Social studies in early childhood education is the study of people, how they relate to one another, and how they interact with the world around them. It encompasses geography, history, and community awareness, helping young children understand their place in society and develop essential social skills.
Why social studies matters for young children
While many people associate social studies with high school history textbooks, it looks very different in a childcare program. For preschoolers, social studies lays the foundation for empathy, critical thinking, and citizenship.
When children explore social studies concepts, they begin to:
- Understand identity: They learn about themselves, their families, and how they are unique.
- Connect with their community: They recognize the roles of different community helpers (like firefighters or doctors) and how neighborhoods function.
- Develop spatial awareness: Through simple geography, they learn about locations, maps, and the physical world.
- Appreciate diversity: They gain respect for different cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
Key components of a preschool social studies curriculum
An effective approach to social studies covers several key areas adapted for young learners.
1. Self and family
This is often where learning begins. Children explore who they are, identify their emotions, and discuss their family structures. Activities might include creating self-portraits or sharing family traditions.
2. Community and culture
Children broaden their scope to the wider world. They learn about how people live, work, and celebrate. This helps them understand that while everyone is different, people also share many similarities.
3. Geography and spaces
Geography for toddlers isn't about memorizing capitals. It’s about understanding their immediate environment. This involves learning simple directions (up, down, near, far), understanding where things belong in the classroom, and exploring the outdoors.
4. History and time
For young children, history is the concept of "past, present, and future." Teachers help children understand this by reviewing the daily schedule, talking about what they did yesterday, or looking at photos of themselves as babies.
Activities Across Developmental Domains
Use this guide to craft strategies for activities that foster child development across developmental domains.
How to assess social studies skills
Tracking progress in social studies can be challenging because it is often woven into play rather than completed on worksheets. However, observing these skills is crucial for ensuring holistic development.
Using observation-based assessment
The most effective way to measure growth is through observation during natural routines. For example, noting how a child resolves a conflict with a peer or how they navigate a map of the playground.
Brightwheel's Experience Assessment provides a streamlined way to track these milestones. As a research-backed tool valid for measuring early childhood development, it allows educators to document growth across 73 skills, including the specific domain of Social Studies.
With tools like brightwheel, you can:
- Capture moments: Log observations of social interactions or community play in real-time.
- Track domains: Specifically monitor progress in Social Studies alongside other key areas like Language & Literacy and Social & Emotional Development.
- Share updates: Easily send reports to families, showing them how their child is connecting with the world.
According to 2025 research by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Research and Reform in Education, the Experience Assessment tool demonstrated excellent reliability and validity across all eight developmental domains, including Social Studies. This gives educators confidence that the data they collect accurately reflects a child’s understanding of their social world.
Frequently asked questions about social studies in early childhood education
What are examples of social studies activities for preschoolers?
Simple activities include creating a "family tree" collage, taking a neighborhood walk to identify community signs, building a classroom post office, or reading books about different cultural celebrations.
How do you teach history to three-year-olds?
You teach history by focusing on the passage of time and personal growth. Discussing the "sequence of the day" or looking at "then and now" photos of the child helps them grasp the concept of time in a concrete way.
Do I need a specific curriculum to teach social studies?
No, you can integrate social studies into daily play and routines. However, tools like Brightwheel's Experience Assessment work with any curriculum to help you identify and track the specific social
