Grade 2 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 2 social studies in the Ontario Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- A1 Application: Why Traditions Change: Compare some significant traditions and celebrations among diverse groups and at different times, including those of First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit, and identify some of the reasons for changes in these traditions/celebrations (FOCUS ON: Perspective; Cause and Consequence)
- A2 Inquiry: Past and Present Traditions: Use the social studies inquiry process to investigate some of the past and present traditions and celebrations within their own family and the communities to which they belong (FOCUS ON: Continuity and Change)
- A3 Understanding Context: Tradition and Heritage: Describe some of the major groups in their community, including First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit, other diverse communities, and different types of families, and some of the ways in which traditions and heritage are passed on by such groups (FOCUS ON: Interrelationships; Significance)
- B1 Application: Variations in Global Communities: Describe some similarities and differences in the ways in which people in two or more communities in different parts of the world meet their needs and have adapted to the location, climate, and physical features of their regions (FOCUS ON: Cause and Consequence)
- B2 Inquiry: Natural Environments and Ways of Life: Use the social studies inquiry process to investigate aspects of the interrelationship between the natural environment, including the climate, of selected communities, including at least one contemporary First Nation, Métis, or Inuit community, and the ways in which people in those communities live (FOCUS ON: Interrelationships; Patterns and Trends)
- B3 Understanding Context: Physical Features and Communities: Identify and locate various physical features and selected communities around the world, including at least one contemporary First Nation, Métis, or Inuit community, and describe some aspects of people’s ways of life in those communities (FOCUS ON: Significance)
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
Families Near & Far
Families come in many forms (one parent, two parents, grandparents, blended, adoptive and foster families). What makes a family is caring for each other.
Traditions & Celebrations
Well-known celebrations in Canada (such as Canada Day, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Eid, Hanukkah and Thanksgiving), and how food, songs, stories and language pass on heritage. First Nations, Métis and Inuit traditions are not covered here yet.
Then & Now
Generations in a family, using photos, interviews and timelines, and how technology and traditions change from the past to the present.
Groups in Our Community
The many groups and languages in a community, why families move, welcoming newcomers, and finding the places families come from on a globe or map.
Globe & Continents
The seven continents, the oceans, the equator and poles, north, south, east and west, and where a few well-known countries are on a globe.
Climate & Ways of Life
How people dress, build, farm and work to suit their weather and land, and reading photos and maps for clues about climate.
Needs & Wants
Telling needs from wants and how communities help meet people's needs.
Communities Compared
Comparing communities around the world: what they share (basic needs, school, play) and how they differ (size, climate, jobs, travel).
Caring Citizens
Rights and responsibilities, community helpers, and how small local actions help the planet.
Social Studies Detectives
The inquiry process: asking good questions, using people, photos, maps and graphs as sources, drawing conclusions and sharing results.
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! Level 3 is the provincial standard. 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 Ontario report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 2 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 2 social studies in Ontario?
The Ontario Curriculum Grade 2 social studies units include families near & far, traditions & celebrations, then & now, groups in our community, globe & continents, climate & ways of life.
Free printable Grade 2 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.