What does first grade social studies cover?

Students learn how families lived long ago compared to today, basic map skills, the difference between wants and needs, what good citizens do, and how families around the world live. It is a wide tour, with short units on history, geography, money, citizenship, and culture.

How can I help with map skills at home?

Draw a simple map of the bedroom, backyard, or walk to the bus stop together. Add a title, a small key for things like trees or doors, and an arrow showing north. Point out land, water, and roads on a real map when driving somewhere.

What should students know about money this year?

Students should be able to tell a want from a need and give examples of each. They should also know that people use money to buy goods and services, and that saving a little now helps pay for something later.

How do I help my child understand the Pledge of Allegiance?

Talk about what a few words mean, like pledge, allegiance, and nation. Explain that standing quietly and facing the flag is a sign of respect. Students are not required to recite it, but every student gets the chance to learn it.

How should I sequence the four strands across the year?

A common path is to start with self, family, and community in the fall, move into map skills and geography in the winter, then build into economics and citizenship in the spring. Global perspectives works well woven through the year rather than saved for one unit.

Which skills usually need the most reteaching?

Cardinal directions and map keys often need a second pass, since students mix up north and south or forget to add a legend. Wants versus needs also needs revisiting, because students often label favorite toys as needs.

How do I make timelines work for six-year-olds?

Start with a personal timeline of four or five events from a student's own life, using drawings instead of dates. Then move to a family timeline with help from home. Save longer historical timelines for later in the year, once the format feels familiar.

What is a simple way to practice history at home?

Ask a grandparent or older relative to share what school, chores, or playtime looked like when they were six. Compare two or three things to life today. Old photos and family songs also count as history practice.

How do I know students are ready for second grade?

By spring, students should read a simple map with a key and compass rose, place a few events on a timeline in order, sort wants from needs, name traits of a good citizen, and describe how a family in another country might live differently.

What does a student learn in ?

This is the year the world widens past the classroom. Students start placing themselves on a map, finding their country and state, and learning the four directions. They look at how families lived long ago versus now, and they sort out the difference between what they want and what they actually need. By spring, they can name a few good-citizen habits, point to oceans and continents on a globe, and draw a simple map with a key.

Maps and globes
Wants and needs
Good citizens
Family then and now
Cardinal directions
Holidays and symbols

Source: Idaho Idaho Content Standards

Year at a glance

How the year usually goes. Every school and district set their own curriculum, so treat this as a guide, not official pacing.

1
My family, then and now
Students start the year close to home. They compare how families lived in the past to how families live today, and they put events from their own life onto a simple timeline.
2
Maps, places, and Idaho
Students learn to read and draw simple maps. They use symbols for land, water, roads, and cities, follow north, south, east, and west, and find Idaho, the United States, and the oceans on a globe.
3
People and the environment
Students notice how people change the places they live and how weather and land change what people do. They talk about choices like clothing, shelter, and how a neighborhood gets built.
4
Wants, needs, and money
Students learn the difference between something they need and something they want. They see how people trade, share, and use money to buy goods and services, and they talk about saving for later.
5
Being a good citizen
Students learn what citizenship means at home, at school, and in the country. They practice the Pledge of Allegiance, talk about holidays and symbols, and name responsibilities they already have.
6
Families around the world
Students end the year by looking outward. They compare family life and daily routines in other cultures and notice that one person belongs to many groups at once, from family to classroom to neighborhood.

Mastery Learning Standards

The required skills a student should display by the end of Grade 1.

History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social…

1.SS.1

Students learn how people in the United States have lived, worked, and treated one another over time. They look at traditions, communities, and how American culture has grown and changed.
Geography: Students will analyze the spatial organizations of people, places

1.SS.2

Students learn to read simple maps and globes, notice how people change the land around them (building roads, clearing trees), and explain how weather and landforms shape where and how people live.
Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts and concepts of…

1.SS.3

Students learn what money is for, why people work to earn it, and how families decide what to buy. They also practice ideas like saving and spending wisely.
Civics and Government

1.SS.4

Students learn why the U.S. government exists, how it is set up, and what rights and responsibilities every person in the country has.
Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple…

1.SS.5

Students look at everyday situations from more than one point of view and learn how people in different parts of the world depend on each other.

