Engaging Social Studies Videos for Kids

Social studies can be a fascinating subject, but it can also be challenging to keep kids engaged. That's where educational videos come in. With the right videos, you can bring history, geography, civics, and other social studies concepts to life for your students.

Here are some of the best resources for engaging social studies videos for kids:

YouTube Channels

• National Geographic Kids: National Geographic Kids offers a wide variety of videos on topics such as animals, geography, and culture. They're known for their high-quality production values and engaging storytelling.
• BrainPop: BrainPop provides animated videos that cover a wide range of social studies topics, from ancient civilizations to current events. They also offer quizzes and games to help students reinforce their learning.
• Crash Course: Crash Course is a popular YouTube channel that offers short, informative videos on a variety of subjects, including history, geography, and government.
• The History Channel: The History Channel has a dedicated YouTube channel for kids that features videos on historical events, people, and places.
• TED-Ed: TED-Ed offers animated videos on a variety of subjects, including social studies. They're known for their engaging storytelling and thought-provoking content.

Streaming Services

• Netflix: Netflix offers a variety of documentaries and shows that are relevant to social studies. For example, the series The Crown provides a glimpse into British history, while Planet Earth explores the natural world.
• Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video also offers a variety of documentaries and shows that are relevant to social studies. For example, the series Ancient Civilizations explores the history of ancient cultures.
• Disney+: Disney+ offers a variety of documentaries and shows that are relevant to social studies. For example, the series The World According to Jeff Goldblum explores the science behind everyday objects.

Educational Websites

• Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers a variety of free online courses and videos on a variety of subjects, including social studies. They're known for their clear explanations and engaging content.
• History.com: History.com offers a wealth of information on historical events, people, and places. They also offer videos, games, and interactive activities to help students learn.
• National Archives: The National Archives offers a variety of resources for students, including videos, documents, and photographs. They're a great resource for learning about American history.

Tips for Using Social Studies Videos in the Classroom

• Choose videos that are age-appropriate: Make sure the videos you choose are appropriate for your students' age and grade level. Younger students may benefit from videos that are shorter and more visually appealing, while older students may be able to handle longer and more complex videos.
• Preview videos before showing them to your students: It's important to preview videos before showing them to your students to make sure they're appropriate and aligned with your curriculum.
• Use videos as a springboard for discussion: After watching a video, encourage students to discuss what they learned and share their thoughts and opinions.
• Connect videos to real-world events: Help students connect what they learn from videos to real-world events. For example, you could discuss current events in the context of history or geography.

By incorporating engaging social studies videos into your classroom, you can help your students learn, grow, and become more engaged in the world around them.