Kindergarten Social Studies
The kindergarten social studies curriculum begins with an introduction to the lives of interesting people in history. Basic concepts involving historical events, geographic direction, and economic choices are integrated into the program of study. Kindergarten students should use maps and globes to locate some of the places and geographic features discussed in class. Citizenship education will include the importance of following rules and respecting the rights of others. Students will have opportunities to learn about national symbols.
History
1. The student will understand that history tells the story of people, places, and
events of other times.
a. Distinguish among the past, present, and future.
b. Listen to, view, and discuss stories, poems, and other media, about people from other places and times.
c. Identify examples of interesting Americans through exposure to literature and to biographies of important people of the past (e.g. George Washington, Johnny Appleseed, Harriet Tubman).
d. Describe the people and events honored in commemorative holidays (e.g. Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, President’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day).
e. Recognize that we celebrate liturgical holidays as part of our religious history and heritage.
f. Compare/contrast lifestyles of people in other times and/or places with our lifestyles (e.g. food, clothing, transportation, communication, recreation).
g. Express appreciation for family heritage.
1. The student will explore the geographic characteristics of his or her home,
school, and community.
Describe the relative location of objects using the terms: near, far, up, down, left, right, behind, in front.
Recite address, city, state, and phone number.
Recognize the United States of America as the country we live in.
Recognize Oklahoma as the state we live in.
Know the location of various places in the school and community (e.g. office, library, bathrooms, fire station, hospital).
Recognize transportation symbols in the community (e.g. traffic lights, street signs, highway markers).
2. The student will recognize that maps and globes are different ways of
representing the Earth’s surface.
a. Understand that the globe is a model of the earth. Recognize that globes and maps show location, distance, and direction.
b. Distinguish between land and water on maps and globes.
c. Identify a map as a drawing of a particular location.
d. Recognize map symbols (e.g. legend references to land, water, roads, and cities).
e. Construct simple maps of home, school, and community settings.
1. The student will recognize the responsibilities of being a good citizen.
a. Identify some actions associated with good citizenship (e.g. taking turns, sharing).
b. Give examples of situations involving responsibility (e.g. chores, school work, taking care of property).
c. Recognize Church, school, and community workers and their services.
d. Explain the need for rules and authority figures and the consequences for breaking the rules.
2. The student will identify traditionally patriotic symbols.
Identify the flag as a national symbol of our country. Recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Identify symbols associated with America (e.g. bald eagle, Liberty Bell, White House, Statue of Liberty).
Recognize selected patriotic songs associated with the United States.
Identify symbols associated with Oklahoma.
1. The student will understand that people do different jobs to meet basic economic
wants.
Explain why people in a community have different jobs. Identify the different kinds of jobs that people do.
Understand that people work to earn money for what they need and want.
2. The student will identify basic economic concepts.
Recognize the difference between basic needs (e.g. food, shelter, clothing) and wants (luxury items).
Understand the basic concept of exchanging money for goods.
Understand the concept of saving money for future needs and wants.