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2019/04/04 by Natalie

The Director of Education’s View on Virtual Reality

I recently spent two hours on a field trip with a group of Grade 5 students at a Virtual Reality arcade. I have participated in a couple of workshops on “VR”, and I have worked with some of my students on Augmented Reality projects. However, what I just experienced was a first-hand lesson in the technological sophistication of this generation of students. I regularly see these students ably using their Chromebooks to enhance their learning, and I am always impressed by the ease with which they use technology, ranging from Google Apps to Lego Robotics. One of the key reasons why we are increasingly employing educational technology is to meet the students in their world, so their learning will be relevant to their lives. What I saw, as so many of them easily and intuitively navigated complex devices and hardware, was the extent to which they are truly comfortable operating in virtual spaces.

While many of the activities were game-like, their educational value not readily apparent, there were also athletic experiences, and one in which the user performed the various tasks associated with running a restaurant. These “job simulator” games, as they become increasingly life-like, are being used in fields such as emergency first response and surgery in which practice on real subjects can be dangerous. Though the true utility of Virtual Reality in elementary education has not yet been imagined, especially at the current costs of good devices, what it gave me today was a new perspective on how our students interact with technology, educational or otherwise. Comparing today’s experience to a visit to an arcade in my youth, I was further reminded of the almost incomprehensible technological advances of the last few decades. Our students truly live, and learn, in a world that is profoundly different from that which was experienced by their parents and teachers. If our teaching and their learning does not reflect these changes, then we are not preparing them for success in their ever-changing world. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, as an Award-Winning private school, we are always looking to further enhance each child’s learning experience, and field trips and workshops continue to add an important learning element in the curriculum.

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

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2019/03/29 by Natalie

Learning Values and Skills Through Physical Education

We all know that physical fitness is a vital component in leading a healthy lifestyle. However, Physical Education class at RMS not only helps students maintain fitness, develop motor skills and muscular strength (while improving cardiovascular health), but also often improves learning in other areas. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, Phys-Ed class is an important part of the curriculum, and encompasses many teachable elements. Not only are there many competitive sports teams at RMS, such as soccer or track and field for students to participate in, but we also offer non competitive sports clubs such as cricket or basketball.

Students at sports match during Extra Curricular Activities - Showing Good Sportsmanship at RMS Private School in Brampton — Students at RMS thanking their competitors for a great game!

Our Physical Education teachers design and lead many fitness drills, demonstrate sports techniques and highlight a different sport each month, all year long, so that students get a good grasp of many different sports. Fitness assessments take place three times per year, where students are encouraged to build their stamina through beep tests, build their strength with push-ups, improve core strength with sit ups and work on their flexibility through a plethora of exercises. Various health topics are also taught in Phys-Ed class to students, including oral hygiene, personal hygiene, personal safety, body movement and body systems (for example the respiratory system, the nervous system, the digestive system).

Students at RMS in all grades learn many positive attributes from learning about sports and fitness that carry over into their overall academic performance. For example, in Phys-Ed class we teach positive values such as sportsmanship, teamwork and honesty, and skills such as striving for best personal performance, positive self-esteem and group participation. We believe that learning values and skills important in one area of study can help another. For example, maintaining good sportsmanship is taught in all Phys-Ed classes, and is also extremely beneficial in all other academic areas, especially when working in teams. We also see that participating in team sports is a good way of building positive self-esteem and confidence. In all grades, self-esteem is very important for students to do their best thinking and to increase interactions with teachers and other students. Students that believe in themselves seem far more able to ask more questions, and are willing to work hard to find the answers when needed.

Students playing Cricket after school with friends and family members.

According to an article posted by All Gymnastics University, “sports and Physical Education are a great way of teaching discipline and the value of hard work. As with most things in life, there are no shortcuts. Any athlete, regardless of their level, has to work hard to improve and reach his or her full potential.” This is true not only for our Physical Education classes, but for many areas within our curriculum. When students learn good principles like discipline, grit or resilience in one subject, such as Physical Education, it can often be carried over to other areas with proper direction and nurturing from teachers and mentors.

