Why should you use a Studies Curriculum Pacing Guide?
I love using a social studies curriculum pacing guide when planning out my lessons. A great curriculum pacing guide can help you organize and plan your instructional strategies for the entire school year. Also, using a social studies curriculum pacing guide can help you determine when to teach a new concept. So, you can focus on how to best teach that concept to the students in your classroom.
The best part of a great pacing guide is that you can always adjust, tweak, or revise it throughout the year.
Social Studies Curriculum Pacing Guide: Topics to Study
In second grade students will study a range of social studies concepts from their local community to the world around them. As your students dive into exciting new concepts, make sure to provide rich material such as vibrant picture books, nonfiction texts, bios, songs, poems, websites, and technology.
Students will learn a great deal of knowledge in second grade and will continue to build a foundation in history, geography, government, economics, citizenship, culture, technology, and more!
Civics/Community
Second graders start the year off by focusing on community and character building. They will see the importance of being a good citizen and find ways they can volunteer and contribute to society. The three main topics that are covered are good citizenship, customs and celebrations, and state/national symbols.
Government
Teaching students about government is a fun way to get students involved in their community. Second graders work on activities that focus on the branches of government, public officials, and voting.
I love having my students spend time researching presidents and sharing facts about the ones they love.
Geography
Another fun topic students learn about is geography. Geography is filled with hands-on activities to help students make connections to their everyday lives. Students love talking about landmarks, maps, and the different continents and oceans.
Geography is an engaging topic to teach. There are so many research-based projects that students love to work on.
History
In second grade, students study our nation’s history and focus on the role of inventors, heroes, past and present, and other profound historical figures who have shaped our nation’s story.
I love having students create timelines for people they want to read and write about. Brochures, books, websites, and videos are always a plus when researching fascinating people.
Economics
Economics sounds boring but second graders love talking about money. Activities focus on goods and services, work and saving money, and barter and trading.
Social Studies Curriculum Pacing Guide: Help Teachers Stay on Track!
In short, If you don’t have a well-thought-out social studies curriculum pacing guide to help you get where you are going, it’s easy to get lost and miss some fun lessons along the way.
Grab my free social studies curriculum pacing guide to help you teach your second graders all year long!
For More Social Studies Activities, Visit These Posts!
LOW-PREP ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHING CONTINENTS AND OCEANS
HOW TO TEACH MAP FEATURES VIRTUALLY TO YOUR KIDS
LANDMARKS ACTIVITIES (AND HOW TO TEACH THEM)
Happy Teaching!
Sarah
Courtney B says
I LOVE the templates you used in the pacing guides!!! Did you create those or find them online???
admin says
Thanks so much! I created them using Canva.