Grade 5 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 5 social studies in the Ontario Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- A1 Application: The Impact of Interactions: Analyse some key short- and long-term consequences of interactions among Indigenous peoples, among Europeans, and between Indigenous and European people prior to 1713 in what would eventually become Canada (FOCUS ON: Cause and Consequence; Continuity and Change)
- A2 Inquiry: Perspectives on Interactions: Use the social studies inquiry process to investigate aspects of the interactions among Indigenous peoples, among Europeans, and between Indigenous and European people prior to 1713 in what would eventually become Canada, from the perspectives of the various groups involved (FOCUS ON: Interrelationships; Perspective)
- A3 Understanding Context: Significant Characteristics and Interactions: Describe significant features of and interactions among Indigenous peoples, among Europeans, and between Indigenous and European people prior to 1713 in what would eventually become Canada (FOCUS ON: Significance; Interrelationships)
- B1 Application: Governments and Citizens Working Together: Assess responses of governments in Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments, to some significant issues, and develop plans of action for governments and citizens to address social and environmental issues (FOCUS ON: Interrelationships; Cause and Consequence)
- B2 Inquiry: Differing Perspectives on Social and Environmental Issues: Use the social studies inquiry process to investigate Canadian social and/or environmental issues from various perspectives, including those of Indigenous peoples as well as of the level (or levels) of government responsible for addressing the issues (FOCUS ON: Perspective)
- B3 Understanding Context: Roles and Responsibilities of Government and Citizens: Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and key responsibilities of citizens and of the different levels of government in Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments (FOCUS ON: Significance)
Easy ways to practise social studies at home
- Follow a current event together and ask who is affected and why people see it differently.
- Build a timeline of a family event or a historical topic they are studying.
- Use an atlas or online map to trace a trade or travel route.
- Ask “Whose voice is missing from this story?” when reading about the past.
What each unit covers
Nations of Canada
Who First Nations, Métis and Inuit are, some major nations and the regions they are connected to, and how nations traded and made agreements. Wording says 'some' and 'many' because each nation is different. Needs review with Indigenous partners.
Explorers and Settlers
Norse voyages, Cabot, Cartier, Champlain and Hudson, and why Europeans came: routes to Asia, fishing, the fur trade, claiming land and spreading religion, from the point of view that Indigenous peoples already lived here.
Life in New France
How New France was governed by the king, governor, bishop and intendant, how the seigneurial system worked, and the role of the Church.
The Fur Trade
Who traded what and why, what each side gained, the harm of disease and lost land, and how the Métis people emerged. Needs review with Indigenous partners.
Rivals and Allies
How rivalry between France and England pulled Indigenous nations into conflicts, the Great Peace of Montreal in 1701, and the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713.
Treaties and Today
What treaties and land claims are, why they still matter today, and what it means for governments to consult First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Needs review with Indigenous partners.
Levels of Government
Federal, provincial/territorial, municipal and Indigenous governments: who leads them, what each looks after, and how they're funded.
Who Does What?
Which level of government (municipal, provincial or territorial, federal, band council, school board) provides which service, and issues such as water, health and transportation that need several levels to work together.
Making Laws
How a bill becomes law in Parliament, elections and ridings, local bylaws, and how young people can take part in democracy.
Rights & Freedoms
The main parts of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, applying them to real situations, and the responsibilities that come with rights.
Taking Action
How citizens can vote, petition, speak at meetings and make plans, and why groups can see the same issue differently.
Investigate It
Sorting primary and secondary sources, checking a source, asking good inquiry questions and reading maps.
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 5 child with social studies?
Follow a current event together and ask who is affected and why people see it differently. Build a timeline of a family event or a historical topic they are studying. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 5 social studies in Ontario?
The Ontario Curriculum Grade 5 social studies units include nations of canada, explorers and settlers, life in new france, the fur trade, rivals and allies, treaties and today.
Free printable Grade 5 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.