2019 Elementary Health and Physical Education Curriculum Helps Keep Kids Safe

The Voice of Canada News:

The Ontario government has released the revised elementary Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculum. It is now available online, along with a parent-friendly resource on what children will learn in each grade.

Following the province’s largest consultation on education, the elementary Health and Physical Education curriculum has been updated to reflect public feedback, research and advice from experts.

The province is introducing an enhanced and inclusive Health and Physical Education curriculum for Grades 1-8 that relates to the everyday experiences of students. It provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to lead safe, healthy, and active lives. As a result of these enhancements, the elementary Health and Physical Education curriculum will make Ontario a leader in teaching students about:

Mental Health, including Social-Emotional Learning Skills Concussions

The effects and consequences of vaping and cannabis

Cyber safety, including bullying prevention and digital privacy

Healthy eating and body image

Healthy relationships, including consent

Recognizing the importance of safety for Ontario’s youngest students, our government has also released The 2019 Addendum to The Kindergarten Program, focused on concussion prevention and online safety. It will be available for implementation starting in September 2019.

“This modernization will keep kids safe in and outside of the classroom,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “Ontario is a leader in critical areas including mental health, cyber safety, and consent, underscoring our commitment to building an education system that prioritizes inclusion, safety, and respect.”

The province is also partnering with School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) to enhance learning about mental health in the curriculum. It is also collaborating with Ophea — a leader in physical and health education — to support educators on implementing the revised curriculum.

Ontario recently announced Education that Works for You, a new plan to modernize learning, modernize classrooms and empower educators to better prepare students for the realities of today’s modern world. Investing in student learning is a key component of the Ontario government’s vision for education.