Social Studies Overview
In the first month of Grade 1 social studies, students explore the foundational elements of American civic life, their community, and their family. Through concrete activities and age-appropriate discussions, students learn about American symbols and values, discover the important roles community helpers play, understand family responsibilities, and develop basic map and geography skills. Each lesson emphasizes that society is built by individual people making choices and taking actions—students learn to recognize the value of individual achievement and the importance of personal responsibility in their family and community.
What Your Student Will Learn (Weeks 1-4)
- Recognize and explain the meaning of American symbols (flag, Pledge of Allegiance, national symbols like the bald eagle and Statue of Liberty)
- Identify community helpers and understand how their individual work benefits the community (police officers, firefighters, teachers, doctors, mail carriers)
- Describe family roles and understand personal responsibilities within the household
- Use basic map skills including directions (north, south, east, west), landmarks, and simple neighborhood maps
Weekly Lesson Plans
Each week contains 5 daily lessons (Monday-Friday), each designed for 15-20 minutes of focused instruction.
Week 1: American Flag and National Symbols
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will identify the American flag and other national symbols, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and understand their basic meaning.
Students begin by learning about the American flag, including its colors, stars, and stripes. They practice the Pledge of Allegiance and explore national symbols such as the bald eagle, Statue of Liberty, and Liberty Bell, understanding that these symbols represent American values of freedom and individual rights.
View Week 1 Lessons →Week 2: Community Helpers
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will identify five key community helpers and understand how their work helps people in the community.
Students discover the important roles of community helpers including police officers, firefighters, teachers, doctors, and mail carriers. Each lesson focuses on one helper, exploring what they do, why their work matters, and how individuals choose careers that serve and benefit others.
View Week 2 Lessons →Week 3: Family Roles and Responsibilities
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will identify different family roles and understand their own responsibilities within the family.
Students explore how families work together, with each person having specific roles and responsibilities. They learn about jobs family members do at home, understand the concept of contributing to the family, and identify their own age-appropriate chores and responsibilities.
View Week 3 Lessons →Week 4: Basic Map Skills and Neighborhood Geography
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will use cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) and create simple maps of familiar places.
Students develop foundational geography skills by learning the four cardinal directions, identifying landmarks in their neighborhood, and creating simple maps. They practice giving and following basic directions using position words and directional terms.
View Week 4 Lessons →Getting Started: Orientation for New Homeschool Teachers
If this is your first time teaching Social Studies at home, here's how to prepare:
Before You Begin
- Review the full week: Read through all 5 daily lessons before Monday to gather materials and familiarize yourself with the topics.
- Gather materials: Most materials are household items (paper, crayons, photos) or internet resources (YouTube videos, Midjourney image prompts). Check substitutions if you don't have specific items.
- Plan your schedule: Each lesson takes 15-20 minutes. Choose a time when your student is receptive to discussion and storytelling.
- Prepare visuals: Social studies lessons are enhanced by pictures. Use Midjourney prompts provided in each lesson to generate images, or search online for photos of American symbols, community helpers, and maps.
During Each Lesson
- Start with the objective: Tell your student what they'll learn today in simple, child-friendly language.
- Follow the 4-part structure: Introduction → Main Activity → Practice → Closure. Adjust timing based on your student's engagement and questions.
- Encourage discussion: Social studies is about ideas and people. Ask your student questions, listen to their observations, and help them make connections to their own life.
- Use the assessment questions: These quick checks help you know if your student understood the key concepts before moving forward.
Supplemental Resources (Optional)
Many lessons include optional YouTube videos (patriotic songs, videos about community helpers), library book suggestions, and Midjourney prompts for creating visual aids. These are enhancements, not requirements. Use them if they fit your family's schedule and resources.