The purpose of social studies in the elementary grades is for students to become active, responsible citizens. The elementary social studies program introduces important concepts and generalizations from history, geography, and other social sciences through an integrated study of children and their families, homes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities. In the early years, children develop a foundation for the entire social studies program and a beginning sense of efficacy as participating citizens. Students begin with their familiar environment and advance to families, homes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities in other environments. This approach enhances students' abilities to examine the perspectives of people in other places and times. Students learn to work in groups, to share, to respect the rights of others, and to care for themselves and their possessions. They acquire knowledge of history to understand the present and plan for the future. Social studies at this level provides students with the skills needed for problem solving and decision making, as well as for making thoughtful value judgments.
The kindergarten and first grade programs revolve around a study of self, families, the school community and rules.
Second graders learn more about the world in which they live. They begin to learn how important it is for people and groups to work together and to peacefully resolve problems. Children's expanding sense of place and spatial relationships provides readiness for more in-depth geographical studies.
Third graders learn about historical and contemporary people who made a difference. Students are introduced to people of various races, cultures, and regions who have made a positive contribution to society. Students have the opportunity at this grade to develop an appreciation for history through factual presentations, autobiographical and biographical studies, and historical fiction. Geographical investigations begin with the familiar local regions and expand to locations around the world. Students are also introduced to how our economy works, exploring the world of buyers and sellers, supply and demand, and the world of global trade.
Fourth grade introduces the first formal study of Washington State, its ethnic diversity, its rich culture, the economic energy of its people, and its geographical regions. Students discover that Washington’s changing history is closely related to the physical geography of its three major regions. Students analyze how different groups of people have made use of the land, depending on their skills, technology and values and how the different regions have developed through physical and human interactions.
Fifth grade presents the development of the United States from colonial beginnings through the founding of our nation. This study includes European exploration, Colonial development, the face of slavery, the American Revolution and the basic documents of the United States government, especially the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, along with the central concepts embedded in democracy. Students learn about the diverse influences of different people and ethnic groups that shaped early American development.
In a world that demands independent and cooperative problem solving to address complex social, economic, ethical, and personal concerns, the social studies are as basic for survival as reading, writing, and computing. Elementary students are prepared for the rigors of such a program.