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Grade 1

Social Studies

Curriculum Overview

In Grade 1 Social Studies, students will examine various roles, relationships, and responsibilities, how and why these may change, and how they are connected to one’s identity, culture, and sense of self. They will develop their appreciation of the need to treat all people, as well as the environment, responsibly and with respect. Students will also examine their local community, its characteristics and services, and how it meets the needs of the people who live and work there and develop an understanding of the social and environmental responsibilities of citizens as well as various levels of government. 

Students are provided with opportunities to explore various topics which will enable them to develop an understanding of the interactions within and between diverse communities, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities and students’ own communities. Students will be introduced to the inquiry process, and will use this process when conducting various investigations. They will study the impact of colonialism, what effect it continues to have today, and of the rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship.  

The social studies curriculum is divided into two strands:

  • Heritage and Identity: Our Changing Roles and Responsibilities
  • People and Environment: The Local Community

Interested in learning more? View Curriculum PDF
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Review this list of vocabulary associated with the curriculum. Practice spelling, research definitions, and find these vocabulary words when engaging with the TVO resources or completing learning activities.

Students should understand and be able to apply these words in context.

  • Heritage and Identity
    Our Changing Roles and Responsibilities
  • People and Environment
    The Local Community







local community 



natural environment 





Resources for Learning

Chosen by TVO educators, these resources support the curriculum outlined above. Review the below list of options along with the activities. Then, read, watch, listen or play to build understanding and knowledge.

Complete the suggested activities using these resources and other TVO resources.

Suggested Activities

Complete these activities to consolidate learning across all curriculum strands.

  • What do you know about your family’s history? Who might help you to find some of the information you need to learn more about your family as well as yourself? What role does an Elder play in your community?

  • Why is it important to respect others? How do we show respect for others?

  • Think about your role at school compared to your role at home. Why do you think your role at school is different from your role at home? In what ways might your responsibilities at home change as you get older?

  • How would you describe the park nearby? What in your opinion makes a park a good one? Are there things that all parks have? Why are parks considered to be important for communities to have? What role might they play?

  • In what ways can people in a community work together to meet the needs of everyone in the community?

  • What are people’s responsibilities within their community? What might happen if people did not meet their responsibilities?

  • Think about all the roles you have in your life. What are some of the roles you have at home, at school, and in your neighbourhood?

  • Create your own definitions for 10 of the words in the vocabulary list.

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