Kindergarten Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Kindergarten social studies in the Washington State Learning Standards, and simple things to try at home.
Focus areas this year
- Self: who I am, near and far, now and then
- Rules and helping at school
- Maps of familiar places
Easy ways to practice social studies at home
- Talk about your family, your neighborhood and the people who help in it.
- Make a simple map of your home or street together.
- Share a family tradition or story and ask your child to share one back.
- Practice taking turns and sharing, and talk about why fairness matters.
What each unit covers
All About Me
Naming feelings, noticing how we are the same and different, and choosing kind actions so everyone feels respected.
Families
Seeing that families come in many shapes and sizes, growing up from baby to grandparent, family stories and traditions, and helping at home.
Needs & Wants
Sorting needs (food, water, a home, warm clothes) from wants (toys and treats), and how families meet their needs.
Places Near Me
Naming places in the community (library, park, school, hospital), what they are used for, and whether they are natural or built.
Fair & Kind
Noticing fair and unfair choices, using kind words, standing up for ourselves and others, and getting a grown-up to help.
My Jobs, Rules & Leaders
Practices responsibilities at home and in school, respecting the rules of the classroom and playground, respecting property, sharing, helping, and who makes decisions that affect our lives.
Goods & Services
Practices telling goods (things) from services (jobs done for us), producers from consumers, and public helpers from private stores, with goods grown near home such as Washington apples.
Weather, Land & Me
Practices naming natural features (air, water, land, wind), how weather changes what we wear and do, places near and far, and that the things we use come from different places.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practicing the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exceeding
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the Washington report card guide.
Common questions
Talk about your family, your neighborhood and the people who help in it. Make a simple map of your home or street together. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
The Washington State Learning Standards Kindergarten social studies units include All About Me, Families, Needs & Wants, Places Near Me, Fair & Kind, My Jobs, Rules & Leaders.
Free printable Kindergarten social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.