What your child learns in Kindergarten in Ontario
Kindergarten in Ontario is play-based and inquiry-based. The Kindergarten Program looks at belonging and contributing, self-regulation and well-being, demonstrating literacy and math behaviours, and problem solving and innovating. Children learn through exploring, talking, building and drawing.
Kindergarten subjects in the Ontario Curriculum
Math
Big Ideas
- A5 The Mathematical Processes: Apply the mathematical processes (i.e., problem solving; reasoning and proving; reflecting; connecting; communicating; representing; and selecting tools and strategies)
- A6 Number Sense and Operations: Use numbers and operations
- A7 Patterns and Relationships: Investigate repeating patterns
8 units, including numbers to 20, make 5 and 10, add & take away, more, less, same.
English Language Arts
Big Ideas
- A1 Oral and Non-Verbal Communication: Communicate orally and non-verbally
- A2 Foundations for Reading and Writing: Apply early reading and writing skills
- A3 Understanding and Responding to Texts: Understand and respond to a variety of texts by diverse creators from Canada and by diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit creators
9 units, including letter partners, first sounds, rhyme time, clap the beat.
Science
Big Ideas
- B11 Coding Skills: Use foundational coding concepts and skills
- B12 Scientific Investigation and Engineering Design: Use an inquiry process to engage in scientific investigations and to design, build, and test models and structures
- B13 Exploring Environments: Investigate natural and built environments
10 units, including be a scientist, safe scientists, what living things need, animal features.
Social Studies
Big Ideas
- D19 Identity and Self-Image: Demonstrate a sense of identity and a positive self-image
- D20 Understanding Perspectives and Canadian Identity: Show understanding of the multiple perspectives and diversity among individuals, groups, and communities in Canada, and identify areas of connection
- D21 Self-Confidence: Recognize bias in ideas and develop the self-confidence to stand up for themselves and others against prejudice and discrimination
8 units, including i am me, all about me, families, we belong.
What to look for on the report card
Kindergarten families receive written communications of learning, not marks. Expect comments about friendships, listening, early letters and sounds, counting, and how your child shares ideas.
Ontario report cards describe learning with Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4. See what each level means.
Learning skills and work habits are reported in every grade. Read about learning skills and work habits.
Common questions
What do kids learn in Kindergarten in Ontario?
Kindergarten covers math, english language arts, science, social studies in the Ontario Curriculum. Kindergarten in Ontario is play-based and inquiry-based. The Kindergarten Program looks at belonging and contributing, self-regulation and well-being, demonstrating literacy and math behaviours, and problem solving and innovating. Children learn through exploring, talking, building and drawing.
How is Kindergarten reported in Ontario?
Ontario report cards describe learning with Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4.
How can I help my Kindergarten child at home?
Short, regular practice works better than long sessions: 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week, on the skills your child's teacher flags. Read together, use math in real life, and praise effort.
Practise Kindergarten skills with Gradelings
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