Everything in the classroom lends itself to learning the concepts underlying social studies. When children play pretend, build with blocks or work together in small groups on class projects they learn to accept differences, deal with their emotions, and resolve conflicts. They gain confidence as their social skills develop, learning to share, take turns, and practice being both leaders and followers. They develop a sense of personal responsibility by performing a variety of jobs such as giving out the cups and napkins for snack time or opening the door and turning out the lights when the class leaves the room. Preschoolers also learn community responsibility by cleaning up after projects and taking pride in having a neat classroom.
