Rather than introducing the study of various culture groups late in the elementary years, this text demonstrates how young children can develop their identity and views of the world. It critiques the traditional scope and sequence (the K-8 grade plan) for social studies and makes a point of introducing primary grade children to a variety of cultural contexts so that identity forms in relation to the global community. The text emphasizes state and national standards, a strong social studies knowledge base, and developmental stages. Daily lesson plans for K-8 are provided and case studies model teaching strategies.