This handbook is based upon a new social studies curriculum designed to give students guided experience in the responsible use of personal freedom. The new approach seeks to provide actual experience in the making of choices and judgements in order to improve man's relationship to his social and physical environment. Thus, the new social studies is organized around experiences which allow students to clarify their personal values and to understand the values of others. The valuing process should be the major activity of social studies students. A second characteristic of the new social studies is flexibility. Therefore, this curriculum allows for decisions to be made by those who will be affected by them. The values orientation and flexibility imply a definite de-emphasis on covering knowledge from history, geography and the social sciences. Knowledge should be uncovered not for its own sake but only as it is needed when students are engaging in the valuing process. The handbook outlines cognitive and affective objectives; how to plan for the attainment of multiple objectives; an elaboration of program components in the new social studies; how to plan instructional units; and, teaching-learning activities. Sample units for grades 1-6 are included. (Author/AWW)