With so much emphasis on reading, math, and science, social studies is not receiving the same degree of attention it once did. As a result, we sometimes forget how important this subject is to the growth and development of children as future citizens. There are many ways parents can create meaningful activities that are fun for both parents and children alike and can help students succeed in social studies.

Social studies helps students understand who they are. It involves learning about family and community roles first, and then extends to national identity and an individual s place in the world. Social studies can help students appreciate their importance in society and being a citizen of a country. This helps prepare them for participation in the democratic process.

Since social studies covers many areas (including economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, and religion), there are lots of ways to use the everyday world to learn about it. Social studies activities can become memorable family experiences, as well as opportunities for learning.

Here are some fun and easy activities:

• Research your family history and share stories when grandparents and relatives visit.
• Learn about your home town by visiting the local tourism bureau or attending a town meeting.
• Volunteer to help on a community project.
• Select front page stories in the newspaper as topics for family discussion.
• Gather the family around the kitchen table and play the award-winning Patriot Challenge