Engaging, Standards-Aligned Social Studies Curriculum
Do you teach social studies? Do you want to learn social studies? After teaching several different high school social studies subjects for over a decade, I've transitioned into making curriculum for students, teachers, and homeschool parents!
Here you can explore ready-to-use history, geography, government, and economics lessons designed by a licensed social studies teacher and instructional designer. Perfect for homeschool families, middle school, and high school classrooms.
Popular Social Studies Classroom Resources
These are some of my most popular resources that I've made for my own high school social studies classroom. They're ready-to-use and fun! Check them out:
My lessons have been tested on real high school students. I've tweaked them as I've taught them. These are just a few of the hundreds of resources I have created over the years. If you're hungry for more, check out my resource library:
What is 'Social Studies'?
'Social studies' is a subject that includes History, Geography, Government, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, etc. It also includes more niche topics like Archaeology and Anthropology. It is the study of society, and there are many ways to do that. The National Council for Social Studies had outlined themes that are addressed in different grade areas:
Culture
Time, Continuity, & Change
People, Places, & Environments
Individual Development & Identity
Individuals, Groups, & Institutions
Power, Authority, & Governance
Production, Distribution, & Consumption
Science, Technology, & Society
Global Connections
Civic Ideals and Practices
State Requirements
When it comes to which classes students should take in which years, states differ on what is required in what year. If you're looking for high school credit to be able to graduate, this might be difficult if you're moving across state lines. Here's a list of what is most commonly taught in each grade level across the United States:
Who's making this curriculum?
My students call me 'Ms. Allen' :)
I have discovered over my years of teaching that I LOVE making curriculum fun and engaging. I decided to pursue a masters in Instructional Design and Educational Technology to add to my years of knowledge about course design and how kids and adults learn best. I incorporate interactive activities in my curriculum, I believe in student-choice and letting students take charge of their own learning.
I'm passionate about education, and I believe social studies is one of the most important subjects we teach. It helps students understand the world and the people in it. That’s how real change starts.
Social Studies Videos:
Over the years I've built up quite a collection of short, student-friendly videos that explain core social studies concepts, from how the brain works to budgeting basics. If I couldn't find a video online that I wanted, I made one.
You can use them to supplement your lessons, flip your classroom, or just give your voice a break while still delivering clear instruction.
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