Students learn that there are many ways to describe who they are. Through a series of Writing for Understanding activities, students explore what they look like, what they care about, how they feel, and things they can do.

Students explore what makes families special. In a series of Writing for Understanding activities, they identify and picture the members of their families, the things they do together, and the special "gifts" their family members offer one another.

Students explore ways to get along with others. In an Experiential Exercise, they learn firsthand why taking turns is important for getting along.

Students learn how to interact respectfully with one another in the classroom. In a series of Social Studies Skill Builder activities, students learn four skills for making new friends.

Students learn four steps to help them solve problems with others. In a series of Social Studies Skill Builder activities, they learn and practice four steps: stop and calm down, talk and listen, think of solutions, and agree on a plan to try.

Students learn how to be good helpers at school. Through a series of Social Studies Skill Builder activities, they learn and practice four ways to be "handy helpers."

Students learn that a neighborhood has buildings, outdoor places, and people. In a Problem Solving Groupwork activity, they take on specific roles to design and build a three-dimensional neighborhood.

Students explore the idea that they are part of several concentrically larger communities. In a series of Writing for Understanding activities, students assemble a book of pictures that show where they live.

Students learn that, although people around the world are different, they are also alike in important ways. In an Experiential Exercise, they discover that people use different languages to communicate. They also take an "airplane flight" to Japan to "share a meal," and they play two cultures’ versions of a sidewalk game.

Students explore the modern-day three R’s—recycling, reusing, and reducing—to learn about ways they can help take care of the natural resources in our world. In a series of Social Studies Skill Builder activities, they discover where garbage goes after it is thrown away and learn specifically what they can do to recycle, reuse, and reduce.