American Heritage Foundation
First grade social studies introduces students to their place in family, community, and country. Through engaging stories and hands-on activities, children learn about American symbols, heroes, and the founding principles that make our nation special. Every lesson builds pride in American heritage and understanding of citizenship.
36-Week Social Studies Curriculum
First Quarter (Weeks 1-9): Me, My Family, My School
Week 1: All About Me
Personal identity, what makes each person special and unique
Week 2: My Family
Family members, family roles, how families help each other
Week 3: Family Traditions
Special family customs, celebrations, and meaningful activities
Week 4: My School Community
School workers, classroom rules, being a good student
Week 5: School Rules and Why
Safety rules, learning rules, how rules help everyone
Week 6: Being a Good Friend
Kindness, sharing, helping others, solving problems peacefully
Week 7: Our Classroom Jobs
Responsibility, contributing to the group, taking care of materials
Week 8: Past and Present
How things change over time, then and now comparisons
Week 9: Time and Calendars
Days, weeks, months, special dates, measuring time
Second Quarter (Weeks 10-18): My Community
Week 10: What is a Community?
Neighborhoods, towns, cities - where people live together
Week 11: Community Helpers - Safety
Police officers, firefighters, paramedics - keeping us safe
Week 12: Community Helpers - Services
Mail carriers, librarians, sanitation workers - helping daily life
Week 13: Community Helpers - Health and Learning
Doctors, teachers, dentists - keeping us healthy and learning
Week 14: Community Places
Library, fire station, post office, hospital - important buildings
Week 15: Transportation
Cars, buses, trains, airplanes - how people and goods move
Week 16: Needs and Wants
Basic needs vs. things we'd like to have, making choices
Week 17: Goods and Services
Things people make vs. jobs people do, buying and selling
Week 18: Being a Good Citizen
Helping community, following rules, caring for environment
Third Quarter (Weeks 19-27): American Symbols and Holidays
Week 19: The American Flag
Flag design, Pledge of Allegiance, proper flag care and respect
Week 20: The Bald Eagle
National bird, symbol of freedom and strength
Week 21: Liberty Bell and Statue of Liberty
Symbols of freedom, what liberty means to Americans
Week 22: Presidents' Day
George Washington and Abraham Lincoln - great American leaders
Week 23: Memorial Day
Honoring those who served our country, meaning of sacrifice
Week 24: Independence Day
July 4th, birth of America, celebrating freedom
Week 25: Veterans Day
Thanking military members, service to country
Week 26: Thanksgiving
Pilgrims and first Thanksgiving, being grateful
Week 27: American Songs and Pledges
National anthem, "America the Beautiful", patriotic music
Fourth Quarter (Weeks 28-36): Geography and American Heroes
Week 28: Maps and Globes
What maps show, finding places, land and water on maps
Week 29: Our Country on the Map
United States shape, neighbors (Canada/Mexico), oceans
Week 30: Our State and City
Finding our state, state symbols, our local community
Week 31: George Washington
First President, Revolutionary War, father of our country
Week 32: Abraham Lincoln
Civil War President, freeing slaves, keeping country together
Week 33: Native Americans
First people in America, different tribes, contributions
Week 34: American Inventors
Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison - creativity and hard work
Week 35: American Explorers
Christopher Columbus, Lewis and Clark - courage and discovery
Week 36: Young Americans
How children can be good citizens, making a difference