Standard	Definition	Code
History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social…	Students learn how people in the United States have lived, worked, and treated one another over time. They look at traditions, communities, and how American culture has grown and changed.	1.SS.1
Geography: Students will analyze the spatial organizations of people, places	Students learn to read simple maps and globes, notice how people change the land around them (building roads, clearing trees), and explain how weather and landforms shape where and how people live.	1.SS.2
Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts and concepts of…	Students learn what money is for, why people work to earn it, and how families decide what to buy. They also practice ideas like saving and spending wisely.	1.SS.3
Civics and Government	Students learn why the U.S. government exists, how it is set up, and what rights and responsibilities every person in the country has.	1.SS.4
Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple…	Students look at everyday situations from more than one point of view and learn how people in different parts of the world depend on each other.	1.SS.5

History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social…

1.SS.1

Students learn how people in the United States have lived, worked, and treated one another over time. They look at traditions, communities, and how American culture has grown and changed.
Geography: Students will analyze the spatial organizations of people, places

1.SS.2

Students learn to read simple maps and globes, notice how people change the land around them (building roads, clearing trees), and explain how weather and landforms shape where and how people live.
Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts and concepts of…

1.SS.3

Students learn what money is for, why people work to earn it, and how families decide what to buy. They also practice ideas like saving and spending wisely.
Civics and Government

1.SS.4

Students learn why the U.S. government exists, how it is set up, and what rights and responsibilities every person in the country has.
Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple…

1.SS.5

Students look at everyday situations from more than one point of view and learn how people in different parts of the world depend on each other.

Standard	Definition	Code
History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social…	Students learn how people in the United States have lived, worked, and treated one another over time. They look at traditions, communities, and how American culture has grown and changed.	1.SS.1
Geography: Students will analyze the spatial organizations of people, places	Students learn to read simple maps and globes, notice how people change the land around them (building roads, clearing trees), and explain how weather and landforms shape where and how people live.	1.SS.2
Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts and concepts of…	Students learn what money is for, why people work to earn it, and how families decide what to buy. They also practice ideas like saving and spending wisely.	1.SS.3
Civics and Government	Students learn why the U.S. government exists, how it is set up, and what rights and responsibilities every person in the country has.	1.SS.4
Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple…	Students look at everyday situations from more than one point of view and learn how people in different parts of the world depend on each other.	1.SS.5

History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social development of the United States.

Compare differences in the ways families in the United States live today to how…

1.SS.1.1

Students look at how families in America used to live, such as how they cooked, traveled, or communicated, and compare that to how families live now. They practice noticing what has changed over time.
Use timelines to show personal or family history

1.SS.1.2

Students sequence events from their own life or family history on a timeline, placing pictures or labels in order from earliest to most recent.
Compare personal histories, pictures

1.SS.1.3

Students look at photos, songs, and stories from different periods in American history and notice what has changed and what has stayed the same. They connect those older ways of life to their own family experiences today.

Standard	Definition	Code
Compare differences in the ways families in the United States live today to how…	Students look at how families in America used to live, such as how they cooked, traveled, or communicated, and compare that to how families live now. They practice noticing what has changed over time.	1.SS.1.1
Use timelines to show personal or family history	Students sequence events from their own life or family history on a timeline, placing pictures or labels in order from earliest to most recent.	1.SS.1.2
Compare personal histories, pictures	Students look at photos, songs, and stories from different periods in American history and notice what has changed and what has stayed the same. They connect those older ways of life to their own family experiences today.	1.SS.1.3

History: Students will build an understanding of the cultural and social development of the United States.