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

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2019/03/20 by Natalie

Hands On Pizza Fraction Fiesta

“We learn by doing. Brains are wired through hands-on interaction with the physical world.” – Grade 3 RMS Teacher

Acquiring a solid foundation in mathematical concepts at an early age is critical to a child’s future learning and development of Math skills. Some concepts are more easily absorbed than others. The concept of fractions is one that often makes it to the “I don’t get it!” list. Despite their presence in our daily lives, fractions can be a challenging unit for some students to fully comprehend. The use of manipulative material when teaching these concepts is an effective method that has proved to be highly stimulating and thereby successful in helping students of all age groups to absorb and consolidate mathematical concepts.

Recently Grade 3 students at RMS Private School in Brampton engaged in a fun activity of making their own pizza. Seen in the video below is a student preparing her pizza while describing the fractions of toppings that she will use.

These types of learning tasks serve a dual purpose. Firstly, students get to interact with mathematical concepts in a tangible form, while also gaining a clear knowledge of its relevance in the real world. Introducing challenging concepts with familiar everyday items, especially the edible kind, is sure to infuse a zest for Math in students who might fear the subject, and withdraw from it because of a notion of not being able to grasp the theory. Whatever the case may be, the Fraction Pizza Fiesta was more than just a fun and engaging activity. It not only cemented the concept, but it also satisfied the cravings of a class full of pizza lovers!

Grade 3 student learning about fractions as she prepares her personal pizza.

Rowntree Montessori Schools continues to take great strides in its efforts to consistently and conscientiously develop its programs to meet the growing needs of a wide range of learners in a rapidly changing world! For more information about our award-winning programme, contact us at 905-790-3838. We are still accepting applications for September 2019. Apply today!

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

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2019/03/08 by Natalie

Math Day Offers Real World Experiences

We recently completed our Annual Math Day, where students had the opportunity to shop at the “Rowntree City Centre.” This was an exciting day for everyone, as students had a fun and rewarding time learning how to budget their finances and organize their spending goals for the day. As the much awaited Math day approached, everyone was excited to see the release of the new “Rowntree Dollar,” designed and printed by students.

The students from Grades 4 to 7 were responsible for setting up stores and activities throughout the school, while the Grade 8 students took on the responsibility of helping keep the finances tracked and organized. Our Kindergarten to Grade 3 students had the privilege of receiving the Rowntree dollars and participating as shoppers, all while the RMS Leadership Council (RLC) kept the event running smoothly, as they acted as mall security.

$Students purchasinng items at Math Day 2019 at Rowntree Montessori Schools$

Our Grade 8 students did an amazing job of explaining the spending system to our shoppers. Plenty of guidance and advice was offered to the younger students, who excitedly spent their Rowntree Dollars! It was indeed interesting to watch how the students shopped. Some students used all of their money even before their shopping time ended. While other students were more thoughtful and careful in their spending. Some students even borrowed money from their friends to take home gifts for their family members. This shopping extravaganza saw many tired shoppers taking a rest in order to re-fuel and re-visit the stores for more amazing bargains!

Math Day was yet another event of reflection, showcasing many of our school values: Dedication, Responsibility, Co-operation, Commitment, Leadership and Unity. Watching our students lead each other, guide each other with such confidence and ease, makes us realize that this is truly a one-of-a-kind student community. The sheer potential of our students never ceases to amaze us! The day ended with a Math Fashion show that everyone enjoyed watching. Take a look at the video below for a quick preview of this enjoyable activity at the RMS Academy Campus.

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

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2019/02/28 by Natalie

Stopping Bullying on Pink Day

In recognition of Anti-Bullying Day on February 28th, the RMS community wore pink. Pink symbolizes caring, tenderness, acceptance and calmness. National Pink Shirt Day was inspired by students from a high school in Halifax, NS. David Shepherd, Travis Price and their teenage friends organized a high-school protest to wear pink in sympathy for a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. They took a stand against bullying when they protested against the harassment of this student by distributing pink t-shirts to all the boys in their school. For more information on this initiative, click here. This practice of not tolerating bullying has now become wide spread in schools, and at RMS as a community we are coming together to celebrate inclusiveness and acceptance of the things that make us unique, while connecting us at the same time. We are continuing to reinforce the positive messages of the WITS program that was introduced in the Fall of last year. The WITS program brings together schools, families and communities to create safe, responsive environments that help elementary school children deal with bullying. Our teachers are encouraged to review the messages of the WITS Anti-Bully Campaign, to talk about what acceptance looks like inside and outside of school, and to take pictures and to play fun games that engage students in creative role-play in the classroom, all while learning about bullying prevention.

