The New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) provides learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and perspectives needed to become active, informed, and contributing members of local, state, national, and global communities. These standards consider multiple perspectives, value diversity, and promote cultural understanding for all learners, while discovering the impact of history in the world today. The Kindergarten Social Studies Units reflect themes outlined by the National Social Council of Social Studies. Kindergarten students explore themes of Culture, Time, Continuity and Change, People, Places and Environments, Individual Development and Identity, Individuals, Groups and Institutions and Civic Ideals and Practices. These units, invite students to explore their position in the community with the guiding influence of self awareness, family culture, community helpers, community leaders, rules, multiple perspectives and diverse environments. In Kindergarten, students will discover their sense of self and the unique characteristics of their identity, culture, and family that make them both unique and special. Students will identify common experiences and traits that they share with others and celebrate the similarities, differences, and diversity among peers. Students will also explore and discuss their role as a citizen in the community.
An education in social studies fosters a population that:
Is civic-minded, globally aware, and socially responsible
Exemplifies fundamental values of democracy and human rights through active participation in local, state, national, and global communities
Makes informed decisions about local, state, national, and global events based on inquiry and analysis
Considers multiple perspectives, values diversity, and promotes cultural understanding
Recognizes the relationships between people, places, and resources as well as the implications of an interconnected global economy
Applies an understanding of critical media literacy skills when utilizing technology to learn, communicate, and collaborate with diverse people around the world
Discerns fact from falsehood and critically analyzes information for validity and relevance
Benchmark Advance ©2022 is a comprehensive standards-based literacy program that infuses science and social studies topics through the unit reading selections. Knowledge-based social studies, science, and literary topics expand both general and academic vocabulary in support of reading, writing, and constructive conversation.
TCI’s social studies curriculum helps teachers offer interactive, supportive learning environments. With a focus on student-led learning and immersive activities, our middle school social studies curriculum prepares students to be engaged and thoughtful citizens as they explore social studies using the Inquiry Arc.
Elementary- Social Studies Alive
Middle- History Alive
Newsela Social Studies builds deep content knowledge, real-world skills, and an understanding of why social studies matters.