Introduction to the Primary Division
From The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8: Language, 2006 (revised) the Ontario Ministry of Education notes:
The expectations for Grades 1 to 3 focus on the foundational knowledge and skills that students need in order to establish a strong basis for language development. These include students’ oral language, prior knowledge and experience, understanding of concepts about print, phonemic awareness, understanding of letter-sound relationships, vocabulary knowledge, semantic and syntactic awareness, higher-order thinking skills, and capacity for metacognition.
Most of what primary students know about language comes from listening and speaking with others, being read to by adults, and interacting with media texts such as advertisements, television programs, video games, songs, photographs, and films. The expectations for language build upon the prior knowledge and experience that students bring to Ontario classrooms from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Because this base of knowledge, experience, and skills varies from student to student, it is important for instruction to be differentiated to meet the needs of individuals and small groups of students.
For a complete summary of the Primary learner from the Language Curriculum refer to the link below:
Primary Division at HG Bernard The primary division is made up of eleven classes from kindergarten to grade three. Over the course of the school year the students have been involved in a variety of interactive exciting learning experiences.
This year is the first year for Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) at Bernard. There are three kindergarten classes, which combine junior and senior kindergarten students. The FDK program incorporates interest driven learning opportunities within a play based setting, where the students are able to participate in co-operative exploration while learning about the world around them.
This inquiry model is extended throughout the primary grades. Much of our mathematics curriculum is presented as real life, situational problems, requiring the students to problem solve with a math partner. This format allows the students to have a vested interest in their learning. As a result, they view themselves as mathematicians whose thinking and work is required, valued and necessary.
The children work with their partners to figure out solutions, rather then turning to the teacher to see if they’re answer is right. By the end of grade three, the students know what it means to work in a collaborative partnership. They understand that all members of the class are part of the math team, and that each of them is expected to understand, and be able to explain the thinking and strategies used to solve the problems.
In December, the primary classes held their Winter Concert. The students put on an enthusiastic performance, which was enjoyed by a full house.
Following the return to school in January, the effort, learning skills and character traits demonstrated by the students in grades 1 to 3 were acknowledged with the Winit Assembly. At an early age, Bernard students demonstrate what it means to be a good citizen. We are so proud of all of these outstanding role models. Each student has a certificate for the Winits, which will be sent home at the end of the school year.
Many of the Primary students participate in extra curricular activities such as, side-line soccer, book clubs, the skipping club, yoga and math games.