Learners in Kindergarten through Grade 2 develop many ideas before they enter the Primary Block. They are curious, and have individual interests, abilities, and needs. They possess varying histories, funds of knowledge, life experiences, and cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Learning in the Primary Block nurtures individual interests and engagement while connecting background knowledge with new experiences. Investigating objects, events, local environment, their own physical changes, and unique characteristics is a key part of learning in this block.This may be the first time that a Primary Block learner has entered formal learning spaces and must follow a daily schedule. Primary Block learning is embedded in everyday activities, such as playing, reading, making, and storytelling. Curiosity is fostered when learners are engaged in meaningful and culturally relevant activities.

Learners in the Primary Block are:

• becoming independent and making friends outside of family groups.
• developing important skills in fair play and learning how to cooperate.
• encountering family units and routines different from their own.
• making sense of their environments through observations and interactions at home and in their communities.

Primary Block learners need:

• to have their basic needs met before they are ready to learn.
• validation and affection from educators and peers.
• to feel safe and appreciated in order to learn.
• to communicate and reason so they have the necessary resources to observe, explain ideas, and negotiate with families and friends.

Primary Block learners experience:

• opportunities to practice and explore a variety of areas to nurture identity, foster learning and increase engagement.
• learning collaboratively during various experiences within their households and close contacts.
• collaborative learning and exploration of their interests
• looking for patterns, observing using their senses, engaging in reciprocal communication, and working towards shared goals.
• positive and consistent affirmation of expressed identities and needs.