Grade 3 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 3 social studies in the BC Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Learning about Indigenous peoples nurtures multicultural awareness and respect for diversity.
- People from diverse cultures and societies share some common experiences and aspects of life.
- Indigenous knowledge is passed down through oral history, traditions, and collective memory.
- Indigenous societies throughout the world value the well-being of the self, the land, spirits, and ancestors.
Easy ways to practise social studies at home
- Look at a map of your community and find places you visit.
- Ask an older relative or neighbour what the area was like when they were young.
- Read stories from many communities, including Indigenous authors, and talk about what is the same and different.
- Talk about how rules and jobs help a community work.
What each unit covers
Maps & Globes
Naming continents and oceans, using north, south, east and west on a simple town map, and reading map features such as a legend (key), compass rose and scale.
Needs Around the World
Everyone needs food, water, shelter and clothing. How people in different places meet these needs using what the land and climate offer, and why caring for the land matters.
Cultures of the World
What culture means, how cultures differ (language, food, celebrations) and what people everywhere share, plus the rights and responsibilities of global citizens.
First Peoples
First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Canada today: many distinct Nations and languages, Elders as knowledge keepers, and how oral history and traditions pass knowledge between generations. Includes short reading passages.
Indigenous Peoples of the World
Indigenous peoples around the world today, such as the Māori of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Sámi of northern Europe and Inuit of the Arctic: their homelands, languages and connections to the land, and what they share with Indigenous peoples in Canada.
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 3 child with social studies?
Look at a map of your community and find places you visit. Ask an older relative or neighbour what the area was like when they were young. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 3 social studies in BC?
The BC Curriculum Grade 3 social studies units include maps & globes, needs around the world, cultures of the world, first peoples, indigenous peoples of the world.
Free printable Grade 3 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.