Courses in social studies can encourage students to learn about the world around them and become valuable members of communities. Social study topics include a breadth of subjects such as geography, government, history, economics, and good citizenship.

Social Studies Books and Workbooks

With concepts that are essential for learners to master in order to increase their understanding of the world around them, social studies texts can be an important part of curricula at every grade level. Steck-Vaughn offers a Core Skills Series for Social Studies, with textbooks containing reading passages, illustrations, maps, and charts. Carson Dellosa offers a World History Series that encourages students to consider world civilizations and cultures through reading selections and assessments that encourage the practice of reading and questioning strategies. Carson Dellosa also offers the Spectrum Geography Series and a book of World Geography Puzzles.

Culture, history, geography, economics, and citizenship are addressed by social study workbooks in addition to textbooks. For example, Saddleback Educational Publishing offers the Worktext Series, which offers brief lessons followed by exercises. Lessons address topics under the headings of vehicles and driving, community resources, consumer spending, everyday tasks, and managing money among other subjects.

Engaging with social studies texts by reading actively, responding to questions, and participating in exercises can help students get a handle on the range of subjects covered under the umbrella of social studies and consider how they relate to their own experiences.

Maps and Globes, Bulletin Boards, Flash Cards, and Charts

Maps and globes, bulletin boards, flash cards, charts, and other educational tools help educators expand the world view of their students. It can be challenging for students to envision other places and cultures and remember the facts associated with them, but these visual aids and tools for memorization can help them master the material.

Life Skills and Citizenship

Studying geography, world culture, government and other social studies topics gives students a wider world view that can serve them well. It is also important for students to examine their own places in the world and help them develop into capable and productive citizens at a local level. Pearson Learning offers the AGS Everyday Life Skills Series addresses topics including healthy and safe lifestyles, communication, school environments and work environments. Pearson Learning also offers Money Matters Guides to help students understand finances and become smart consumers. These practical guides help students apply social studies concepts to their own lives in the classroom and in preparation for their everyday lives in the future.