United States · Common Core State Standards
Kindergarten Self & Community
Kindergarten Social Studies exploring identity, rules, community helpers, and basic economics. Children discover who they are, how to be good citizens, and what makes their neighborhood work.
01Me & My Identity
Who am I? Children explore what makes them special, learn about their families, and celebrate the things that make each person unique.
Children explore their own names, feelings, and favorite things to build a sense of personal identity through self-expression.
Children identify different emotions and learn how to express their feelings in a healthy way within a group.
Children share about their families and discover that families come in many shapes and sizes, but all families care for each other.
Children celebrate their talents, cultures, and traditions, learning that differences make our classroom stronger.
Children identify and celebrate their personal talents and strengths, recognizing what makes them unique and capable.
Children look at how they have changed since they were babies and what they can do now that they couldn't do before.
02Rules & Responsibilities
Why do we have rules? Children learn about classroom expectations, being a good citizen, and why fairness matters in our daily lives.
Children help create classroom rules and discover why agreed-upon rules keep everyone safe and happy.
Children explore the concept of consequences, understanding that actions have effects on themselves and others.
Children learn what it means to be kind, helpful, and responsible members of a group.
Children explore what fairness looks and feels like, practicing taking turns and sharing with others.
Children learn simple strategies to use their words and solve disagreements with peers peacefully.
03My School & Neighborhood
Who helps us every day? Children discover the people and places in their school and neighborhood, learning how a community works together.
Children meet the people who keep their school running and learn about the important jobs each person does.
Children learn about firefighters, mail carriers, doctors, and other community helpers who keep neighborhoods safe.
Children identify important places in their neighborhood like the library, park, grocery store, and fire station.
Children learn basic map skills by looking at the layout of their classroom and school building.
Children learn and practice using directional words (e.g., up, down, left, right, next to) to describe locations.
Children learn about the importance of keeping their school and neighborhood clean and healthy.
Children explore different ways people travel in their community and the purpose of various transportation methods.
04Wants & Needs
What do we truly need? Children learn the difference between wants and needs and explore how people work.
Children sort everyday items into needs and wants, learning that needs are things we must have to live.
Children learn that because resources are limited, people must make choices about what to buy or use.
Children explore different jobs and discover how workers help provide the things families need and earn money.
Children learn that people use money to buy the things they need and want.
Children are introduced to the basic concepts of saving money for future wants or needs.
Children practice sharing limited resources and learn that making choices is something communities do every day.
Children learn about producers (people who make things) and consumers (people who buy things) in a simple economic context.
05Our Past & Present
How do things change? Children explore how they have grown and how life long ago was different from life today.
Children compare toys and games from the past to the things they use today.
Children compare clothes and tools from the past to the things they use today.
Children compare schools and learning methods from the past to their current school experience.
Children learn about their own family's history through stories and photographs, understanding that families have a past.
06Civic Symbols & Celebrations
Children explore national symbols, holidays, and the meaning of being part of a larger community.
Children identify the American flag and learn about its colors and stars as a symbol of our country.
Children learn the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance as a way to show respect for our country.
Children are introduced to the national anthem and other patriotic songs, understanding their role in national identity.
Children explore different American holidays and how people celebrate their history and culture.
Children learn about the concept of voting as a fair way to make decisions in a group.
Children identify different types of leaders in their school and local community and their roles.
Children are introduced to the idea that they are part of a larger world and can be kind to people everywhere.
07Geography & Environment
Children explore basic geographical concepts and how humans interact with their environment.
Children identify basic landforms (hills, mountains, plains) and water bodies (rivers, lakes, oceans) through pictures and models.
Children learn about different types of weather and the four seasons, and how they affect daily life.
Children explore simple ways humans interact with and impact their environment, focusing on positive actions.
Children learn about the importance of recycling and reusing materials to conserve resources.