Social Studies: Why Is It Introduced Since Grade 1 in Canada?

“The primary purpose of Social Studies is to help young people make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.“

Social Studies is a subdivision of the study that deals with Human Beings. From Grade 1 and onwards, the Canada (Alberta) Curriculum sets Social Studies as a core subject that encourages students to make connections of areas and communities around the world. It prepares them with what is required in functioning and getting on with their life smoothly.

What is Social Studies?

Social Studies is a field which deals with human behavior, relationships, resources, and institutions. Students at CIS are trained to explore the complicated tensions that often characterize all the issues happening in the physical world. Their learning foundations are laid at primary levels and are pushed into greater depths at secondary school.

Why Does Social Studies Matter to Your Child?

Social Studies instills a higher order of thinking skills and abilities such as – Application, Comprehension, Analysis, Creativity, Synthesis, and Evaluation in students. It is an important method that allows students to make observations, identify differences and similarities, connect related ideas, concepts, and resources. Proper experiences further enhance the students’ perception of how different people and things impact their daily lives.

A typical Social Studies class at CIS comes with some thorough investigations. CIS Grade 2 teacher Ms. Morgana Larsen’s invited students to a class studying Saskatoon. Saskatoon is a beautiful city located in Canada. The students were excited to list out a couple of questions regarding the geography, history, sociology, political science and entertainment culture of the region, and to enjoy a zoom class with Saskatoon local expert on a virtual field trip in finding out answers to their inquiries.

The main goal of teaching social studies is to teach students to become good citizens. We are living in a diverse society. With a Social Studies background, children become adults that can participate smoothly in our democratic society.