Compare differences in the ways families in the United States live today to how…

1.SS.1.1

Students look at how families in America used to live, such as how they cooked, traveled, or communicated, and compare that to how families live now. They practice noticing what has changed over time.
Use timelines to show personal or family history

1.SS.1.2

Students sequence events from their own life or family history on a timeline, placing pictures or labels in order from earliest to most recent.
Compare personal histories, pictures

1.SS.1.3

Students look at photos, songs, and stories from different periods in American history and notice what has changed and what has stayed the same. They connect those older ways of life to their own family experiences today.

Standard	Definition	Code
Compare differences in the ways families in the United States live today to how…	Students look at how families in America used to live, such as how they cooked, traveled, or communicated, and compare that to how families live now. They practice noticing what has changed over time.	1.SS.1.1
Use timelines to show personal or family history	Students sequence events from their own life or family history on a timeline, placing pictures or labels in order from earliest to most recent.	1.SS.1.2
Compare personal histories, pictures	Students look at photos, songs, and stories from different periods in American history and notice what has changed and what has stayed the same. They connect those older ways of life to their own family experiences today.	1.SS.1.3

Geography: Students will analyze the spatial organizations of people, places, and environment on the earth’s surface and explain how human actions modify the physical environment and how physical systems affect human activity and living conditions.

Develop geographic skills by

1.SS.2.1

Reading and using maps, globes, and other tools to find places and understand how land, water, and people are arranged across the world.
using basic map symbols, including references to land, water, cities

1.SS.2.1.a

Reading a simple map by recognizing what its symbols stand for: blue shapes for water, green or brown areas for land, dots for cities, and lines for roads.
using cardinal directions on maps

1.SS.2.1.b

Reading a map to find which way is north, south, east, or west. Students use those four directions to describe where places are located.
locating Idaho, the United States, continents

1.SS.2.1.c

Students find Idaho, the United States, the continents, and the oceans on a map or globe. They practice pointing to where things are in the world.
constructing simple maps and including a title, map legend or key

1.SS.2.1.d

Students draw simple maps of familiar places and label them with a title, a color-coded key, and a compass rose showing north, south, east, and west.
Identify ways people adjust to their environment as well as modify…

1.SS.2.2

Students learn why people adapt to the places they live in and how they change those places to meet their needs. A family might build a shelter against cold weather or clear land to grow food.

Standard	Definition	Code
Develop geographic skills by	Reading and using maps, globes, and other tools to find places and understand how land, water, and people are arranged across the world.	1.SS.2.1
using basic map symbols, including references to land, water, cities	Reading a simple map by recognizing what its symbols stand for: blue shapes for water, green or brown areas for land, dots for cities, and lines for roads.	1.SS.2.1.a
using cardinal directions on maps	Reading a map to find which way is north, south, east, or west. Students use those four directions to describe where places are located.	1.SS.2.1.b
locating Idaho, the United States, continents	Students find Idaho, the United States, the continents, and the oceans on a map or globe. They practice pointing to where things are in the world.	1.SS.2.1.c
constructing simple maps and including a title, map legend or key	Students draw simple maps of familiar places and label them with a title, a color-coded key, and a compass rose showing north, south, east, and west.	1.SS.2.1.d
Identify ways people adjust to their environment as well as modify…	Students learn why people adapt to the places they live in and how they change those places to meet their needs. A family might build a shelter against cold weather or clear land to grow food.	1.SS.2.2

Develop geographic skills by

1.SS.2.1

Reading and using maps, globes, and other tools to find places and understand how land, water, and people are arranged across the world.
using basic map symbols, including references to land, water, cities

1.SS.2.1.a

Reading a simple map by recognizing what its symbols stand for: blue shapes for water, green or brown areas for land, dots for cities, and lines for roads.
using cardinal directions on maps

1.SS.2.1.b

Reading a map to find which way is north, south, east, or west. Students use those four directions to describe where places are located.
locating Idaho, the United States, continents

1.SS.2.1.c

Students find Idaho, the United States, the continents, and the oceans on a map or globe. They practice pointing to where things are in the world.
constructing simple maps and including a title, map legend or key

1.SS.2.1.d

Students draw simple maps of familiar places and label them with a title, a color-coded key, and a compass rose showing north, south, east, and west.
Identify ways people adjust to their environment as well as modify…

1.SS.2.2

Students learn why people adapt to the places they live in and how they change those places to meet their needs. A family might build a shelter against cold weather or clear land to grow food.

