Top News Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

2018/09/13 by R.M.S.

Forecast Calls for 100% STEM

Our modern world is highly driven by the components of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). It is important that as a top private school in Brampton, that we develop learners that keep asking hard questions, develop creative solutions, formulate plans, conduct research and apply it to real world problems. This term the Grade 1 students at Rowntree Montessori Schools are learning all about weather and seasonal changes in Science. This week we focused on various types of weather, tracking it through daily observation to understand temperature changes throughout the seasons. While tracking the weather as a group, each day our class engages in daily discussions about the importance of recognizing temperature changes and weather patterns. This brought us to the discussion of who and what the weather impacts and why it is important to be aware of the weather patterns and changes.

Students at RMS private school holding a thermometer and learning about the weather

Grade 1 students at the Downtown Campus learning about the weather

Our students are naturally curious, and so the STEM approach to learning is a perfect fit for this curiosity of the real world. It encourages students to question, explore, and wonder about the world around them. Our students have been challenged to think of different ways to check and track the weather to help people like farmers track climate changes. This week they learned to use a thermometer for the temperature, a ruler and a cup to measure the accumulation of rainwater and explored online weather resources to identify various weather transitions and changes. After exploring various weather measuring instruments, the students challenged themselves to make their own weather measuring tools. After many models and diagrams were drawn up, it was decided that they wanted to create something to measure the speed of the wind. This presented the challenge of building their own version of a wind tracking machine that had to be able to move with the wind to determine whether the wind was moving fast or slow.

RMS private school Grade 1 students in Brampton building an instrument to measure the wind

Stuents building their own wind tracking machine

STEM promotes cooperative learning, collaboration, problem solving but also provides an environment where students learn to work together by listening and learning to the ideas of others. The students began by drawing out a model of what they wanted their machine to look like and then determined what materials they would need and where to place them. They were happy to create an overall plan for their instrument. After testing many different materials they came up with a final product. It is important that in the STEM approach to learning that the students focus on the learning and not just the outcome. Even though the goal was to create a solution to a weather problem, the questions, plus the critical and innovative thinking they used during the process, was the most important part in the learning process. STEM as an approach to learning, not only exposes children to many experiences but also fosters them to develop an innovative mindset that we hope they carry with them into their futures.

Grade 1 student in Brampton school testing out her invention to measure the wind

Student testing out her wind measuring instrument

“We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself” – Lloyd Alexander

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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2018/07/25 by R.M.S.

Montessori Materials in Kindergarten

We are often asked questions about what types of Montessori materials we use in our Pre-Kindergarten Montessori to Prep-One (SK) classes. As a result, we have put together some information for parents who have questions. Firstly, feel free to click here for an easy to read article outlining the basic types of Montessori materials used within a classroom. According to the article, there are three types of Montessori materials. Sensorial materials are “designed to help children learn through their senses.” We use these types of materials in our Kindergarten grades on a daily basis, predominantly during language time, math time and social studies. For example, the Pink Tower is used to help children learn about width and height, whereas nobless cylinders help teach about diameter, and metal insets allow students to trace shapes and prepare them to get started with printing and gripping pencils. All of these materials are built to excite children to touch and to learn about their environment through exploration.

Kindergarten students using Montessori materials

Practical life materials “are real, everyday tools, often scaled down for little hands and statures. They teach real-life skills such as sweeping, pouring, washing dishes, setting a table, or dressing.” We also use these materials regularly so that children can learn to tie their shoe laces, fold and sort laundry such as socks, measuring cups to learn how to pour liquid and dry materials, buttons for dressing and many items that you may find on the dinner table to prepare students for setting a table. We agree with the above article, in that children will instinctively imitate the everyday activities that they see around them, so practical life materials offer a great way for students to “develop small and large motor skills, balance, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, independence, confidence and more” all with familiar items.

Kindergarten student using real-life materials to learn through Montessori teaching method

Student using real-life materials to learn small motor skills and hand-eye coordination

Lastly, we use Academic Montessori materials on a daily basis to prepare students for progression in math and language. For example, you will find out students using sand paper letters, numbers and counters during math, spindle boxes for object counting and basic 1 to 1 addition and subtraction and golden beads for more complex counting and addition and subtraction. It is important that Montessori materials attract a child’s attention, and that they are “connected to a series” so that children can progress in their learning. Successful materials must allow children to make mistakes and correct their errors, so that they learn confidence and a sense of self-criticism. Our Kindergarten students at RMS enjoy all of the Montessori inspired learning activities that take place, and definitely benefit from this kind of instruction.

