Grade 4 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 4 social studies in the Manitoba Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Grade 4 Social Studies: Manitoba, Canada, and the North: Places and Stories
- Cluster 1: Geography of Canada
- Cluster 2: Living in Canada
- Cluster 3: Living in Manitoba
- Cluster 4: History of Manitoba
- Cluster 5: Canada’s North
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
Provinces, Territories & Capitals
Practises locating Canada's provinces, territories and capital cities, naming the three oceans, Manitoba's neighbours, and using cardinal and intermediate directions on a map.
Canada's Regions
Practises the geographic regions of Canada, such as the Western Cordillera, the Interior Plains and the Canadian Shield, what each is like, and major landforms and bodies of water.
Citizens & Governments
Practises Canadian and Manitoba symbols, days important to Canadians and Manitobans, democratic ideals, and the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government and their leaders.
Manitoba's Land & Resources
Practises Manitoba's geography: its lakes, rivers and cities, neighbours, natural resources, where people live, and caring for the environment.
Manitoba's Peoples & Cultures
Practises the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, francophone and many other cultural communities of Manitoba, their languages, arts and festivals, and respectful ways to learn about one another.
Manitoba's Story
Practises the story of how Manitoba grew: the fur trade, the Selkirk settlers, the Métis and Louis Riel, how the land shaped where people settled, and how life has changed.
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 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 Manitoba?
The Manitoba Curriculum Grade 4 social studies units include provinces, territories & capitals, canada's regions, citizens & governments, manitoba's land & resources, manitoba's peoples & cultures, manitoba's story.
Free printable Grade 4 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.