Intended to foster an understanding of the role of language in learning. Participants acquire an awareness of language development and the implications of this understanding for curriculum planning. Candidates become familiar with Ministry of Education and Training guidelines as well as teaching strategies and materials reflecting current practice in the language arts. Teacher candidates are encouraged to develop a personal philosophy of language arts education based on selected professional readings, coursework, and observation of children in schools.

Designed to help beginning teachers to (i) examine how children learn mathematics; (ii) develop a positive attitude toward and an interest in mathematics; (iii) teach mathematics with problem solving as the primary focus; (iv) understand the elements of planning and assessing a comprehensive mathematics curriculum; and (v) establish a classroom environment that supports children's learning of mathematics. Models experiences that help teacher candidates to construct personal knowledge of mathematical techniques, skills and processes through meaningful opportunities to learn (including the application of information technology).

Provides teacher candidates with the opportunity to enhance skills, attitudes and understandings to enable them to teach, learn and function as informed citizens in a culturally diverse society and world. Candidates explore ways to study communities, heritage, history, and geography, using the Ontario curriculum documents and a variety of strategies and resources.

Learning to teach elementary science and technology and developing a positive attitude toward these subject areas are explored through a variety of approaches including student-centred learning, problem-based learning, hands-on activities, and integrated learning experiences. Teacher candidates begin to become familiar with the science and technology curriculum mandated by the Ontario Ministry of Education through the exploration of content, skills and strategies for effective teaching, and through reflective practice.

An introduction to visual art in the elementary grades. Participants come to understand that visual art is a form of personal expression and that it can be employed to increase visual perception and awareness. Through experimentation with the foundation materials of visual art, and by utilizing their various environments as sources of inspiration, participants will gain confidence in their ability to make artistic choices and to provide meaningful art experiences for their students. Topics include the elements and principles of design, colour theory, drawing, and assessment and evaluation of art. Materials fee $7.

Introduces drama in the elementary grades, and encourages teachers to apply dramatic and performance skills and techniques to the presentational aspects of their teaching practice. Through a lens of story-telling, various experiential exercises help students acquire basic dramatic skills and techniques to develop strategies and approaches to foster dramatic activity and presentation in their future classrooms. Topics include drama games, story-telling and story-building, character, staging, acting, and thematic and cross-curricular integration. Work in movement, voice and creative play enhance confidence and ability to incorporate dramatic form for the classroom. Materials fee $7.

An introduction to music in the elementary grades. Focuses on the integrative aspects of music in the classroom and in the curriculum, and introduces effective strategies and materials. Through experiential learning, participants develop their own musical skills and confidence. Various topics relating to arts advocacy, technology and music, music in the early and middle years, instrumental and vocal music, and composition and notation will be addressed. Materials fee $7.

Provides teacher candidates with the opportunity to develop understandings, skills and attitudes to effectively teach physical and health education and to help children develop an active, healthy lifestyle. Candidates become familiar with Ministry of Education curriculum documents and a variety of teaching/learning strategies and resources.