Kindergarten students using Montessori materials in private school to learn about math

Kindergarten students using golden beads and number counters during math activity

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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2018/07/24 by R.M.S.

Teaching Children Core Values

Raising children is an enormous responsibility. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, we make every effort to be part of the community that helps grow and shape young minds. We recently came across an interesting article that highlights the need to teach children 7 Core Values. Click here to read this article written by S. Campbell. Below are some of the highlights that we would like to share.

Teamwork: Note only is it critical that we show our children the necessity of teamwork by getting them involved in school and community activities, but we must also make sure they understand the importance of being a valuable asset to each environment they are a part of. At our private school, students have the ability to participate in many different team environments, from multiple sports clubs and teams, to Robotics club, Model United Nations, to participating in community outings and leadership opportunities where the older students can be role models for younger students at concerts and school trips.
Self-Care: According to the article, children must learn to put their responsibilities first and free-time second, in order to feel successful and to be at their best. At RMS, we encourage our students to be the best version of themselves at all times, whether on school trips, when working on projects with others, or whether at home working on their Chromebooks. However, we always ensure a school-life balance, so our teachers make sure that students are never overwhelmed with school priorities. Our school calendar is monitored closely, and our Principal is very involved with each classroom, so that homework plans and project plans are put together in a way that ensures students can always be successful in meeting their priorities, leaving them time for life outside of school, and for other fulfilling and fun activities.
Seeing Possibilities Where Others See Problems: Campbell states the value of helping teach children persistence and consistency in thought and action towards solving their problems. We could not agree more. Problem solving is a fundamental skill that we teach at our private school. Giving our students access to the tools they need to help solve their problems is pivotal. Not only do we focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in a multidisciplinary way when learning to problem solve, but we offer tools like robotics, computers, Chromebooks, interactive whiteboards and many other hands on materials to help our students find solutions. This offers them the opportunity for personal development and growth, and prepares them for dealing with real world problems.
Motivation: We agree that encouragement, validation and support are necessary in helping grow a child’s motivation. At RMS, we make every effort to ensure that each student who walks through our doors feels motivated to succeed, not only at classwork, but also is achieving their goals. We hold a regular monthly assembly to acknowledge student achievement and teachers make the classroom environment comfortable and supportive, but also challenging enough for students to develop their skills and find joy in accomplishing tasks independently and in group projects.
Time Management Skills: According to Campbell, “success is deeply rooted in having exceptional time-management skills.” This is very true, and it is why we ensure that students are required to meet deadlines, and taught to self manage their time responsibly.
Accepting Responsibility: At RMS, we make sure that students take responsibility for any outcomes, both positive and negative. Teachers, Principals and Faculty are all very involved in setting this guideline. At Rowntree Montessori Schools we have a strict code of conduct, which we all abide by to ensure that we have a successful school experience. When mistakes are made, students are taught to take responsibility for their actions, and they are given every support they need to correct actions. Importantly, we also ensure that good work and successful decisions are recognized, so that students who are successful in their decision making can accept positive reinforcement and be role models for others.
Kindness: We agree with Campbell that children must value themselves and others, and that the environment around them is consistently positive and supportive. As educators we set examples everyday for our students about how to be kind, and we believe this is one of the reasons why our families consistently return to our private school, because they cherish the positive influence that our teachers and students have.

Student helping a younger student at RMS private school in Brampton

RMS student showing leadership by helping a younger student

We are always looking for new families to join our school community. If you would like to apply to RMS, please do so by clicking here.

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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2018/07/13 by R.M.S.

Learning Digital Citizenship through Games

This year students at Rowntree Montessori Schools were given the opportunity to learn about online safety through various interactive games. As part of learning about Digital Citizenship, students were given the opportunity to explore different worlds through the use of a Google created game called Interland, that teaches children how to be responsible online. Students had to complete various challenges that taught them how to recognize fake content, to build a safe password, about online etiquette and tasks designed to educate them on what is and is not appropriate to share over the internet. According to Matt Brian of Engaget, “Interland is a puzzler that takes kids through four mini games. Tower of Treasure is designed to help teach younger internet users how to create strong passwords that keep them one step ahead of hackers and Reality River presents 10 multiple choice questions that help identify who and what to trust online. Kind Kingdom educates children on trolling and being nice on the internet, while Mindful Mountain highlights how important it is to share information only with people you trust.” For more information about Interland, click here to read an article by Matt Brian from Engadget.

Student playing Interland and learning about Digital Citizenship

At RMS, we make every effort to keep our students safe and to keep them informed about hwo to be good citizens in this new digital world. For some basic helpful tips about how to be a good online citizen, set strong passwords, and how to set privacy settings, take a look at the article by CBC by clicking here.

