Even though those tiny little people probably can't even say Social Studies, that doesn't mean we can't help them learn how to be good, responsible citizens! Small, booger-ridden, funny little citizens but still important, nonetheless! It is imperative to start teaching social skills and how to help at a young age, because the longer you wait, the harder it gets to instill those virtues! Here is a quick and simple list of 15 Social Studies activities and lessons you can tackle with your littles.
1. Sorting Coins
Introducing economics at a young age will help instill the idea of savings, value, and more. Many young people do not understand the importance of economics, which is an integral part of Social studies so starting with the basics gives them a great head start.
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2. Wants Vs. Needs
Perfect to go along with the economics lesson, this civic activity of teaching young children the difference between wants and needs will really start to help them consider what they need to be healthy and what they want.
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3. Bedroom: Map Skills
These days, students in upper elementary and middle school can't even tell the difference between a state and a country. Starting them with something simple like a map of their bedroom will help them with their basic mapping skills and offer them a leg up when they get into more complex learning.
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4. Mother May I?
This classic game is a great way to introduce the idea of manners. It is one of many essential lessons in the preface of Social Studies, where we simply practice being polite, respectful, and kind to others around us.
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5. Story Time: Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcake
Nothing hits preschool children the right way more than a good read-aloud. Books should really be a part of the daily environment in a preschool classroom to encourage literacy and create classroom discussion. This story helps students understand the implications of telling the truth.
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6. Manners Poem
Add this adorable rhyme to your early childhood curriculum and it will really get stuck in your preschooler's head. Teaching manners isn't always easy, but if they hear it, sing it, and dance to it, it makes the process that much easier.
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7. Housekeeping Centers
Many adults don't realize that for preschool kids, play is learning. Playing in a "home" setting using appropriate manners, role play, and real-life problem-solving offers a solid foundation for Social Studies skills within a childhood setting.
Learn More: Pocket of Preschool
8. Community Helpers Puzzle
Teach little ones who help in our community. From farmers to garbage collection, police, and more, kids will be able to understand how the larger community helps one another in this fun and thoughtful puzzle activity.
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9. Recycling Activities - Taking Care of Earth
Part of Social Studies is learning to take care of the planet and reserve our most important resources. Teaching kids to recycle at a young age gives them the opportunity to start off on the right foot to help the create a good civic life.
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10. Family Booklet
The role of families is apparent in this coloring book that allows them to explore family dynamics in a kid-friendly way that relates to their everyday lives. This is one of many important classroom topics when teaching Social Studies.
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11. Teaching Emotions
Part of teaching children how to be productive citizens is giving them an understanding of emotions. Teaching what emotions are and how to respond could mean the difference between a child who grows up emotionally sound versus a child who can't regulate or respond appropriately to a variety of situations.
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12. USA Flag Coloring Sheet
This coloring worksheet helps kids recognize the United States flag, and is the perfect introduction to a democratic classroom community. This is a great introduction to our country in the childhood classroom.
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13. Spot the Ocean Helpers
Ocean creatures become the helpers. This is a great concept with preschool to teach helping and empathy from a different perspective. Of all Social Studies topics, this is one that will catch on quickly with students and have an immediate positive result.
Learn More: Kids Love to Know
14. Teach the Basics of History
This is a fun activity idea to teach history and a sense of time to little who otherwise do not know what the past is. Paper, photos, and stickers are all you need to complete this project.
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15. Cultural Field Trips
We have to take the time to teach children about people and give them experiences that are different from their lives. Enter museums, musical halls, or other ethnic events to help expose them to our diverse world.
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