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, bullying of any kind is not acceptable. We know that bullying is defined as repeated or habitual aggressive behaviour, abuse or intimidation of a person, because the person or persons bullying have more power or advantage (based on any number of factors such as size, status, age, being part of a group, abilities, or other attributes). We make sure that our students are very aware of why bullying is not acceptable, and we help our students understand what bullying is and what it is not. We make an effort to empower and encourage students to act responsibly to create a positive environment in our school and be proactive in stopping and reporting bullying should it occur. It is not just on Pink Day that we encourage anti-bullying. At RMS, we follow the WITS Anti-Bullying Program that includes many activities for students that reinforce the importance of making positive choices all year long. We encourage all teachers, administration and support staff to actively create a safe learning community where children can thrive and model behaviours that support tolerance, cooperation and understanding.

According to the Government of Canada, “all adults – including parents – should talk openly about bullying with the children in their care, and should be prepared to deal directly with any problems that arise, whether at school, among groups of friends, or in other social situations.” For more information on how to recognize signs of bullying and for tips on intervention, click here. For more information on preventing cyber bullying, click here and find out how to get “CyberSafe.”

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

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2019/02/27 by Natalie

Montessori Learning Time

When you look into one of our Brampton Kindergarten classrooms during Montessori learning time, you will see a variety of things taking place. For example, you might see children practicing their cutting skills, using scissors to cut along different kinds of lines. Maybe you would see a child practicing pouring sand from a jug into smaller glasses. You might see another child using tweezers to move pompoms or buttons from one container to another, counting as they go. Perhaps you would see a child using the Montessori Moveable Alphabet to practice making words on a Montessori mat on the carpet, or the sandpaper letters to practice writing individual letters. Another child might be using the Montessori Addition Strip Board to practice their adding. Continuing to look around, you might see children matching up letters to pictures or objects, working on their initial or ending sounds. No matter what, you will undeniably see a lot of different learning taking place in our Kindergarten classrooms during Montessori learning time!

Kindergarten students using Montessori materials at Rowntree Montessori Schools Private School in Brampton — Students using different learning and practical life materials during Montessori learning time

Montessori learning time has so much value in our Kindergarten classrooms. The hands-on nature of the Montessori Method truly allows for children to grow in their independence across multiple subject areas. The children have opportunity not only to work in areas such as Language and Math using Montessori materials, but also in practical everyday life ways, such as practicing using cutlery or practicing zipping up a zipper on a zipper frame. It is a valuable educational approach, used not only in these independent sessions but also in our lessons. Children respond so well to these materials, and can take the learning that they do here and apply it elsewhere with ease. Our students are always excited for Montessori learning time!

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To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

2019/02/26 by Natalie

Mastering the Respiratory System in Prep-ONE (SK) Science

The human body is one of the most fascinating topics to learn about! Recently our Prep-ONE (SK) students learned about how the different systems work together to keep the human body functioning. In the process of learning about the various systems, we reviewed some informative resources, which included non-fiction books, models of the human body, as well as posters from our Montessori materials. Additionally, through the use of the interactive online activities, our Prep-ONE students learned about the concept of separate components working together to build a body system.

The video above shows our Prep-ONE class discussing the Respiratory System. In this lesson, our students learned about how the Respiratory System allows us to take in vital oxygen and expel carbon dioxide in a process we call breathing. It consists mainly of the nose/mouth, trachea, bronchial tubes, lungs, and the diaphragm. The purpose of teaching these systems is to help our young students understand that the different systems within the body work independently and together to form a functioning human body. They absolutely loved this topic, as you can see from their eagerness to get involved in the conversation.

Prep-ONE students at the Central Park campus working on an activity about the human respiratory system — Students putting together models of the Respiratory System

Research indicates that young children who are taught using hands-on teaching methods do better in school than those who are not. As a result, we used many different hands-on activities to learn about the systems of the body. This was not only informative, but also very fun and engaging for students. In the picture above you can see how students created a three-dimensional project using recycled materials such as yarn, pipe cleaners, and scraps of paper to create the Respiratory System of the human body. Through this activity, our students learned various skills, which included (but were not limited to): control, communication, concentration, problem solving skills and dedication to finishing tasks. As Albert Einstein once said, “I never teach my pupils, I only provide the conditions in which they can learn.”

