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Primary Years Information for Teachers

Last updated on June 21, 2024

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The Primary Years build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. As a Primary Years teacher, you are supporting the continuity of learning throughout the early years. The Early Learning Framework offers guidance to educators around reflective practices and inquiry-based learning.

Primary students learn best when:

  • Activities are play based, involving exploration and inquiry, with hands-on activities that engage all their senses
  • Activities are developmentally and culturally appropriate
  • The adults in their world — teachers, families, school and community members —work together to support them

Find practical tips and suggestions that are based on current research designed for creating a high quality full day Kindergarten program at your school:

Provincial Outreach Program for the Early Years' (POPEY) resources are designed to support and empower K-3 educators to provide effective literacy instruction for diverse learners in inclusive classroom settings. POPEY facilitates the sharing of foundational and comprehensive literacy resources through their website, workshops, and District Partner Network. 

School districts and early years providers collaborate on innovative programs that support readying school for children. Find examples from a 2017 report that show effective and emerging practices across the Province: 

Supporting the Transition to School

Related Links

The Primary Program: A Framework

The Primary Program: A Framework for Teaching, developed by the Ministry, is a historical resource for kindergarten to grade 3 teachers. Although many of the ideas remain important, this document does not refer to the most current research, policies or curriculum.

For the most up to date please see BC's Curriculum