Grade 3 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 3 social studies in the Saskatchewan Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Interactions and Interdependence (IN3.1–IN3.3): Analyze daily life in a diversity of communities. Analyze the cultures and traditions in communities studied. Illustrate examples of interdependence of communities.
- Dynamic Relationships (DR3.1–DR3.3): Use various model representations of the Earth. Assess the degree to which the geography and related environmental and climatic factors influence ways of living… Compare the beliefs of various communities around the world regarding living on and with the land.
- Power and Authority (PA3.1–PA3.3): Compare how decisions are made in the local community and communities studied. Demonstrate awareness that divergent viewpoints may lead to conflict as part of group interactions, and assess… Make generalizations about the purpose and intent of documents that define the rights of children.
- Resources and Wealth (RW3.1–RW3.3): Appraise the ways communities meet their members' needs and wants. Analyze the creation and distribution of wealth in communities studied. Evaluate the ways in which technologies have impacted daily life.
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.
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
- 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 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 Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Curriculum Grade 3 social studies units include maps & globes, needs around the world, cultures of the world, indigenous peoples of the world.
Free printable Grade 3 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.