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

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2019/02/20 by Natalie

Learning through Performance

Recently the students at the Academy Campus from Kindergarten Montessori to Grade 4 had the privilege of watching a live performance of the Paper Bag Princess, a much-loved story by Canadian children’s author Robert Munsch. This spellbinding production was brought to the school by the “To Be Determined Theatre Company.” This group that has been touring youth focused theatre in Ontario, for the last eight years.

The production embodies the message of Grit, Teamwork, Kindness and Patience. Some of these values are fast diminishing from today’s society, and this production surely delivered these valuable messages. For example, through the kidnapping of Prince Ronald, who Elizabeth and Emily really cared for they realize that putting aside their differences and working together was the only way to free Ronald from the dungeon. Through their journey they learned to be empathetic, kind and patient with each other.

Instilling these morals at a young age is one of many responsibilities that we as adults, parents and educators have in our fast-paced, ever-changing world. Finding interesting ways to inculcate these morals ensures that students will embrace these morals. This fascinating theatrical production of the Paper Bag Princess most certainly succeeded in bringing these moral values out loud and clear, leaving our students absolutely mesmerized! Plus we are now celebrating the Festival of the Arts, so learning values through performance is perfectly in line with what we are celebrating this week.

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

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2019/02/17 by Natalie

Robotics for Young Children

How are Kindergarten Students Learning about Robotics and How to Code at RMS?

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, our students start learning about Coding and Robotics as early as the age of three and a half years old in our Pre-Kindergarten Montessori classes. Students can begin to understand the basics of Coding and Robotics using unplugged coding materials, such as figurines (that represent robots), cards and grids (on which they will execute the various coding instructions). In the example pictured below, our students face the challenge of navigating the dinosaur “robot” from one place to another, while avoiding pitfalls such as snakes and other barriers. This type of activity teaches and reinforces computational thinking, such that our students learn to approach the problem (getting the dinosaur safely “home”). It is not simply a matter of getting the dinosaur “robot” from A to B, the students must break down and “code” each step within the solution.

Once students understand the basics of coding, they can more easily transfer their knowledge and skills to a combination of tablets, specialized coding apps and our Dash & Dot robots. That might involve the same size grids as pictured above, smaller versions of it or much larger taped versions which can take up almost the entirety of a classroom floor. Students are presented with increasingly complex challenges that require more sophisticated solutions which can involve not only directional commands, but also the blinking of lights and commanding their robots to speak.

Beyond computational thinking and the acquisition of basic digital literacy, coding and robotics in our younger grades promote collaborative skills and help nurture resilience among our students. From the most basic unplugged coding task to the solving of more difficult Dash & Dot challenges, our students are presented with difficult material that often requires extensive trial and error to master. Coding and robotics can be fun and exciting, but it can also be challenging and frustrating. We believe that success on difficult tasks leads to deep and more meaningful learning. It is predicted that many future jobs will require strong problem-solving skills and a resilient attitude. Learning the fundamentals of computational thinking and sequential thinking from coding and Robotics starting at a young age is a great way to give our students a head start. The students pictured below had just solved a complex Dash & Dot challenge. Their excitement was the result of having worked collaboratively to solve a complex and difficult task. At RMS, we aim to cultivate such moments through the application of rigorous academics which are delivered in a nurturing and supportive environment.

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

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2019/02/07 by Natalie

Putting French Into Action

At RMS, French education plays a very important role in preparing students for successful careers. Not only do we teach French at all levels, starting from Pre-Kindergarten Montessori, but we also expose our students to many activities where they get to explore the value of learning French. Our French department has recently been busy preparing for the annual French Carnival, “Le Carnaval de Rowntree.” Today both students and staff enjoyed many activities that helped expose our private school students to the French language and French culture, from creating French crafts, to French computers, to learning a new dance with the bonhomme (snowman) as seen in the image below.

There are many activities at RMS where students learn French to master the skills in each of the four interconnected strands: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. For example, along with being a fun activity, role playing allows students to not only act out real life roles but to build confidence and improve their communication skills. Role playing is a great resource when teaching a second language. Grade 1 students at the Academy Campus are currently working on a French project called “Prof du Jour”. Students are very excited to take turns to be the “Teacher of the Day.” This activity allows students to practice French in conversational situations and interact with their peers in a second language. Students have the opportunity to apply basic French greetings when starting the day and complete daily routines such as reviewing the calendar with the days, months and the type of weather in French. It is a valuable class experience where students really enjoy using the French language.

Bon travail, les enfants!

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

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