Human beings seek to understand their historical roots and to locate themselves in time.
Such understanding involves knowing what things were like in the past and how things change and develop. Learners in early grades gain experience with sequencing to establish a sense of order and time. They enjoy hearing stories of the recent past as well as of long ago. In addition, they begin to recognize that individuals may hold different views about the past and to understand the linkages between human decisions and consequences. Thus, the foundation is laid for the development of historical knowledge, skills, and values.