Are you constantly searching for engaging social studies activities for 1st grade? First graders want to do something with their learning! I’ve always loved the motto: “Busy hands are happy hands!”
If you’re looking for meaningful, hands-on ways to teach 1st grade social studies, my Social Studies Notebook for 1st Grade might be just what you need. This resource includes over 50 engaging social studies activities for 1st grade in two easy-to-use formats.
1️⃣ Interactive Notebook
These foldable projects involve cutting, folding, writing, and gluing — all while learning! Students absolutely love these projects, and they’re sure to keep your little learners engaged during social studies time.
2️⃣ Simple Print Notebook
This version still lets students cut and glue into a notebook, but the pages are quicker to complete and full of engaging visuals. Multiple versions are included, so you can easily differentiate for all your learners — perfect for whole group, small group, or independent practice!
Use Picture Books for 1st Grade Social Studies
One of my favorite ways to bring social studies to life is through picture books. They spark curiosity and help students connect big concepts to real-world examples.
In my Social Studies Notebook, I’ve included multiple book recommendations for every unit. These lists will save you valuable planning time — no more searching for books for each social studies topic!
Not a big fan of picture books? No problem! These social studies activities for 1st grade also work great with:
- Your district curriculum
- Short videos or YouTube clips
- Kid-friendly websites
- Any other social studies resources you already love
What Social Studies Activities for 1st Grade Are Included?
There are more than 50 printable and interactive social studies activities covering key first grade topics — from history and geography to citizenship and government.
Here’s a closer look at what’s inside:
| Strand | Topics |
|---|---|
| History | George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Martin Luther King, Jr., First Thanksgiving, Then vs. Now |
| Economics | Needs vs. Wants, Goods & Services, Earning, Saving, and Spending Money |
| Communities & Citizenship | Community Helpers, Places in a Community, Rules, Types of Communities (urban/rural/suburban) |
| Symbols of the U.S. & Canada | U.S. and Canadian Symbols including flags, monuments, landmarks and symbols |
| Geography & Maps | Me on the Map, Compass Rose, Map Key, Landforms, Globes vs. Maps |
| Holidays | National, Religious, and Cultural Holidays (25) |
| Government | Three Branches, Constitution Day, Our President |
These topics make it easy to build a complete year of first grade social studies lessons with over 50 hands-on learning projects.
Why Collect Learning in a Notebook?
Learning can be collected in spiral notebooks, composition notebooks, binders, or folders with brads. Using notebooks for social studies has so many benefits:
- Makes it easy to revisit and review concepts
- Helps students retain what they’ve learned
- Encourages ownership and pride in their work
- Supports organization and critical thinking
- Keeps learning active and hands-on
It’s also a great way to showcase learning over time — perfect for parent conferences or end-of-year portfolios!
Want similar ideas for science? Learn more about Science Notebook Activities.
Interactive Projects Make Social Studies Fun!
This is my original Social Studies resource — and it’s been loved by over 2,700 teachers! Every activity includes cutting, folding, writing, coloring, and gluing into a notebook. These projects are a wonderful way to blend fine motor practice with meaningful social studies activities for 1st grade.
Differentiate with the Simple Print Notebook
Sometimes, there just isn’t enough time for longer projects — and that’s exactly why I created the Simple Print Notebook version.
With less cutting and gluing, students can get right to the learning while still enjoying fun, age-appropriate social studies content. My favorite part? The variety! Each activity includes multiple levels so you can easily differentiate for all learners — from Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
You’ll be able to choose the perfect version for each student, providing the right balance of challenge and support.
Everything you Need for Social Studies Activities for First Grade
If you’re looking for fun, easy-to-use social studies activities for 1st grade, this resource checks every box. You’ll get interactive projects, print-and-go pages, read-aloud recommendations, and differentiated options — everything you need to make teaching social studies engaging and manageable.
Whether you use it as a supplement to your current curriculum or as a stand-alone program, your students will love exploring history, geography, economics, and citizenship in hands-on ways. It’s also great for homeschool social studies lessons!
👉 Try a free sample here:
1st Grade Social Studies Curriculum Activities & Interactive Notebook
Learn more about the full resource on TPT!
