Breaking Down the 5 Main Social Studies Topics of Elementary
By Kirsten Hammond
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Social studies is an amazing subject that offers students the opportunity to explore so many different avenues of the world’s past, present, and future. It’s divided into five social studies topics for elementary, each offering a unique perspective on human society and how it has changed.
Knowing elementary social studies topics helps teachers plan for and build a foundation for students so that they are prepared to understand the world around them as citizens of their own communities.

1. Geography – Discovering the World Around Us
Geography is all about understanding the Earth’s physical features, environments, and human interactions with our planet. Through geography, students explore the diverse landscapes, climates, and resources that shape our world.
It also helps us understand the impact of human activities on the environment.
Examples of geography topics include maps and globes, understanding latitude and longitude, and studying the physical environment of different regions.
Geography is one of my favorite elementary social studies topics to teach, and it’s a great topic to teach towards the beginning of the year as you start the school year.

2. History – Unveiling the Past
History takes students on a journey through time, exploring past events, people, and societies that have shaped the world we live in today.
By studying history concepts as social studies topics for elementary students gain insights into the roots of cultures, conflicts, and societal changes. It encourages critical thinking and an understanding of historical context.
Historical topics may include the American Revolution and the World Wars, examining causes, effects, and global implications.
History elementary social studies topics will vary depending on the grade level, but I LOVE to teach the topics, because most students will be unfamiliar with certain events such as westward expansion or different advancements in technology. History might be the bulk of what you teach in a school year, depending on if it’s a state history, U.S. history, or world history.

3. Culture and Society – Embracing Diversity
Culture and society is all about delving into the rich tapestry of human cultures, traditions, customs, and societal structures.
This domain promotes empathy and respect for diversity, which, in turn, can foster a more inclusive classroom environment.
Students explore cultural celebrations, holidays, and traditions from around the world. They also analyze literature and the arts to understand how they reflect cultural values.
Culture and society elementary social studies topics can be taught at multiple points at in the year, but my favorite times are during the holiday season between Thanksgiving break and winter break, as well as towards the end of the school year.

4. Government and Civics – Navigating Society’s Structure
Government and civics offer insights into political systems, citizens’ rights and responsibilities, and the intricate workings of societies.
Upper elementary students often focus on the democratic process in the United States. Understanding the three branches of government and citizens’ roles in society are important social studies topics for elementary within this domain.
Government and civics can really be taught at multiple points in the year, especially around November when there might be a presidential election.

5. Economics – Understanding Resource Management
Economics revolves around the management of resources, production, consumption, and economic systems.
Students explore concepts like supply and demand and learn about economic decision-making. They also gain essential financial literacy skills, such as budgeting and saving.
I usually save teaching economics for the springtime as one of the last topics to teach. You could also align the economic topics to when financial literacy is taught in math!
Integrating Social Studies Topics for Elementary in the Classroom
As educators, our task is to weave these social studies topics for elementary seamlessly into our curriculum, providing students with a holistic understanding of the world around them. By emphasizing the importance of each domain, we can increase student engagement and their appreciation for social studies.
Teaching social studies goes beyond textbooks; it’s about fostering a genuine curiosity and understanding of the world! By integrating these domains into your curriculum, you can provide students with the tools they need to navigate our complex world.
So, whether you’re exploring maps, unraveling historical mysteries, celebrating cultural diversity, discussing civic responsibilities, or decoding economic principles, remember that each domain plays an important role in shaping informed and engaged citizens!
Check out the social studies resources that I offer for educators, parents, schools, and districts!
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.