Social Studies at Home – 5 Simple & Powerful Steps for Parents to Teach
By Kirsten Hammond
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Social studies is more than just memorizing dates, maps, and facts – it’s about understanding the people, places, and events that have shaped the world around us. As a mom of three and a former classroom teacher, I’ve learned that the best social studies conversations don’t always come from textbooks – they start right at home.
With my oldest in elementary school, I’ve found simple ways to weave social studies at home in our everyday lives. We talk about current events like the presidential election and even filled out a red-and-blue state map together. We’ve chatted about why we celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving and Easter, shared stories about great-grandparents, and explored maps to see where we live and where he was born. These small moments are powerful – and they’re exactly where social studies at home begins.
Here are five easy, practical steps any parent can use to bring social studies into everyday conversations at home.
1. Start with What’s Familiar – Connect to Their Everyday Life
Social studies at home doesn’t have to feel like a formal lesson. It can start with something as simple as looking at a map together. Show your child where you live – your city, your state, or even the country – and talk about how the area has changed over time. Ask questions like, “Who lived here before us?” or “What do you think this place looked like 100 years ago?”
You can also share your own family stories. Telling them about grandparents, great-grandparents, and ancestors helps them connect to bigger events in history. Maybe your family moved from another country or experienced a major moment like the Great Depression or a war. These stories make history feel real.
And don’t forget about the places you pass by every day. The next time you see an old building or landmark in your neighborhood, use it as a conversation starter. Who built it? Why is it important? These small questions plant the seed for curiosity.
2. Use Current Events to Teach Critical Thinking
Our world is changing every day, and kids notice more than we think. Using current events is a great way to build social studies at home while helping your child think critically. For example, if there’s a local or national election coming up, you can explain how voting works and why it matters. If there’s a natural disaster, talk about how geography and weather affect communities.
Instead of just explaining what happened, ask your child questions that spark deeper thinking. You might say, “Why do you think this is happening?” or “Does this remind you of something else we’ve talked about?” Giving them the chance to form their own opinions builds their confidence and helps them make connections to the past.
You can also use kid-friendly news sources like Scholastic News or Newsela to help them see different perspectives. These simple articles break down complex events in a way kids can understand and encourage respectful discussion.
3. Make It Fun with Games, Books, and Activities
When kids are engaged, they’re more likely to remember what they learn. That’s why one of the best ways to explore social studies at home is through play and creativity. There are so many fun games that tie into social studies themes!
- Educational board games:
- Ticket to Ride (geography)
- Catan Junior (economics and strategy)
- Skillmatics – Guess in 10 (great for social studies trivia!)
- Books, websites, Shows:
- I Survived series (historical fiction)
- Liberty’s Kids (American Revolution TV series)
- BrainPOP videos (quick and easy to digest on a ton of social studies topics!)
- Hands-on Ideas:
- Create maps, cook cultural recipes, or build dioramas. I’ve shared even more ideas on this blog post.
4. Encourage Civic Engagement and Awareness
One of the most meaningful parts of social studies at home is helping kids understand that they have a voice and can make a difference in their communities. Even something as small as taking them with you to vote or watching a school board meeting online can open their eyes to how decisions are made.
It’s also important to teach them who’s in charge – locally, statewide, and nationally. They don’t need to memorize every name or role, but they should know that leaders work together to make choices that affect our daily lives.
Volunteering as a family is another great way to bring these lessons to life. Whether it’s helping out at a food drive or picking up trash at the park, these acts show your child how everyday people can make a positive impact.
5. Let Kids Lead the Conversation
One of the best ways to nurture curiosity through social studies at home is to follow your child’s lead. If they’re fascinated by Ancient Egypt, space exploration, or something they saw on the news, take it as a sign to dig deeper. You don’t have to know all the answers…just be curious with them!
Show them how to search for information using books, websites, or videos. Talk about how to know whether a source is trustworthy. These skills are valuable now and will serve them for years to come.
Once they’ve explored a topic, encourage them to share what they’ve learned. Let them draw, write a story, or give a mini-presentation. Kids love to teach others. It helps them process and remember what they’ve learned.
Additional Social Studies at Home Tips for Homeschooling Families
If you’re a homeschooling parent, you have even more flexibility when it comes to integrating social studies at home. Thematic units are a great option – they allow you to tie history, geography, and culture together in one focused study. For example, if you’re learning about Mexico, you can explore its geography, history, holidays, and even food in a single unit.
Virtual field trips can also bring learning to life. Sites like Google Arts & Culture, the Smithsonian, and National Geographic Kids offer interactive experiences that let kids “travel” the world without leaving home.
And if you’re looking for ready-to-use resources, I’ve got you covered! My blog is packed with ideas and freebies. My Smart & Simple Social Studies Membership includes done-for-you lessons perfect for both homeschoolers and classroom teachers. And don’t forget to check out my TPT store for WebQuests, vocabulary cards, and daily passages that help your child explore independently. Social studies at home can be fun and enriching with the host of tools and resources at your fingertips!
Final Thoughts – Social Studies at Home
Whether your child is five or fifteen, it’s never too early – or too late – to have meaningful conversations about the world we live in. When you take the time to build in social studies at home, you’re doing more than helping them learn. You’re helping them grow into thoughtful, informed citizens.
All it takes is a few intentional moments and a willingness to learn together. You’ve already got what it takes, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
kirsten hammond
Kirsten is a former 3rd and 5th grade teacher who loves helping upper elementary teachers by creating resources and sharing ideas that are engaging, research-based, and TEKS-aligned. She is a work-from-home mama of 3 rambunctious little ones and loves running, true crime, and lots of coffee.
