Toronto 
Starting September 2025, the Ontario government will implement a revamped kindergarten curriculum focusing on fundamental literacy and numeracy skills.
Credit: Govt. Of Ontario
Per the news release, this initiative is part of the government’s commitment to a back-to-basics approach in education, aiming to equip students with essential skills for long-term success.
The new curriculum will integrate clear and direct instruction in reading, writing, and math with hands-on, play-based learning. Ontario says this approach is designed to strengthen the foundational literacy and math skills of students entering Grade 1, fostering intellectual growth.
“It’s critical that our youngest students develop core foundational skills earlier on in their lives,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education in a statement.
“That is why we are introducing a new kindergarten curriculum that will help to lay the foundation for strong reading, writing and math skills from day one. Our government will continue to relentlessly advance back-to-basics education that restores the focus on academic achievement, common sense and excellence in literacy and STEM disciplines.”
A significant enhancement in the curriculum will be the mandatory and evidence-based instruction in literacy. This includes teaching sound-letter relationships, developing phonics knowledge, and using specific vocabulary to build students’ vocabulary and instill a passion for reading and writing. “For example, as children are constructing a house with building blocks and other materials, the educator would intentionally use new words to build student vocabulary,” reads the press release.
Math education will also see notable improvements. Students will receive clear and direct instruction in foundational numeracy skills, complemented by daily opportunities to explore math concepts through regular classroom activities. The curriculum will introduce early learning in fractions, coding, and patterns. These lessons aim to establish basic math concepts and skills vital for understanding science, technology, engineering, construction, skilled trades, and architecture.
These curriculum enhancements are in response to the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read Report, which highlighted deficiencies in teaching reading skills under the current program, developed eight years ago.
In line with this, the province began early reading screening in September 2023, utilizing standardized tools and providing specialized training for educators. Additionally, up to 700 teachers with expertise in early reading will offer targeted support to students needing extra help.
To bolster these efforts, the province is investing $65 million in reading intervention over the coming years, alongside an additional $12.5 million for procuring licenses for an approved early reading screening tool. This tool will be used from the second year of kindergarten through Grade 2, ensuring a consistent and academically rigorous approach to early education, preparing students for success in their academic journeys and beyond.
