Grade 3 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 3 social studies in the Manitoba Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Grade 3 Social Studies: Communities of the World
- Cluster 1: Connecting with Canadians
- Cluster 2: Exploring the World
- Cluster 3: Communities of the World
- Cluster 4: Exploring an Ancient Society
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
Canadian Citizens
Practises what it means to be a citizen of Canada: examples of rights and responsibilities, the national anthem in English and French (and sometimes a local Indigenous language), and Remembrance Day as a time to think about peace and war.
Groups, Leaders & Getting Along
Practises formal and informal leadership, fair group decisions, peaceful ways of solving conflicts and what to do about bullying, including respect for the teachings of Elders and community members.
Maps of Our World
Practises the equator and the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the continents and oceans, and reading maps, aerial photographs and satellite images with a title, legend, compass rose and the four cardinal directions.
Communities Around the World
Practises daily life in communities around the world: homes, food, work and technology that suit the land and weather, cultural expression, respectful language about differences and how media can show only part of a place.
Needs, Rights & Sharing
Practises basic human rights and needs, fairness and sharing, countries as communities with borders, concerns common to communities worldwide, organizations such as UNICEF and the Red Cross, and personal choices that can help people elsewhere.
Ancient Egypt
Practises daily life, customs, ways of expression and lasting contributions of ancient Egypt as one example of an ancient society, plus how communities and traditions change or continue over time and how timelines help.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Level 1
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Level 2
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Level 3
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Level 4
- 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 Manitoba 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 Manitoba?
The Manitoba Curriculum Grade 3 social studies units include canadian citizens, groups, leaders & getting along, maps of our world, communities around the world, needs, rights & sharing, ancient egypt.
Free printable Grade 3 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.