Grade 1 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 1 social studies in the BC Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- We shape the local environment, and the local environment shapes who we are and how we live.
- Our communities are diverse and made of individuals who have a lot in common.
- Healthy communities recognize and respect the diversity of individuals and care for the local environment.
Easy ways to practise social studies at home
- Talk about your family, your neighbourhood and the people who help in it.
- Make a simple map of your home or street together.
- Share a family tradition or story and ask your child to share one back.
- Practise taking turns and sharing, and talk about why fairness matters.
What each unit covers
My Community
Community helpers and places, plus rights, rules, roles and responsibilities at home, at school and in the community.
Different & Alike
How families, languages, cultures and celebrations differ, what we all share, and how to show respect for each other.
Our Land
Natural and human-made features, how the land shapes how we live, and caring for it by reducing, reusing and recycling.
Maps
Reading a simple map with north at the top, using north, south, east and west, map symbols and legends, and near and far.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Emerging
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Developing
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Proficient
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Extending
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the BC report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 1 child with social studies?
Talk about your family, your neighbourhood and the people who help in it. Make a simple map of your home or street together. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 1 social studies in BC?
The BC Curriculum Grade 1 social studies units include my community, different & alike, our land, maps.
Free printable Grade 1 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.