Social Studies

Social Studies may be the most griped-about school topic. “Why do I have to learn this?” “When will I ever use this?”...

Here are some replies:

• It seems totally unrelated now, but even as a young adult, it’s impressive to meet someone who knows about history and politics.
• If you can understand this map, you will understand the news and books better.
• You have a test on it. Your need to learn this and keep it in your head long enough to get through the test. Then you’ll need to refresh later for the final. It might be on your standardized test, too. That’s why you have to learn it.

Students progress through social studies in a curriculum that begins with the child’s immediate Kindergarten world (home, school, town), expands to Orange County history in third grade, and California in fourth grade. After that, each grade spirals between U.S. history and world history.

Visit the Social Studies Standards page to view the state standards for your grade. Then, take a look at the games and activities page for ideas and resources parents, students, and tutors can employ right away.