• the curriculum for kindergarten classrooms is a play-based learning model; and
• this type of play based learning model includes a wide range of activities all of which have the concept of play at the centre of their design; and
• the curriculum for the remaining grades of one through six is more of an academic model, which includes a more structured approach to learning; and
• kindergarten and grade one classrooms are currently allowed to be split; and
• a kindergarten and grade one split classroom could include children between the ages of four to seven; and
• children at age four and five have quite different learning and social capabilities comparatively to a child who is six or seven; and
• in older grades the age difference is less notable; and
• this split classroom model requires a teacher to teach both classes with the differing education models and to deal with learning and social differences between the children of different ages; and
• the two teaching models, of play based versus academic are not conducive to a split classroom setting due to their vast differences in learning approaches; and
• children in a grade one classroom should be in a learning setting that allows them to focus to the best of their abilities without distraction from a competing play based learning model; and
• children in kindergarten should be allowed to utilize the play-based model to the full extent without concern for disruption to a grade one class;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the PEI Home and School Federation shall request that the Department of Education and Early Years Department conduct a review around the appropriateness of kindergarten being included in split classes with the intent of creating a policy that in elementary schools, split classes shall only include grades one through six.