Grade 2 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 2 social studies in the Saskatchewan Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Interactions and Interdependence (IN2.1–IN2.2): Determine characteristics of a community. Create a representation of the diversity of cultural groups in the local community.
- Dynamic Relationships (DR2.1–DR2.4): Investigate stories of significant events and persons in the local community's history to describe the… Analyze the influence of the natural environment on the local community. Identify physical representations as constructed models of real things. (and 1 more outcome)
- Power and Authority (PA2.1–PA2.3): Analyze how decisions are made within the local community. Assess and practise various approaches to resolving conflicting interests within the community. Analyze rights and responsibilities of citizens in the school and local community.
- Resources and Wealth (RW2.1–RW2.3): Describe ways in which the local community meets needs and wants of its members. Analyze various worldviews regarding the natural environment. Contribute to initiating and guiding change in local and global communities regarding environmental, social, and…
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
Needs & Wants
Telling needs from wants and how communities help meet people's needs.
Communities in Canada
Canada's regions, cities and rural communities, official languages, and Indigenous peoples as the first peoples of this land.
Groups in Our Community
The many groups and languages in a community, why families move, welcoming newcomers, and finding the places families come from on a globe or map.
Then & Now
Generations in a family, using photos, interviews and timelines, and how technology and traditions change from the past to the present.
Caring Citizens
Rights and responsibilities, community helpers, and how small local actions help the planet.
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 2 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 2 social studies in Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Curriculum Grade 2 social studies units include needs & wants, communities in canada, groups in our community, then & now, caring citizens.
Free printable Grade 2 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.