Young boy with glasses holding a globe

Online Social Studies Curriculum

No online curriculum is complete without a comprehensive social studies component. A strong social studies curriculum helps students understand the world and feel connected to the communities around them. It can also build critical-thinking skills and encourage civic engagement. Read on for some tips on what to look for in a quality social studies curriculum.

Why are social studies important?

Students need social studies to connect their personal experiences to the social systems influencing our world. Exposure to other cultures and historical events allows students to spot patterns and make their own connections. 

Social studies allows students to develop critical-thinking skills. This helps students become strong young leaders with the knowledge and skills to positively influence their communities.

What does your child learn in social studies?

A complete social studies curriculum will cover a variety of topics and will be adaptable for any age. Some examples include:

  • United States History
  • World History 
  • Geography
  • Government
  • Economics
  • Religion
  • Anthropology
  • Civics 

In addition, many states regulate what a social studies curriculum should include. Be sure to check the homeschool laws in your state for more information. 

Social Studies Curriculum Overview

Social studies competence is a cumulative process. For example, high school students can understand the causes for World War II when they have enough background knowledge on the events around it. This includes geography, culture, and government (among many other variables), which they learn in lower grade levels.

Since social studies knowledge builds from one concept to the next, it is important to start these lessons early. Below, we’ve compiled a list to help make informed decisions about your online social studies curriculum. 

Group of elementary school kids playing outside

Early Elementary Social Studies Curriculum

Grades K-3rd

Our early elementary and kindergarten social studies curriculum introduces students to the basics of society, cultures, and social interactions. Beginning lessons cover recognizing emotions, communicating with others, identifying days of the week, and more.

Building interest and a wide breadth of knowledge early on can greatly impact civic competence later in life. In Miacademy’s early elementary grades, students learn about neighborhoods, continents and oceans, and the importance of good citizenship.

Beginning Social Studies 1: REVISED 2023

K-1st

Young children often learn best using games and songs to remember names and places. In this course, our playful lessons teach about the days of the week; our different community helpers; and how to use maps, globes, and calendars.

Beginning Social Studies 2

1st-3rd

Students are beginning to see the world as a patchwork of many different countries, cultures, and natural features. Students will learn about landforms, continents, regions, cultures and countries. Noticing is the first step for children to become aware of the diverse communities and experiences all around them.

U.S Geography

3rd-4th

After understanding the basics, students are now ready for more advanced social studies concepts. This includes inquiry-based learning about natural resources, climates, traditions, trade, and relationships among various regions and people. 

Upper Elementary Social Studies Curriculum

Grades 4th-5th

In intermediate grades, students are ready to take on increasingly complex information about these topics. This builds toward exposure to types of government; the geography, laws, and economics of various places; and U.S. history.

Ancient World History

4th-6th

In our Ancient World History course, students take a comprehensive journey across early civilizations. Students will study ancient cultures from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, India, China, Greece, Rome, and the Americas. They will also learn how geography and ancient empires shaped our world today.

U.S. Government

5th-7th

This course teaches students to understand cause-and-effect relationships and draw conclusions from primary sources. Students will learn about the Constitution, the three branches of government, citizens’ rights, taxes, elections, civic responsibilities and more. 

Middle School Social Studies Curriculum

Grades 6th-8th

Our middle school social studies curriculum leans on students’ increased understanding of the world around them. Our incremental curriculum teaches everything students need to know about ancient world history, world geography and governments, and advanced United States history.

Ancient World History

4th-6th

In our Ancient World History course, students take a comprehensive journey across early civilizations. Students will study ancient cultures from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, India, China, Greece, and Rome to the Americas. They will learn how geography and ancient empires shaped our world today.

U.S. Government

5th-7th

This course teaches students to understand cause-and-effect relationships and draw conclusions from primary sources. Students will learn about the Constitution, the three branches of government, citizens’ rights, taxes, elections, civic responsibilities and more.

U.S. History 1: Exploration – 1877

7th-8th

In U.S. History 1, students will learn about American history beginning with the Native Americans, colonization, independence, westward expansion, slavery, and the Civil War. Students will also learn about wars, treaties, legislation, and amendments that occurred up until 1877.

U.S. History 2: Reconstruction – 1960s

7th-8th

U.S. History 2 is the course that finishes where U.S. History 1 left off. Students will learn about the Reconstruction period through the mid-20th century. This course will cover the different wars, treaties, and legislation that occurred in the last 150 years.

Miacademy’s Secular Social Studies Homeschool Curriculum

At Miacademy, we design our holistic curriculum around the needs of parents and students everywhere. Our adaptable lesson plan lets you add your own experiences, state’s history, and child’s interests. Our curriculum also builds students’ confidence with incremental transitions and self-paced learning.

Parents can easily customize their child’s learning path to fit their unique needs. Many lessons include fun activities for students of different ages and needs, including vocabulary, worksheets, guided notes, hands-on activities, and more.

Many parents love our program’s safe and secure online community! Children can build their own community in a fully moderated environment and practice their economics skills with our virtual design shop. With thousands of lessons (and counting!) available across our site, there’s always something new to discover at Miacademy!

Lastly, our homeschool social studies curriculum is fully accredited to ensure your child receives a quality education. All of our programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Schools – Western Association for Schools and Colleges (ACS-WASC). Our accredited K-8 courses are designated as a Supplementary Education Program (SEP). This indicates that our curriculum meets the high educational quality standards for a homeschool or distance-learning program to ensure your child receives the best education possible.

Social Studies Homeschool Resources

Looking for more tools for teaching social studies? Below are some fun homeschool resources for you to try:

To learn more about how Miacademy can help you on your social studies journey, please feel free to chat with one of our helpful customer service representatives! They’ll be happy to help you with any questions you have.

Updated 1/22/2024