K-5 Civic Literacy
Lessons and resources for North Carolina educators
Help your students to build civic literacy
In North Carolina, elementary school students begin the civic learning process early. The civics and government strand in the social studies curriculum is an integral part of the vertical learning progression from kindergarten through high school. K-5 students explore concepts about their communities, state, and nation including, rules, rights, and responsibilities, the functions of government, and ways citizens engage in civic life.
This site is for K-5 educators across North Carolina. Use the lessons and resources to begin teaching civic literacy in your elementary school classroom, extend your curriculum, or add to your current lesson plans.
Why should students build civic literacy?
When students build civic literacy, they understand how their governments and communities work, are able to find and use good sources of civic information, and have the knowledge and experience to actively participate in civic life by voting, serving in leadership and volunteer roles, engaging in local and state government, sharing ideas and solutions for school and civic issues, and more!
Civic education isn't just for future politicians! Civic literacy is a critical 21st century skill, connecting to and supporting student achievement in reading, writing, history, math, science, and other core subjects. North Carolina public high school students must pass a civics course to graduate. Help your scholars to prepare for college, career, and civic life!
Partners
About this project
This project was initiated by NC social studies leaders at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Guilford County Schools with support from GenerationNation. Our goal is to make the teaching of K-5 civic literacy more accessible for elementary school educators by providing lessons, activities, and support to expand civic learning in North Carolina school districts.
Special thanks to Social Studies leaders Latonda Mitchell (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools or CMS) and Tia Thompson (Guilford County Schools or GCS) and elementary educators Elizabeth Bristol and Hannah McNeill at GCS and Jennifer Ruth at CMS for taking the lead to support K-5 civic literacy in their districts and create content for teachers across the Tarheel State!
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Social Studies
Guilford County Schools Social Studies
GenerationNation
North Carolina Civics Coalition, a program coordinated by GenerationNation