The guide uses an activities-based approach to reinforce both social studies content and skills for special education elementary students. The guide has been designed to correspond with the scope and sequence of New York City's Minimum Teaching Essentials. Six themes are examined: (1) developing individuality and a sense of self (social/emotional and physical identity); (2) living and working at home and school (personal and environmental growth and change, use of sample tools); (3) living and working in New York City (earning a living, information sources, transportation modes); (4) living in neighborhood communities (exploration of local area, neighborhood changes); (5) world environments (map and globe skills, natural resources); and (6) our nation (the first Americans, colonial America, establishment of the United States). Each theme includes information on skills development and a list of key concepts and objectives. (CL)