Kindergarten Social Studies is an introduction to broad topics connected to the lives of young children. Students will explore the sphere of their experiences within their local community and begin an identification of their place in West Virginia. They will begin developing a view of themselves as collaborative, responsible citizens in the democratic society to which they belong. Through the active investigation of their community, students will develop an understanding of how people interact with their physical environment and each other to meet their basic needs. As this sense of location matures, students will explore the past through collaboration and research.

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SS.K.1

Develop an understanding of citizenship and patriotism through a variety of experiences (e.g., appropriate behavior, sharing, taking turns, volunteering, being honest and demonstrating responsibility for materials and personal belongings).

SS.K.2

Participate in role play to resolve disputes, and demonstrate tolerance and acceptance of others and their ideas.

SS.K.3

Investigate the need for rules in their environment, create a set of classroom rules, and explore the consequences for not following the rules.

SS.K.4

Investigate the leadership roles within their families, classrooms and schools and demonstrate their understanding through activities such as role play and classroom jobs.

    West Virginia State Museum Education

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    The West Virginia Encyclopedia

    West Virginia Library Commission

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    West Virginia Archives & History

    Library of Congress

    Public Broadcasting

    SS.K.5

    Investigate occupations within the school and local community.

    SS.K.6

    Discover the basic needs of people (e.g., shelter, food, clothing, etc.) and give examples of each.

    SS.K.7

    Investigate the exchange of goods and services (e.g., money, bartering, trading, etc.).

    SS.K.8

    Distinguish between wants and needs.

      West Virginia State Museum Education

      wv culture logo

      The West Virginia Encyclopedia

      West Virginia Library Commission

      WV library commission logo

      West Virginia Archives & History

      Library of Congress

      Public Broadcasting

      SS.K.9

      Construct a simple map of a familiar area (e.g., classroom, school, home, etc.).

      SS.K.10

      Identify the difference between bodies of water and land masses on maps and globes, and demonstrate directions (e.g., left/right, up/down, near/far and above/under).

      SS.K.11

      Compare and contrast the ways humans adapt based on seasons and weather.

      SS.K.12

      Explore similarities and differences of life in the city (urban) and the country (rural).

      SS.K.13

      Investigate the need for symbols in daily life (e.g., exit, stop sign, bathroom signs, school zone, stop light, etc.).

        West Virginia State Museum Education

        wv culture logo

        The West Virginia Encyclopedia

        West Virginia Library Commission

        WV library commission logo

        West Virginia Archives & History

        Library of Congress

        Public Broadcasting

        SS.K.14

        Illustrate personal history (e.g., first and last name, birthday, age, guardian’s name, and other personal data).

        SS.K.15

        Explore the history of the school and give examples of significant sites and people (e.g., principals, secretaries, teachers, custodians, etc.).

        SS.K.16

        Investigate the past and explore the differences in other people, times and cultures through stories of people, heroes, pictures, songs, holidays, customs, traditions or legends.

        SS.K.17

        Explore time, places, people and events in relationship to student’s own life (e.g., family trees, pictures, stories, etc.).

          West Virginia State Museum Education

          wv culture logo

          The West Virginia Encyclopedia

          West Virginia Library Commission

          WV library commission logo

          West Virginia Archives & History

          Library of Congress

          Public Broadcasting

          SS.K.18

          Investigate state symbols, celebrations, holidays and prominent West Virginians.

          SS.K.19

          Identify the shape of West Virginia.

          SS.K.20

          Track the weather to illustrate West Virginia’s climate.

          SS.K.21

          Recognize local community names.

          SS.K.22

          Compare and contrast past and present lifestyles of West Virginians.

            West Virginia State Museum Education

            wv culture logo

            The West Virginia Encyclopedia

            West Virginia Library Commission

            WV library commission logo

            West Virginia Archives & History

            Library of Congress

            Public Broadcasting