Grade 3 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 3 social studies in the Alberta Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Alberta has distinct physical regions (the Rocky Mountains, foothills, parkland, grasslands and boreal forest) and political boundaries that it shares with its neighbours.
- First Nations and Métis peoples have made, and continue to make, important contributions to Alberta.
- Francophone settlers and communities have helped shape Alberta.
- Everyone deserves respect: children begin to learn what discrimination and racism are and how to stand up for fairness.
- Provincial and municipal governments make decisions and provide services, and citizens take part.
- Official symbols show what Albertans value and share.
- Natural resources shape Alberta's land, jobs and way of life, and need to be used wisely.
- Charitable giving and volunteering help communities.
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
Alberta's Regions & Borders
Alberta's physical regions (Rocky Mountains, Foothills, Parkland, Grasslands, Boreal Forest), its neighbours, its capital and the Prairie provinces.
First Nations & Métis in Alberta
Alberta is home to many distinct First Nations, the Métis and Inuit people. Questions are light and written in the present tense about living communities. Each Nation has its own language and history, and Treaty 6, 7 and 8 cover Alberta. Please talk with your child about local Nations and Elders; this unit is not a full account.
French-Speaking Albertans
French-speaking fur traders, missionaries and settlers, French communities in Alberta today, and Canada's two official languages.
Fairness & Respect
An age-appropriate introduction to discrimination and racism: what they mean, why they hurt, and what children can do, such as welcoming others, telling a trusted adult and standing up kindly.
Alberta's Governments
The roles of municipal and provincial governments: who leads, what each looks after, and how citizens take part through voting.
Alberta's Symbols
Alberta's official emblems, such as the wild rose, lodgepole pine, great horned owl, bighorn sheep and the provincial flag.
Alberta's Natural Resources
Alberta's natural resources (oil and natural gas, farmland, forests and water), renewable and non-renewable resources, and using them wisely.
Giving & Volunteering
Charitable giving and volunteering: how time, skills and donations help people and animals in our community.
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 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 Alberta?
The Alberta Curriculum Grade 3 social studies units include alberta's regions & borders, first nations & métis in alberta, french-speaking albertans, fairness & respect, alberta's governments, alberta's symbols.
Free printable Grade 3 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.