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Articles sur Back to basics

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‘Back to basics’ language used by the government distracts from the importance of continuously updating and revising curriculum. (Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for EDUimages)

Changes are coming to Ontario’s kindergarten program — what parents and caregivers need to know

We need to ensure the best scientific research in play-based learning and early reading is leveraged, and teachers receive supports to meet children’s developmental and academic needs.
Parents have a responsibility for their children’s math development too. Shutterstock

For the sake of kids, embrace math

Instead of getting “back to basics” to improve math skills, we should make math literacy a priority by developing, attracting and supporting skilled teachers, and improving math literacy at home.
Montreal-born pianist Oscar Peterson waves after playing at the Montreal Forum in July 1984. The Coalition for Music Education is inviting schools and communities across Canada to sing “Hymn To Freedom,” written by Peterson and Harriette Hamilton, on Music Monday 2019, a day to celebrate music. (CP/Jean F. Leblanc)

Music also matters in the real world

What kind of students are we raising when music is seen as a “frill?” The decision to drastically cut music education is a misguided policy.
The Ontario government “back to basics” approach to the curriculum will not best serve children who need a mixture of traditional and discovery learning methods. Shutterstock

No matter what method is used to teach math, make it fun

Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Education Lisa Thompson have told elementary school teachers to expect curriculum change directives for “back to basics” mathematics, a move that could hurt students.
Teaching students about how ancient civilizations used geometry to build structures like the pyramids in Egypt is part of a new integrated approach to learning science, technology, engineering and math. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)

Let’s teach students why math matters in the real world

To get more students interested in STEM subjects, teachers must break out of the traditional subject-matter silos and use an approach that helps kids understand how math is used in the real world.
Taking the curriculum “back to basics” will disadvantage kids who perhaps don’t have access to cultural and other knowledge at home. AAP/Tim Dornin

We lose more than we gain by paring back the curriculum

We run a significant risk that the divide between the haves and have-nots will widen even further through the “back to basics” curriculum approach advocated by Education Minister Pyne.

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