Since 2010, Ontario has followed the full-day play-based curriculum in kindergarten with the benefits of Play-Based Learning becoming more apparent. However, at the beginning of 2024, it was announced by Stephen Lecce, The Minister of Education, that the kindergarten curriculum will be going “Back to Basics” by focusing on more reading, writing and math with less play-based learning. This will be in effect as of September 2025, however there is still no official curriculum and most RECEs and teachers, including the President of the Elementary Teachers of Federations of Ontario (ETFO), have been left uniformed. ETFO has expressed urgency for proper training to be provided for all educators. With the new curriculum focusing on literacy and math, it contradicts the phrase “basics” because teaching reading and math is anything but basic, which shifts the play-based model.

  Play-Based Learning provides opportunities for children to develop their sense of the world through interaction, inquiry and cognitive education. It is crucial to a child’s development and well-being. Many theorists emphasize the importance of play in a cognitive way such as Piaget, Steiner and Monterssori. With rich opportunities, children learn how to think, acquire language, deal with conflict, and engage with others. However, without Play-Based Learning, children’s social and developmental skills can be negatively affected. With less interaction, there are limited chances to share, take turns, communicate and build relationships. As a result, children can lack the ability to control temperament, miscommunication, self regulation and cause change in behaviour. Overall, without Play-Based Learning, children are missing out on developmental learning milestones through experiences that benefit them both short and long term. When children are playing, children are learning.  

 We need to implement a policy that keeps Play-Based Learning in kindergarten classrooms because it is essential for all children. With September 2025, being only about a year away, we want to bring awareness and act fast. It is crucial that parents be aware of the changing curriculum and effects that our children will undergo. We value our children’s development and want to foster young minds that are competent and capable.