Grade 1 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 1 social studies in the Alberta Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Focus: local communities and cultures.
- Key physical features and landmarks help us describe and find places in our communities.
- Communities include diverse cultures, such as First Nations, Métis, Inuit and francophone communities.
- People exchange goods and services to meet their needs.
- Everyone has roles and responsibilities in the groups they belong to.
- We support a sense of belonging by treating others with respect, and Canada has official symbols.
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
My Community
Community helpers and places, plus rights, rules, roles and responsibilities at home, at school and in the community.
Respect & Inclusion
Sharing, taking turns, listening, including others, and showing respect for people, belongings and the places we share.
Different & Alike
How families, languages, cultures and celebrations differ, what we all share, and how to show respect for each other.
Cultures in Alberta
Alberta communities include First Nations, Métis, Inuit, francophone and many other cultures. Children learn that cultures share music, food, languages and stories, and that being curious and kind helps people feel welcome. Indigenous content is kept light and in the present tense; it should be explored further with local communities.
Places in My Community
Natural and built features, residential and commercial areas, and describing where places are with relative location words (near, far, beside, across).
Landmarks & Land Features
Communities have physical features (mountains, rivers, lakes, prairies) and landmarks (towers, bridges, buildings) that help people find their way. Children meet some well-known places in Alberta.
Community Services
Jobs that serve the community (fire, health, sanitation, libraries, transit) and services the government or community provides for everyone.
Goods & Services
Goods are things we can touch, like bread and boots. Services are jobs people do for us, like a bus ride. People trade, buy and sell goods and services so everyone gets what they need.
Canada's Symbols
Symbols such as the national flag, the maple leaf, the beaver and the anthem O Canada stand for our country. Children also meet a few symbols of Alberta.
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! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exceeding
- 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 Alberta 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 Alberta?
The Alberta Curriculum Grade 1 social studies units include my community, respect & inclusion, different & alike, cultures in alberta, places in my community, landmarks & land features.
Free printable Grade 1 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.