"How Does Learning Happen?" is Ontario’s pedagogy for the early years. It describes learning as a natural, active process that happens through relationships, play, exploration, and meaningful experiences. Children are seen as competent, capable, and curious learners who build knowledge by interacting with people, materials, and their environment. Educators support learning by creating responsive, inclusive, and engaging environments that nurture well-being, belonging, engagement, and expression — the four foundations of learning.
1. Belonging
Children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and connected to others. A strong sense of belonging helps children build relationships, develop identity, and feel confident in their learning environment.
2. Well-Being
Well-being focuses on children’s physical and mental health. When children feel healthy, secure, and supported in managing their emotions, they are better able to explore and learn.
3. Engagement
Engagement happens when children are actively involved in play, inquiry, and exploration. Through hands-on experiences and problem-solving, children develop curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
4. Expression
Expression is how children communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Children use many forms of expression—such as language, art, movement, and play—to share their understanding of the world.
1. Belonging
Children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and connected to others. A strong sense of belonging helps children build relationships, develop identity, and feel confident in their learning environment.
2. Well-Being
Well-being focuses on children’s physical and mental health. When children feel healthy, secure, and supported in managing their emotions, they are better able to explore and learn.
3. Engagement
Engagement happens when children are actively involved in play, inquiry, and exploration. Through hands-on experiences and problem-solving, children develop curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
4. Expression
Expression is how children communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Children use many forms of expression—such as language, art, movement, and play—to share their understanding of the world.