Standard	Definition	Code
Develop geographic skills by	Reading and using maps, globes, and other tools to find places and understand how land, water, and people are arranged across the world.	1.SS.2.1
using basic map symbols, including references to land, water, cities	Reading a simple map by recognizing what its symbols stand for: blue shapes for water, green or brown areas for land, dots for cities, and lines for roads.	1.SS.2.1.a
using cardinal directions on maps	Reading a map to find which way is north, south, east, or west. Students use those four directions to describe where places are located.	1.SS.2.1.b
locating Idaho, the United States, continents	Students find Idaho, the United States, the continents, and the oceans on a map or globe. They practice pointing to where things are in the world.	1.SS.2.1.c
constructing simple maps and including a title, map legend or key	Students draw simple maps of familiar places and label them with a title, a color-coded key, and a compass rose showing north, south, east, and west.	1.SS.2.1.d
Identify ways people adjust to their environment as well as modify…	Students learn why people adapt to the places they live in and how they change those places to meet their needs. A family might build a shelter against cold weather or clear land to grow food.	1.SS.2.2

Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts and concepts of personal finance.

Identify ways people meet their needs by sharing, trading

1.SS.3.1

People get what they need in different ways. Students learn how sharing, trading, and spending money all help people get the food, clothing, tools, and other things they need.
Distinguish between wants and needs and provide examples of each

1.SS.3.2

Students sort everyday things into two groups: what they must have to survive (like food and shelter) and what they simply want. They practice explaining the difference out loud or on paper.
Identify ways to save money for future needs and wants

1.SS.3.3

Students learn that saving money means setting some aside now so they can buy something later. They practice recognizing the difference between things they need right away and things they want but can wait for.

Standard	Definition	Code
Identify ways people meet their needs by sharing, trading	People get what they need in different ways. Students learn how sharing, trading, and spending money all help people get the food, clothing, tools, and other things they need.	1.SS.3.1
Distinguish between wants and needs and provide examples of each	Students sort everyday things into two groups: what they must have to survive (like food and shelter) and what they simply want. They practice explaining the difference out loud or on paper.	1.SS.3.2
Identify ways to save money for future needs and wants	Students learn that saving money means setting some aside now so they can buy something later. They practice recognizing the difference between things they need right away and things they want but can wait for.	1.SS.3.3

Economics: Students will explain basic economic concepts and concepts of personal finance.

Identify ways people meet their needs by sharing, trading

1.SS.3.1

People get what they need in different ways. Students learn how sharing, trading, and spending money all help people get the food, clothing, tools, and other things they need.
Distinguish between wants and needs and provide examples of each

1.SS.3.2

Students sort everyday things into two groups: what they must have to survive (like food and shelter) and what they simply want. They practice explaining the difference out loud or on paper.
Identify ways to save money for future needs and wants

1.SS.3.3

Students learn that saving money means setting some aside now so they can buy something later. They practice recognizing the difference between things they need right away and things they want but can wait for.

Standard	Definition	Code
Identify ways people meet their needs by sharing, trading	People get what they need in different ways. Students learn how sharing, trading, and spending money all help people get the food, clothing, tools, and other things they need.	1.SS.3.1
Distinguish between wants and needs and provide examples of each	Students sort everyday things into two groups: what they must have to survive (like food and shelter) and what they simply want. They practice explaining the difference out loud or on paper.	1.SS.3.2
Identify ways to save money for future needs and wants	Students learn that saving money means setting some aside now so they can buy something later. They practice recognizing the difference between things they need right away and things they want but can wait for.	1.SS.3.3

Civics and Government: Students will build an understanding of the foundational principles of the American political system, the organization and formation of the American system of government, and that all people in the United States have rights and assume responsibilities.

