Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Grade 2 Social Studies
Grade 2 Social Studies exploring changing family traditions, communities past and present, and how people and places change over time. Children deepen their understanding of heritage and belonging.
01Heritage and Identity: Changing Family and Community Traditions
Children explore how traditions and celebrations change over time and how they contribute to a sense of identity and community belonging.
Children compare traditions from long ago with traditions practised today, discovering that some traditions stay the same while others change.
Children learn that as new people arrive in Canada, they bring new traditions that enrich the country's culture and create new celebrations.
Children reflect on why traditions are important to families and how they help people feel connected across generations.
Students learn about the importance of oral storytelling and traditional knowledge in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit families.
Students learn to conduct simple interviews with family members or elders to gather stories about past traditions and experiences.
Students work collaboratively to design a new family or classroom tradition, considering its purpose and how it will be celebrated.
Students explore the stories behind family heirlooms or historical objects, understanding their significance to identity and history.
Students share and celebrate their own family traditions and cultural backgrounds, fostering an inclusive classroom environment.
Students explore how traditions are expressed through various art forms, including songs, dances, and visual arts from different cultures.
Students investigate the origins and meanings of their own names, connecting them to family history and cultural heritage.
02People and Environments: Global Communities
Students investigate how people live in different parts of the world and how the environment influences their lifestyle and choices.
An introduction to maps and globes, identifying continents, oceans, and the location of Canada in relation to other countries.
Exploring how different climates around the world affect what people wear, what they eat, and the types of houses they build.
Investigating how people move and communicate in different environments, from snowy tundras to busy tropical cities.
Developing an appreciation for the diverse ways people live and the importance of respecting cultural differences globally.
Students explore different types of food eaten in various countries, understanding how geography and culture influence diets.
Students investigate various types of homes and shelters built in different climates and cultures, understanding their adaptations.
Students discover traditional games and forms of play from various cultures, recognizing universal aspects of childhood.
Students explore how different communities access and use water, understanding its importance and challenges in various environments.
Students learn about different animal habitats around the world and how animals adapt to their specific environments.
Students compare and contrast the daily lives of children in different countries, focusing on school, chores, and play.
03Our Community Past and Present
Students investigate the history of their local community and how it has evolved over time through technology and migration.
Children use photographs, stories, and artefacts to learn what their community looked like before they were born.
Children explore the reasons communities change, including new buildings, new people arriving, and changes in technology.
Children learn about the people who helped build and shape their community, including Indigenous peoples and early settlers.
Comparing the jobs people did and the tools they used in the past versus the modern workplace.
Creating a visual representation of key events that shaped the local community over the last century.
Students identify and research local landmarks, understanding their historical significance and the stories associated with them.
Students compare old maps of their community with current maps to observe changes in land use, roads, and buildings.
Students learn about individuals who have made significant positive contributions to their local community throughout history.
An introduction to local government, understanding who makes decisions for the community and how citizens can participate.
Students explore ways to preserve local history, such as creating archives, museums, or oral history projects.
04Global Celebrations and Cultural Identity
A deeper look at how celebrations around the world reflect cultural values and bring diverse groups of people together.
Exploring major celebrations including Canada Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and cultural festivals.
Learning about global celebrations such as Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Eid, and how they are observed in Canada.
Examining the specific symbols, foods, and clothing that make celebrations unique and meaningful.
Students explore how music and dance are integral parts of celebrations worldwide, reflecting cultural stories and emotions.
Students learn how celebrations often tell stories of a community's history, beliefs, or values through rituals and narratives.
Students investigate the central role of family in organizing and participating in celebrations across different cultures.
Students explore celebrations that are dedicated to raising awareness or supporting important causes, like Earth Day or charity events.
Learning about the people who keep our community safe, healthy, and organized.
Discovering ways to help the natural environment, from recycling to protecting local parks and water.
Exploring acts of kindness and the importance of welcoming newcomers to the community.
Comparing how people live and work in the city versus the country, and how they depend on each other.
Students identify a local community need and brainstorm ways they can contribute to a positive change.