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.
01Heritage 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 explore their own identity by sharing their name stories, languages spoken at home, and the special things that make each person unique.
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.
Students create simple family trees to visualize their lineage and understand the concept of ancestry.
Exploring the significance of food in family traditions and cultural identity, sharing favorite family recipes and mealtime customs.
Students bring in a family artifact or photo and share the story behind it, connecting objects to personal and family history.
Students create a simple timeline of their own lives, marking important events and milestones.
Discussing how families can be different (e.g., size, structure, traditions) and the importance of respecting all family types.
02Indigenous 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.
Introduction to various forms of Indigenous art (e.g., carving, weaving, painting) and the meanings behind common symbols.
Exploring Indigenous perspectives on environmental stewardship and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Learning about traditional Indigenous games and their role in teaching skills, cooperation, and cultural values.
Exploring the role of music, drumming, and dance in Indigenous ceremonies, celebrations, and storytelling.
An introduction to the diversity of Indigenous languages in Canada and learning a few simple words or phrases.
Exploring aspects of traditional and contemporary Indigenous community life, including housing, food, and daily activities.
Introduction to the Medicine Wheel as a symbol of interconnectedness and balance in many Indigenous cultures.
03People 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.
Understanding local weather patterns and the four seasons, and how they impact community activities and the environment.
Identifying different modes of transportation used in the community and their purposes.
Exploring significant local landmarks and the stories or history associated with them.
Learning about important safety rules and practices within the community (e.g., road safety, stranger danger).
Identifying common plants and animals found in the local environment and understanding their habitats.
Observing and discussing how the local community has changed over time, using old photos or stories.
04Our 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.
Exploring simple decision-making processes and understanding how to make choices that are fair to everyone.
Discussing the importance of empathy and helping those who are less fortunate in our community and beyond.
Practicing sharing and cooperation skills through group activities and understanding their importance for working together.
Identifying responsibilities as a student, such as completing homework, listening to teachers, and being respectful.
A simple introduction to the idea that everyone has rights and freedoms, and the importance of respecting them.
Recognizing and celebrating the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities within the classroom community.