Define citizenship, and recognize traits of good citizens, such as…

1.SS.4.1

Citizenship means belonging to a community and doing your part in it. Students learn what it looks like to be a good citizen, like following rules, respecting others, and taking part in decisions.
Explain the importance of patriotic traditions and symbols, including…

1.SS.4.2

Students learn why the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem matter and what respectful behavior during each one looks like.
Provide all students the opportunity to be able to recite the Pledge…

1.SS.4.3

Students learn the words to the Pledge of Allegiance and practice saying it aloud together as a class.
Describe holidays and events and tell why they are commemorated in the United…

1.SS.4.4

Students learn why Americans celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, and what each one honors or remembers.
Identify individuals who are helpful to people in their everyday lives

1.SS.4.5

Students learn to recognize the people who help their community run, like police officers, firefighters, doctors, and mail carriers, and explain what each person does.
Name some responsibilities that students have at home and school

1.SS.4.6

Students name everyday responsibilities, like feeding a pet, cleaning up, or following class rules. This standard is about understanding that being part of a family or school means pitching in.

Standard	Definition	Code
Define citizenship, and recognize traits of good citizens, such as…	Citizenship means belonging to a community and doing your part in it. Students learn what it looks like to be a good citizen, like following rules, respecting others, and taking part in decisions.	1.SS.4.1
Explain the importance of patriotic traditions and symbols, including…	Students learn why the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem matter and what respectful behavior during each one looks like.	1.SS.4.2
Provide all students the opportunity to be able to recite the Pledge…	Students learn the words to the Pledge of Allegiance and practice saying it aloud together as a class.	1.SS.4.3
Describe holidays and events and tell why they are commemorated in the United…	Students learn why Americans celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, and what each one honors or remembers.	1.SS.4.4
Identify individuals who are helpful to people in their everyday lives	Students learn to recognize the people who help their community run, like police officers, firefighters, doctors, and mail carriers, and explain what each person does.	1.SS.4.5
Name some responsibilities that students have at home and school	Students name everyday responsibilities, like feeding a pet, cleaning up, or following class rules. This standard is about understanding that being part of a family or school means pitching in.	1.SS.4.6

Define citizenship, and recognize traits of good citizens, such as…

1.SS.4.1

Citizenship means belonging to a community and doing your part in it. Students learn what it looks like to be a good citizen, like following rules, respecting others, and taking part in decisions.
Explain the importance of patriotic traditions and symbols, including…

1.SS.4.2

Students learn why the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem matter and what respectful behavior during each one looks like.
Provide all students the opportunity to be able to recite the Pledge…

1.SS.4.3

Students learn the words to the Pledge of Allegiance and practice saying it aloud together as a class.
Describe holidays and events and tell why they are commemorated in the United…

1.SS.4.4

Students learn why Americans celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, and what each one honors or remembers.
Identify individuals who are helpful to people in their everyday lives

1.SS.4.5

Students learn to recognize the people who help their community run, like police officers, firefighters, doctors, and mail carriers, and explain what each person does.
Name some responsibilities that students have at home and school

1.SS.4.6

Students name everyday responsibilities, like feeding a pet, cleaning up, or following class rules. This standard is about understanding that being part of a family or school means pitching in.

Standard	Definition	Code
Define citizenship, and recognize traits of good citizens, such as…	Citizenship means belonging to a community and doing your part in it. Students learn what it looks like to be a good citizen, like following rules, respecting others, and taking part in decisions.	1.SS.4.1
Explain the importance of patriotic traditions and symbols, including…	Students learn why the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem matter and what respectful behavior during each one looks like.	1.SS.4.2
Provide all students the opportunity to be able to recite the Pledge…	Students learn the words to the Pledge of Allegiance and practice saying it aloud together as a class.	1.SS.4.3
Describe holidays and events and tell why they are commemorated in the United…	Students learn why Americans celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, and what each one honors or remembers.	1.SS.4.4
Identify individuals who are helpful to people in their everyday lives	Students learn to recognize the people who help their community run, like police officers, firefighters, doctors, and mail carriers, and explain what each person does.	1.SS.4.5
Name some responsibilities that students have at home and school	Students name everyday responsibilities, like feeding a pet, cleaning up, or following class rules. This standard is about understanding that being part of a family or school means pitching in.	1.SS.4.6

Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple perspectives and global interdependence.

