Grade 3 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 3 social studies in the Nova Scotia Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Investigate the location of Nova Scotia in Atlantic Canada. Learners will investigate the location of Nova Scotia in Atlantic Canada.
- Investigate various groups through their expressions of culture. Learners will investigate various groups including Acadians, African Nova Scotians, Gaels, and Mi’ kmaq, through their expressions of culture.
- Implement strategies that promote positive interactions in the community. Learners will implement strategies that promote positive interactions in the community.
- Investigate the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. Learners will investigate the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.
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.
Nova Scotia in Atlantic Canada
Practises where Nova Scotia is in Atlantic Canada: the four provinces and capitals, nearby waters, directions and why the ocean matters. It follows the Grade 3 Nova Scotia social studies outcome on the location of Nova Scotia.
Cultures of Nova Scotia
Practises how groups in Nova Scotia, including the Mi’kmaq, Acadians, African Nova Scotians and Gaels, share their cultures. It follows the Grade 3 Nova Scotia social studies outcome on expressions of culture. Content about First Nations is light and written for partner review.
Groups, Leaders & Getting Along
Practises formal and informal leadership, fair group decisions, peaceful ways of solving conflicts and what to do about bullying, including respect for the teachings of Elders and community members.
Rights & Responsibilities
Practises the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy: voting, fair rules, local and national leaders, and solving problems together. It follows the Grade 3 Nova Scotia social studies outcome on citizenship.
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 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 Nova Scotia?
The Nova Scotia Curriculum Grade 3 social studies units include maps & globes, nova scotia in atlantic canada, cultures of nova scotia, groups, leaders & getting along, rights & responsibilities.
Free printable Grade 3 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.