What your child is learning

In Kindergarten, your child learns about the following three themes:

Me

• personal interests, abilities, talents and strengths
• groups and places that are important to me
• rules and responsibilities 
• basic needs

The People around Me

• people who care for me and influence my life
• different ways to cooperate, communicate, solve problems as we live, work, and play together
• concept of time such as the calendar, seasons and special events

The World around Me

• physical environment of my neighbourhood
• we live in a country called Canada
• all people have the same basic needs but we may have different ways of meeting our needs

Learning experiences help children consider the consequences of their actions, respect differences, interact fairly with others, and show concern for the environment as they explore what it means to be citizens in their community, Canada, and the world.

To find out more about what your child is learning, talk to the teacher.  

You may also refer to the Manitoba curriculum documents.

How your child is assessed

Assessment in Social Studies is based on how your child understands and applies the themes, concepts and skills described in the tab WHAT MY CHILD IS LEARNING.

The reports you receive from the school help you to support your child’s learning. You can use them to talk with your child and your child’s teacher about results, strengths, challenges and what your child will be doing next.

Resources

Kayak, Canada’s History Magazine for Kids

Family Education, website with resources, activities, crafts for at home 

About Canada and Canadian culture, website of Canadian Heritage

History for Kids

Canadian Museum of History (formerly Civilization)

Aboriginal peoples of Canada, website of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (select Kids’ Stop)

Activities to do with your children in the community

Visit museums and historic sites
For example, the Manitoba Museum, Lower Fort Garry, the Forks, community parks and landmarks.

Participate in cultural events
For example, the Festival du Voyageur, Culture Days in Manitoba, Canada Day celebrations, National Aboriginal Day, Heritage Day, international days.

Activities to do with your children in the home
Talk to your children about current events, the calendar and time, look at maps and globes, look at pictures of other times and places, share stories of communities and people working together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that are often asked about Social Studies:

If you have a question that isn't answered here, you can ask your child's teacher or use the comment form on the left of the page.

How do Kindergarten children demonstrate citizenship? Kindergarten children demonstrate active democratic citizenship when they cooperate and collaborate with others and consider others’ needs when working and playing together. They also demonstrate citizenship by treating others fairly and with respect. Citizenship includes making decisions that show care and responsibility for the environment.

How do Kindergarten children demonstrate critical thinking? Kindergarten children use critical thinking when they make comparisons and when they identify the consequences of their decisions and actions.