How to Create a Curriculum Map: A Step-by-Step Guide for Social Studies Teachers

Planning a successful school year starts with a solid foundation—and nothing builds that foundation better than a well-structured curriculum map. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, a curriculum map gives your instruction direction, clarity, and cohesion.

If you're ready to take control of your planning and set your students up for academic growth, follow these five steps to create a curriculum map that works.

Step 1: Review Your District’s Scope and Sequence

Start by reviewing your district’s scope and sequence. This document typically outlines the required units, themes, and topics that must be covered throughout the school year. Understanding these expectations ensures that your map remains aligned with district and state requirements.

Tip: Take notes on any mandated standards, pacing guidelines, or assessment deadlines that you’ll need to incorporate.

Step 2: Determine the Topics You Want to Teach

Once you’ve reviewed your district’s expectations, begin planning the specific topics you want to explore in each unit. This is your opportunity to choose content that not only meets standards but also engages your students.

Ask yourself:

Which historical periods or themes are essential?
Are there current events or cross-curricular connections I want to include?
How can I represent diverse perspectives in my content?

Step 3: Align Unit Standards

With your topics identified, align each unit with the relevant academic standards. Be sure to include both content standards and literacy standards (such as reading, writing, and speaking/listening skills). This will ensure that your instruction remains rigorous and comprehensive.

Pro tip: Add standard codes directly to your curriculum map for easy reference when planning lessons or assessments.

Step 4: Develop Your Essential Questions

Essential questions guide inquiry and give students a purpose for learning. They should be open-ended, thought-provoking, and aligned with your unit topics and standards.

Examples:

How does geography influence how people live?
What makes a civilization successful?
Why do people migrate?

These questions set the tone for student exploration and critical thinking.

Step 5: Plan Your Performance-Based Assessments

Once your units and questions are in place, determine how you’ll assess student learning. Performance-based assessments allow students to demonstrate their understanding through projects, presentations, essays, or portfolios.

Consider: