Social Studies plays a significant role in leading students to value democratic beliefs and behavior, to understand themselves in the context of contemporary life, and to live responsibly in a global community.

To achieve this, the first grade social studies curriculum is divided into three units of study.

• Unit 1 – Belong

The main focus of this unit is on how families in a community depend on citizens to be responsible and respectful.  The main emphasis of this unit consists of:

1.      Why are rules important?

2.      How do citizens of a community work together?

3.      How do families honor their country?

• Unit 2 – My Place in the World

The main focus of this unit is for the students to understand geographic location and how cultures influence how families live.  The main emphasis of this unit consists of:

1.      How do we use maps and globes to study where we live?

2.      How does change affect where I live?

3.      How does culture influence the family?

• Unit 3 – We Make Choices

The main focus of this last unit of study is how families meet economic wants in different ways and how change impacts the family.  The main emphasis of this unit consists of:

1.      How do families make choices to meet their economic wants?

2.      How are resources used to provide economic wants?

3.      How have changes in technology affected the family?

Learning experiences in the classroom should assist students in their understanding of individuals, the relationship of people with the environment, and interactions of people with other cultures.  As a result the students should become better informed and more effective members of their homes, schools, communities, and society.