Grade 4 Social Studies: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 4 social studies in the Saskatchewan Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Interactions and Interdependence (IN4.1–IN4.3): Analyze how First Nations and Métis people have shaped and continue to shape Saskatchewan. Describe the origins of the cultural diversity in Saskatchewan communities. Determine the influence Saskatchewan people and programs have had on a national scale.
- Dynamic Relationships (DR4.1–DR4.3): Correlate the impact of the land on the lifestyles and settlement patterns of the people of Saskatchewan. Explain the relationship of First Nations and Métis peoples with the land. Analyze the implications of the Treaty relationship in Saskatchewan.
- Power and Authority (PA4.1–PA4.4): Analyze the relationship between governance institutions in Saskatchewan and the quality of life of people in the… Demonstrate an understanding of the provincial system of government. Demonstrate an understanding of the First Nations system of governance. (and 1 more outcome)
- Resources and Wealth (RW4.1–RW4.3): Analyze the strategies Saskatchewan people have developed to meet the challenges presented by the natural… Investigate the importance of agriculture to the economy and culture of Saskatchewan. Assess the impact of Saskatchewan resources and technological innovations on the provincial, national, and global…
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
People of Saskatchewan
Who has lived in Saskatchewan and still does: First Nations and Métis peoples, newcomers from many countries, symbols of the province, and how a Saskatchewan idea (public health insurance) spread across Canada.
The Land and Its People
Saskatchewan's regions, why people settled where they did, the importance of bison, homesteading, and how people deal with cold, wind and dry years.
Treaties in Saskatchewan
What treaties are, the six numbered treaties that cover Saskatchewan, why oral history matters, and how treaty promises still matter today. This is introductory and needs review with First Nations partners.
Governing Saskatchewan
The provincial system of government (Premier, MLAs, Lieutenant Governor), local governments, First Nations governance and Métis governance, and how services affect quality of life.
Farming and Resources
Crops, ranching, mining, forestry and energy, why agriculture matters to the economy and culture, and how technology and resource use affect people and the environment.
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! Meeting is the goal for every outcome. Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exemplary
- 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 Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Curriculum Grade 4 social studies units include people of saskatchewan, the land and its people, treaties in saskatchewan, governing saskatchewan, farming and resources.
Free printable Grade 4 social studies practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.