Elementary social studies, history and geography: a guide for parents

Parents and family can have a huge influence on a child’s educational success. By showing an interest in what your child is learning and helping them make connections to everyday events at home, in the community and beyond, you can make an important contribution to their success.

Here are some ideas for how to support your child’s learning:

• Your family story, heritage and history are an important part of their identity. Discuss your family traditions and celebrations, and how these may differ from other families in your community.
• Explore the natural and developed features of your community (e.g., streams, farms, parks, homes, highways), and their value/impact on the community. Encourage thinking about how human beings have had an impact on the environment. Talk about change in your community.
• If you are travelling as a family, discuss the natural and built features of the places you visit. Encourage curiosity about the communities you visit and what makes these places good travel destinations.
• Find practical uses for what your child is learning about, such as maps, globes, graphs and graphic organizers.
• Discuss historical and current events, such as issues and developments happening both in your community and globally. Encourage discussion of different opinions and perspectives, as well as discussing solutions to local social issues (e.g., construction and provision of affordable housing, anti-bullying, employment services, access to doctors and medical care).
• Together with your child, explore the perspectives of different groups and communities, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, on some significant events, developments and issues in Canada. 
• You are your child’s role model, so share your curiosity and learning with your child, and talk about what you are doing at home, at work and in the community and your intended impact on those around you.
• Stay informed about your child’s learning by staying in touch with their school and teachers. Ask your child’s teacher about what is being taught in class and skills and experiences that will support your child’s learning.