Overview Link to this section
Social science is a branch of learning that pertains to how people live together in the social world. Young children are beginning to think about the social world and their place in it. They are interested in the similarities and differences between people and in how people interact with the natural world (such as animals and plants). They are also interested in how social rules help people to get along and the roles and responsibilities that they and other people assume.
Priority Standards Link to this section
What students will know, what students will do, and what thinking skills students will develop to apply and transfer History/Social Studies/Ethnic Studies understandings that endure within the discipline, leverage deeper understandings, and/or support readiness for success at the next grade level.
In pre-k, students focus on these critical areas:
Self and Society
Teachers can help young children appreciate the broader range of cultures, languages, and practices in the world through stories, cultural artifacts, and conversation. Children learn to appreciate and honor their cultural, ethnic, racial and linguistic characteristics.
Becoming a Preschool Community Member
Teachers provide opportunities for young children to become responsible members of a group through shared decision-making, expressing opinions and listening respectfully to alternative perspectives. Children learn to respond to diverse opinions and decisions by building empathy, respect, understanding and connection
Sense of Time (History)
Teachers provide opportunities for young children to develop an ability to understand when past events are connected to current experiences. Children understand the concepts of past and present and begin to construct a timeline of experiences.
Sense of Place
Teachers build on children’s knowledge of familiar places and people in their community and children share observations with each other.
Marketplace (Economics)
Teachers will build on students’ background knowledge of the use of money and how marketplaces function.
Instruction: Signature Elements Link to this section
Below are signature elements of SFUSD History/Social Studies instruction that students should experience regularly throughout kindergarten as they develop as historians & social scientists
Anti-Bias Education
This video highlights several preschool classrooms across California that are engaging in an anti-bias curriculum that teaches young children about diversity and inclusion at a young age.
Reflection Questions Link to this section
- How are students' developmental needs, communities, and experiences being reflected and honored, or how could they be?
- What opportunities do you see for developing equitable access & demand, inquiry, collaboration, and assessment for learning?
- What are the implications for your own practice? What strengths can you build upon? What will you do first?
Want more?
CA PTKLF History and Social Science - The PTKLF provide guidance on the wide range of History–Social Science knowledge and skills that children age three to five and a half typically attain when attending a high-quality early education program.
This page was last updated on May 2, 2025