NY Social Studies K.1a

Social StudiesKindergartenKey Idea K.1

The Standard

A sense of self is developed through physical and cultural characteristics and through the development of personal likes, dislikes, talents, and skills.

New York State K–12 Social Studies Framework

Key Idea K.1

Children’s sense of self is shaped by experiences that are unique to them and their families, and by common experiences shared by a community or nation.

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do: Students describe themselves using physical traits, family practices, likes, dislikes, talents, and skills. They notice ways they are similar to and different from others.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can name several accurate details about themselves and explain each with an example. The student speaks respectfully about differences among classmates and families.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think appearance determines what someone likes or can do. They may assume all families eat, speak, or celebrate in the same ways. They may confuse liking an activity with having practiced a skill.
How to Assess It: Ask students to draw themselves and complete three prompts: “I like,” “I can,” and “My family.” Have each student explain the drawing aloud.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

Give students mirrors, skin-tone crayons, and paper to make self-portraits, then add picture symbols for a family practice, favorite, and skill.
Ask, “What is something you like, something you are learning, and something your family does together?” Record answers with drawings or words.
Play Find Someone Who with picture cards for likes and skills, letting students find classmates who match and classmates who differ.
Invite students to bring or draw one item connected to a family practice, then explain its meaning to the class.

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