Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Grade 1 Social Studies
Grade 1 Social Studies exploring heritage and identity, family traditions, and the diverse communities that make up Canada. Children learn about who they are and where they belong.
Heritage and Identity: Our Families and Stories
Students explore their own heritage and the various traditions that make their families unique within the Canadian context.
Children learn that every family has a story and that these stories connect us to our heritage and help us understand where we come from.
Children discover the holidays, festivals, and celebrations that different families enjoy, and learn that heritage is something to be proud of.
Students identify different roles within a family and how members support one another through daily tasks and emotional care.
Exploring how traditions are passed down from grandparents to parents to children, maintaining a link to the past.
Indigenous Perspectives and the Land
An introduction to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples as the original inhabitants of the land we call Canada.
Introduction to the diversity of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities and their long-standing relationship with the land.
Exploring the importance of oral traditions and legends in passing down knowledge and values in Indigenous cultures.
Learning about the concept of Turtle Island and the creation stories shared by many Indigenous nations in North America.
People and Environments: The Local Community
Students explore the natural and built features of their community and how people interact with their environment.
Distinguishing between things made by nature (rivers, trees) and things made by people (roads, buildings) in the local area.
An introduction to basic mapping skills, including cardinal directions and using symbols to represent real places.
Identifying the people who work in our community to keep us safe, healthy, and happy.
Exploring how the community provides for our basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
Our Roles and Responsibilities
Understanding what it means to be a responsible member of a group, from the classroom to the global community.
Investigating why we have rules and how they help ensure fairness and safety for everyone.
Learning about the qualities of a good citizen, such as honesty, kindness, and participation.
Discussing our responsibility to protect the earth through recycling, reducing waste, and conserving water.
Recognizing that we are part of a larger world and that our actions can impact people far away.
Canada's Symbols and Celebrations
Discovering the symbols, landmarks, and events that represent Canada and its diverse identity.
Identifying the maple leaf, the beaver, and the Canadian flag as symbols of our country.
Exploring major Canadian holidays like Canada Day and Remembrance Day, and why we observe them.
A virtual tour of famous Canadian landmarks, from the CN Tower to the Rocky Mountains.
Introducing the two official languages of Canada, English and French, and their role in our identity.