Grade 1 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 1 social studies in the Saskatchewan Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Interactions and Interdependence (IN1.1–IN1.3): Describe the diversity of traditions, celebrations, or stories of individuals in the classroom and school. Discuss cultural diversity in the family and classroom, including exploration of similarities and differences. Assess ways in which relationships help to meet human needs.
- Dynamic Relationships (DR1.1–DR1.5): Relate family events and stories of the recent or distant past to the student's place in present day family life. Describe kinship patterns of the past and present and describe according to traditional teachings (e.g., Medicine… Demonstrate awareness of humans' reliance on the natural environment to meet needs, and how location affects… (and 2 more outcomes)
- Power and Authority (PA1.1–PA1.2): Analyze actions and practices in the family, classroom, and on the playground that support peace and harmony… Analyze the causes of disharmony and ways of returning to harmony.
- Resources and Wealth (RW1.1–RW1.2): Describe the influence of physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual needs and wants on personal well-being. Discuss ways in which work may be managed and distributed in families, schools, and groups.
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.
Changes in My Life
Big life events (a new sibling, a move, starting school), how people's experiences are alike and different, and ordering events as a simple timeline.
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.
Respect & Inclusion
Sharing, taking turns, listening, including others, and showing respect for people, belongings and the places we share.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Meeting is the goal for every outcome. Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exemplary
- 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 Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Curriculum Grade 1 social studies units include different & alike, changes in my life, our land, maps, respect & inclusion.
Free printable Grade 1 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.