Helping Your Child Learn Social Studies: Grade 3 This year your
child will be introduced to some of the United States' natural
landscapes and resources. He or she will begin to understand how
people use these resources and work to protect them. Your child
will also learn about various Native American groups and how
they used the land. During this year your child will also begin
exploring the history of our nation, especially how European
settlers used the land to build farms, towns, and cities. Here
are some everyday activities you can do with your child to help
promote interest in social studies. Using our land - With your
child, look at a physical map of the United States. First, have
your child point out all the mountains and the deserts. Then ask
him or her to point to the mountain range and desert which are
closest to where you live. - Point out any large or major bodies
of water near your community—rivers, lakes, or an ocean—and talk
with your child about its effect on your community. Has your
area ever