Ontario Unveils a Back-to-Basics Kindergarten Curriculum

For the first time in Ontario history, all Kindergarten students will receive explicit daily learning on the foundations of reading, writing, and math. The government is unveiling a comprehensive curriculum that embraces our ‘back to basics’ focus.

This announcement follows the Ontario Human Rights Commission 2022 Right to Read Report that outlines that the previous governments’ Kindergarten program did not set any clear expectations on reading and writing skills.  

Under Ontario’s NEW plan, we are ensuring:

• all students will also get explicit instruction in literacy for the first time to build their vocabulary and instill a passion for reading and writing
• New and mandatory learning will include the understanding of sound-letter relationships, developing phonics knowledge, and using specific vocabulary
• Basic financial literacy and numeracy skills development

These new changes will help ensure every student has the skills to succeed, by lifting ambitions, standards, and academic achievement for Ontario’s youngest learners.

News Releases:

EN: Back-to-Basics Kindergarten

FR: Retour aux fondamentaux de l’école maternelle