Unit Plan 6 (PreK Social Studies): My Family, My Home

Focus: Help children identify family members, talk about different types of homes, and share simple family traditions. Students connect home as a familiar place where families live together, care for one another, and meet their basic needs (food, clothing, shelter).

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Social Studies (History • Geography • Economics)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 15–20 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, children explore the idea of family and home. Through stories, photos, and simple sharing, they name family members (grandma, brother, caregiver), notice that families and homes can look different, and talk about family traditions like meals, songs, and celebrations. They also learn that homes are places we know well where people meet their needs—food, clothing, and a safe place to sleep. Children are encouraged to see that every family is special and worthy of respect.

Essential Questions

• Who is in my family?
• What does my home look like? How might other homes look different?
• What do families do together (traditions, celebrations, routines)?
• What do people need at home (food, clothes, a place to sleep) and what are extra wants (toys, treats)?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Name at least two family members and describe one way they help or care for them.
2. Point to or describe their home as a familiar place (e.g., “I live in a house/apartment,” “My home has stairs/a yard.”).
3. Share at least one family tradition or routine (meal, celebration, song, bedtime story) using words, drawings, or photos.
4. Sort or talk about basic needs (food, water, shelter, clothing) vs. wants (toys, treats) at a simple level.

Standards Alignment — PreK (C3-based custom)

• PK.C3.Hist.4 — Share family and cultural traditions. Talks about customs, foods, and celebrations at home.
  • Example: Bringing a photo from a family celebration to share.
• PK.C3.Geo.1 — Identify familiar places and spaces. Recognizes and names places like home, school, and playground.
  • Example: “We walk to the library from school.”
• PK.C3.Econ.1 — Identify basic needs and wants. Explains that people need food, water, shelter, and clothing.
  • Example: “We wear coats when it’s cold.”

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can name people in my family.
• I can tell or show something about my home.
• I can share one family tradition or special thing my family does.
• I can tell or show something we need (food, clothes, a home) and something we want (toys or treats).