Are you ready to kick off your social studies lessons in a way that’s both fun and educational? Look no further! I’ve got the perfect freebie to help you start the year off on the right foot with your elementary students.
I like having a soft start to the school year after summer. This resource is a great introduction that eases students back into the classroom after the summer break. Instead of diving straight into the curriculum, why not begin with a fun activity that not only engages students but also helps you get to know their interests and aspirations for the upcoming year?
This free back-to-school social studies resource is designed specifically for the first few days to fill your social studies block. This resource provides a structured yet enjoyable way to introduce the concept of social studies and its key topics to your students.
Here’s what’s included:
- KWL Chart: Start by having students to share what they already KNOW about social studies and what they WANT to learn about in social studies this year.
- Reading Passage: A one-page reading passage explains what social studies is and introduces the five main branches: history, economics, geography, government, and culture.
- Memory Game: Keep students engaged and moving with a matching memory game featuring the key terms from the reading passage. This game fosters teamwork and reinforces learning in a fun way. Perfect for back-to-school fun!
- Coloring Page: Solidify students’ new knowledge with a coloring page that provides visual aids to enhance understanding.
This resource is designed to be spread out over two days, making it an ideal way to start your social studies block on a Thursday and wrap it up on Friday. On the second day, students revisit the reading passage, briefly play the memory game again, and complete a matching worksheet to assess their retention of the key vocabulary – also available as a google form quiz for instant grading and feedback.
But that’s not all! To wrap up the lesson, engage students in a lively class discussion. Bring out that KWL chart from the first day and have students share topics they’re excited to learn about in social studies this year. If you know your social studies curriculum/standards well, get them excited here by telling them some fun things they’ll get to learn about this year! Lastly, have them complete the “L” section of the KWL chart with what they’ve learned about social studies so far.
Best of all, this resource is completely free! All you need to do is sign up with your email to receive all seven pages of student activities, an answer key, and a link to the digital resource.
So why wait? Start your year off with this simple yet engaging introduction to social studies, and set the stage for a year of exploration and discovery with your elementary students.
Download the Back to School – Introduction to Social Studies Freebie now!