The new
Ontario Language Curriculum emphasizes foundational language skills, digital media literacy, and the inclusion of diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives, including those of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals, communities, groups, and nations. This updated curriculum is designed to equip students with essential literacy skills while honouring diverse contributions and perspectives.
Literacy Program: Key Areas of Focus
To support student success, the KCDSB Literacy approach builds strong foundational literacy skills through systematic and explicit instruction. Our focus is on evidence-based strategies that help students develop confidence in reading and comprehension.
Key Areas of Focus:
Early Reading Screening - Students' foundational language skills are screened from Kindergarten to Grade 2.
Oral Language Development – Engaging students in rich oral communication activities to strengthen early literacy skills.
Word-Level Reading and Spelling – Enhancing decoding and encoding abilities through explicit, structured instruction.
Vocabulary Expansion – Introducing meaningful and diverse vocabulary to improve comprehension and language use.
Reading Fluency – Developing accuracy, speed, and expression to support confident reading.
Comprehension Strategies – Teaching critical thinking and interpretation skills to improve reading understanding.
Developing oral language skills in the early years is essential for literacy. In our classrooms, intentional communication and rich oral language experiences provide a strong foundation for reading and writing.
Our Literacy approach equips students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to strengthen their reading abilities, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of literacy. We also emphasize critical thinking, independent learning, and problem-solving—helping students become reflective and engaged readers.
Recognizing the diverse identities, cultural backgrounds, and abilities of our students, we tailor literacy instruction to meet individual learning needs. Digital media literacy and transferable skills are also key components, ensuring students are prepared for success in an evolving world.
For more information, please refer to the
Ministry of Education’s guide for parents.