Compare family life, structures

1.SS.5.1

Students look at how families in different parts of the world live, including what they eat, how they spend their days, and how their households are set up. Not every family looks the same, and that's the point.
Recognize that each person belongs to many groups such as family…

1.SS.5.2

Each person is part of many groups at once. Students learn to name the groups they belong to, like their family, their class, and their neighborhood, and see that other people belong to overlapping groups too.

Standard	Definition	Code
Compare family life, structures	Students look at how families in different parts of the world live, including what they eat, how they spend their days, and how their households are set up. Not every family looks the same, and that's the point.	1.SS.5.1
Recognize that each person belongs to many groups such as family…	Each person is part of many groups at once. Students learn to name the groups they belong to, like their family, their class, and their neighborhood, and see that other people belong to overlapping groups too.	1.SS.5.2

Global Perspectives: Students will build an understanding of multiple perspectives and global interdependence.

Compare family life, structures

1.SS.5.1

Students look at how families in different parts of the world live, including what they eat, how they spend their days, and how their households are set up. Not every family looks the same, and that's the point.
Recognize that each person belongs to many groups such as family…

1.SS.5.2

Each person is part of many groups at once. Students learn to name the groups they belong to, like their family, their class, and their neighborhood, and see that other people belong to overlapping groups too.

Standard	Definition	Code
Compare family life, structures	Students look at how families in different parts of the world live, including what they eat, how they spend their days, and how their households are set up. Not every family looks the same, and that's the point.	1.SS.5.1
Recognize that each person belongs to many groups such as family…	Each person is part of many groups at once. Students learn to name the groups they belong to, like their family, their class, and their neighborhood, and see that other people belong to overlapping groups too.	1.SS.5.2

Common Questions

What does first grade social studies cover?
Students learn how families lived long ago compared to today, basic map skills, the difference between wants and needs, what good citizens do, and how families around the world live. It is a wide tour, with short units on history, geography, money, citizenship, and culture.
How can I help with map skills at home?
Draw a simple map of the bedroom, backyard, or walk to the bus stop together. Add a title, a small key for things like trees or doors, and an arrow showing north. Point out land, water, and roads on a real map when driving somewhere.
What should students know about money this year?
Students should be able to tell a want from a need and give examples of each. They should also know that people use money to buy goods and services, and that saving a little now helps pay for something later.
How do I help my child understand the Pledge of Allegiance?
Talk about what a few words mean, like pledge, allegiance, and nation. Explain that standing quietly and facing the flag is a sign of respect. Students are not required to recite it, but every student gets the chance to learn it.
How should I sequence the four strands across the year?
A common path is to start with self, family, and community in the fall, move into map skills and geography in the winter, then build into economics and citizenship in the spring. Global perspectives works well woven through the year rather than saved for one unit.
Which skills usually need the most reteaching?
Cardinal directions and map keys often need a second pass, since students mix up north and south or forget to add a legend. Wants versus needs also needs revisiting, because students often label favorite toys as needs.
How do I make timelines work for six-year-olds?
Start with a personal timeline of four or five events from a student's own life, using drawings instead of dates. Then move to a family timeline with help from home. Save longer historical timelines for later in the year, once the format feels familiar.
What is a simple way to practice history at home?
Ask a grandparent or older relative to share what school, chores, or playtime looked like when they were six. Compare two or three things to life today. Old photos and family songs also count as history practice.
How do I know students are ready for second grade?
By spring, students should read a simple map with a key and compass rose, place a few events on a timeline in order, sort wants from needs, name traits of a good citizen, and describe how a family in another country might live differently.