Grade 1 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 1 social studies in the Nova Scotia Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Investigate the diversity of cultural groups. Learners will investigate the diversity of cultural groups.
- Implement age-appropriate actions for responsible behaviour in caring for the environment. Learners will implement age-appropriate actions for responsible behaviour in caring for the environment.
- Investigate the locations of Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia. Learners will investigate the locations of Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia.
- Analyse the difference between needs and wants. Learners will analyse the difference between needs and wants.
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
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.
Needs & Wants
Practises telling needs (food, water, shelter, clothing, safety, love) from wants (toys, treats, games), with local examples such as a warm coat in a Nova Scotia winter. It follows the Grade 1 outcome on needs and wants.
Maps
Reading a simple map with north at the top, using north, south, east and west, map symbols and legends, and near and far.
Mi’kmaw Communities
Practises simple map reading and learning that the Mi’kmaq are the First People of Mi’kma’ki and live in 13 communities in Nova Scotia today. It follows the Grade 1 outcome on the locations of Mi’kmaq communities. The content is light and kept in the present tense.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Needs development
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Developing as expected
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Well developed
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Well developed and 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 Nova Scotia 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 Nova Scotia?
The Nova Scotia Curriculum Grade 1 social studies units include different & alike, our land, needs & wants, maps, mi’kmaw communities.
Free printable Grade 1 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.