name holidays, foods, or celebrations that people brought to the United States from other countries. This is an early look at how cultures from around the world shape everyday life here.

Standard	Definition	Code
Name traditions that came to the United States from other parts of the world	Students name holidays, foods, or celebrations that people brought to the United States from other countries. This is an early look at how cultures from around the world shape everyday life here.	K.SS.5.1

Common Questions

What will students learn in social studies this year?
Students learn about themselves, their family, and their community. They look at maps and globes, practice classroom rules, learn about money and jobs, and start to recognize symbols like the flag and the Bald Eagle. They also hear stories about holidays and traditions from around the world.
How can families help with social studies at home?
Talk about family stories, share photos, and cook foods that have meaning. Point out maps in the car, name the state and country, and use words like near, far, above, and below. Small daily conversations build most of what students need this year.
My child has not learned much history yet. Is that a problem?
No. At this age the focus is on sequencing events, like what happened yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and noticing how things change over time. Looking at baby pictures and talking about what students could do then and now is a great start.
How should the year be sequenced?
A common path starts with self, family, and classroom rules in the fall, then moves to community, jobs, and money in the winter, and ends with maps, symbols, and traditions in the spring. Holidays can anchor short units across the year as they come up on the calendar.
What does the Pledge of Allegiance work look like?
Students say the Pledge, learn what the words mean in simple terms, and connect it to the flag and the country. The goal is understanding the purpose, not memorizing a definition. Short daily practice works better than one long lesson.
How can families practice maps and directions at home?
Draw a simple map of the bedroom or kitchen and label the door, window, and bed. On walks, use words like left, right, behind, and next to. Spin a globe and find the United States and Idaho together.
How should wants, needs, and money be introduced?
Keep it grounded in real items students know, like food and a toy. Use coins and small classroom jobs to show saving and spending. A simple sort of pictures into wants and needs gives a quick check of understanding.
Which skills usually need the most reteaching?
Sequencing past and present often needs more practice, as does telling a map from a globe. Positional words like behind, in front, and in between also take repeated use across the day before they stick.
How do I know students are ready for first grade in social studies?
By spring, students should describe their family and culture, sequence simple events over time, point out land and water on a map, sort wants from needs, follow classroom rules, and name a few national symbols and holidays.