Current studies say that young children need a balance of “child-initiated play in the presence of engaged teachers” and more “focused experiential learning” led by teachers.
Manitoba Education recommends 45 minutes to one hour of child-initiated play per half day during the kindergarten year.
Holistic education, or holistic learning, emphasizes play-based learning. Playing is discovering. How a student interacts with people and the environment is a big part of understanding how they learn. These factors are accounted for in a holistic approach to education.
2023-2024 Education Budget Announcement
Manitoba’s Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister, Wayne Ewasko, has unveiled the provincial government’s operating funding plan for the public schools of Manitoba, with an allocation of $1.65 billion. This represents a noteworthy $100 million increase in new operating funding.
The increased investment seeks to improve student literacy and numeracy rates, as well as Indigenous-related education.
Holistic Early Learning
Early Returns, Manitoba’s early learning curriculum framework, considers play to be a testing ground for language and reasoning skills. It expands intelligence and promotes advancement in literacy, math and science concepts.
The learning environment is set up to be inclusive of everyone’s abilities and needs. Ample opportunities are provided to explore literacy, numeracy, music and art.
The curriculum is set up to foster learning throughout the day. Language development during free play, in routines, and other daily activities.
Mandatory kindergarten?
No
Early Childhood Education Announcement
The Governments of Canada and Manitoba have extended the Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Agreement.
Almost $98 million will be invested over four years to continue building and strengthening early learning and child care in the province.
$15 million of this fund will go towards affordability, infrastructure, and diversity and inclusion.
On diversity and inclusion, there will be more Francophone and Indigenous programming and greater supports for those children with additional needs.
The Manitoba school system will see a funding increase of $120 million in the upcoming school year.
Among many uses such as operating costs and infrastructure, part of the funds will be invested in a new pilot program that will support engagement with elders and knowledge keepers in schools to promote the inclusion of First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, culture and customs in the provincial curricula.