Grade 4 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 4 social studies in the Alberta Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Colonial Canada and Confederation is the Grade 4 focus.
- Power and influence shifted among First Nations, France, Britain and the colonies before 1867.
- Explorers, settlers, Loyalists and traders shaped early Canada, and First Nations and Métis peoples were partners and neighbours throughout.
- Rebellions, responsible government and Confederation changed how Canadians were governed.
- Citizens have rights and responsibilities.
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
Who Held Power?
Before 1867, power over the land now called Canada shifted among Indigenous nations, France, Britain and the colonies. Children put key events in order and see how a change in power affects laws, language and trade.
Jacques Cartier
Cartier made three voyages for France in 1534, 1535 and 1541. Children learn who he met at Stadacona and Hochelaga, where the name Canada comes from, why his settlement attempt did not last, and why Indigenous peoples already lived on the land.
Champlain & New France
Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City in 1608. Children learn about New France: the fur trade, alliances with the Wendat, Algonquin and Innu, habitants and seigneurs, and how New France compared with the British colonies.
The Fur Trade & Natural Resources
The fur trade connected First Nations, Métis and European traders for hundreds of years. Children learn about beaver pelts, the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company, Fort Edmonton, pemmican, and Canada's early natural resources such as fish, forests and minerals.
The Treaty of Paris
After the Seven Years' War, the Treaty of Paris (1763) moved most of New France to Britain. Children learn about the Plains of Abraham, the Royal Proclamation, the Quebec Act, and why Indigenous nations were not part of the treaty.
United Empire Loyalists
After the American Revolution tens of thousands of Loyalists, including Black Loyalists and Haudenosaunee Loyalists, came to British North America. Children learn where they settled and how New Brunswick, Upper Canada and Lower Canada were created.
Rebellions & Responsible Government
In 1837 and 1838 rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada pushed for more say in government. Children learn about Mackenzie and Papineau, the Durham Report, and how responsible government was won in the 1840s.
Confederation & Alberta
Canada became a country on July 1, 1867, with four provinces. Children learn why the colonies joined, who was and was not at the conferences, how Alberta joined in 1905, and why Indigenous peoples may see Confederation differently.
Citizenship
Citizens have rights, such as voting and being treated fairly, and responsibilities, such as following laws and helping others. Children learn about the Charter, treaty rights, voting in Alberta, and ways to take part.
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 4 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 4 social studies in Alberta?
The Alberta Curriculum Grade 4 social studies units include who held power?, jacques cartier, champlain & new france, the fur trade & natural resources, the treaty of paris, united empire loyalists.
Free printable Grade 4 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.