Homeschool Social Studies Curriculum: Complete Guide
Social studies encompasses history, geography, civics, and economics. helping children understand the world, past and present. Our curriculum balances chronological history with thematic studies, map skills with cultural understanding, and civic knowledge with practical economics. We integrate your state’s specific social studies requirements and offer multiple perspectives on historical events.
Complete homeschool social studies curriculum guide for Pre-K–8. History, geography, civics, economics, multiple perspectives, state history integration, hands-on projects, and faith-flexible options.
What’s Included in Social Studies
Social studies is not a single subject. it weaves together five interconnected disciplines that help children understand the human world. Each strand is taught throughout the K–8 years, spiraling in depth and complexity.
Social Studies by Grade Band
Social studies follows an expanding-horizons approach in early grades (self, family, community, state, nation, world) before shifting to chronological and thematic study in upper grades.
State History Integration
Many states require specific state history instruction, typically in grades 3–4 and sometimes again in grade 7. Educate Your Way builds your state’s requirements directly into the curriculum:
Multiple Perspectives
History is not a single story. it is the intersection of many stories told by many people. Our curriculum teaches students to think critically about who tells a story, why it matters, and what might be missing:
Social Studies and Faith
Religion has shaped every civilization in human history. How you want religion presented in social studies is your choice:
Hands-On Social Studies
Social studies comes alive through active learning. Every unit includes hands-on activities that make history, geography, civics, and economics tangible:
Social Studies, Your Way
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you handle controversial history topics?
We address difficult topics honestly and at age-appropriate depth. Young students (K\u20132) learn about fairness, equality, and treating others well without graphic detail. Upper elementary students (3\u20135) encounter specific historical injustices\u2014slavery, forced removal of indigenous pe...
Does the curriculum present history from multiple perspectives?
Yes. Every major event is presented from multiple viewpoints. Students learn that the same event\u2014the American Revolution, westward expansion, industrialization\u2014was experienced very differently by different people depending on their position, power, race, gender, and geography. The goal ...
What about state history requirements?
When you select your state during setup, the curriculum automatically includes your state\u2019s required history content at the appropriate grade levels. Most states require state history in grades 3\u20134, and some require it again in grade 7. The curriculum covers your state\u2019s specific h...
How do you balance patriotism with critical thinking?
We believe genuine patriotism requires honest understanding. Students learn about the founding ideals of the United States\u2014liberty, equality, justice, self-governance\u2014and the ongoing effort to live up to those ideals. They study both achievements and failures, moments of progress and se...
How much time should social studies take each day?
Social studies is typically taught 3\u20134 days per week. K\u20132 sessions run 15\u201325 minutes. Grades 3\u20135 need 30\u201345 minutes. Grades 6\u20138 need 40\u201360 minutes. Many families alternate social studies and science (social studies Monday/Wednesday/Friday, science Tuesday/Thursd...