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 .

Please kindly SHARE this post with others by clicking onto one or more of the icons below. We would appreciate it and thank you in advance.

2018/06/01 by R.M.S.

Showcasing Sportsmanship

Recently our students participated in the yearly SSAF (Small Schools Athletic Federation) track and field events with over 30 other independent and private schools and 700 students from across the GTA and southern Ontario, held at the Terry Fox Track and Field Stadium in Brampton. Students had an excellent time showcasing their physical talents, and were encouraged to participate in activities that helped teach fair play and sportsmanship. We are proud to announce that multiple medals were won at the Grade 1 to Grade 4 event. One of our students won the silver medal for the 400m run, while another won bronze at the standing long jump and one student won bronze at the running long jump.

Group Track and Field photo from RMS BRampton Private Schools

Students from Grades 1 to 4 at the SSAF Track and Field Meet

Many medals were won from our Grade 6 to Grade 8 private school students, as RMS had its best ever results with multiple gold medals in different events, from running long jump to triple long jump. Not only was success achieved, but so too was a crowd full of cheer and excitement. Our students came together in a wonderful display of sportsmanship to support each other, as they cheered on their relay teams and their peers throughout the day. It was an exciting track and field meet for everyone, and we look forward to next year!

Students showcasing their winning medals at track and field

Research published by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute states that exercise can lead to a unique state of short-term relaxation. That relaxation can promote increased concentration, better memory, enhanced creativity, more effective problem solving, and an improved mood — all benefits that will extend into the classroom.

Track and Field 2018 at RMS Private School

Student doing running long jump

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 .

Please kindly SHARE this post with others by clicking onto one or more of the icons below. We would appreciate it and thank you in advance.

2018/05/25 by R.M.S.

Learning about Butterflies in Kindergarten

Since early Spring, Pre-Kindergarten to Prep-ONE (SK) Kindergarten students have been learning about the lifecycle of a butterfly by caring for these creatures through each stage of the metamorphosis. This has been a great interest based project, as our students were eager to learn about all of the stages of this change. This learning experience gave students the opportunity to observe nature, learn collaboratively, take turns and communicate with peers about what was happening.

Kindergarten student at RMS private School Brampton looking at butterfly

Kindergarten Montessori students looking at butterflies eating

The video below shows the release of our butterflies back into natural habitat. Our release ceremony started with students telling us about the life cycle of butterflies, and then included a poem recited by our Prep-ONE class. All students made a wish as we released the butterflies. Students enjoyed learning about how all things change during their lifetimes. Just as the butterfly develops through four stages of metamorphosis — egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult (butterfly), so too will our Kindergarten students change during the year. We are very proud of our students for participating in this project together, and thank the many parents who participated in the release ceremony.

For more information about the Butterfly Life Cycle, click below to read more from the National Geographic Kids Canada website.

The Butterfly Life Cycle!

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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2018/05/24 by R.M.S.

Teaching Financial Literacy Early

Recently our Grade 3 students at the Academy Campus had the opportunity to learn some fundamental skills to support their learning of financial literacy through the use of currency calculations on interactive whiteboards. Below is a video of students working in pairs to count money spent on purchases, then calculate the change from a given amount. Teaching the concept of spending and saving through the interactive whiteboard and corresponding applications is very enjoyable for students, and extremely useful to start at a young age in preparation for more challenging financial concepts taught in later years at RMS.

We believe it is very important for students to learn the first skills necessary for financial literacy as early as Kindergarten here at Rowntree Montessori Schools private schools. Experts such as Toronto financial literacy analyst Tricia Barry agree that these types of lessons need to be introduced to students at a young age. In fact, for public schools, Barry suggests that “mandated financial literacy lessons need to be introduced by Grade 6, including incorporating the concepts into math class.” However here at RMS Private Schools, we teach these concepts even earlier, giving students a head start towards perfecting their ability to succeed in their futures, when it comes to the topic of finance and related management. For more on this topic, click here to review an article by The Toronto Star.

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 .

Please kindly SHARE this post with others by clicking onto one or more of the icons below. We would appreciate it and thank you in advance.

2018/05/04 by R.M.S.

Coding is Vital in Education

Hands on knowledge of how to code is becoming increasingly more important to employers, and as a result is a vital part of a well-rounded education. Coding skills are used in many different career paths, including Information Technology Workers, Data Analysts, Artists and Designers, Engineers and Scientists. According to a report written by Burning Glass Technologies, programming jobs are growing faster than all other types of jobs. Review the full report by clicking here.

Here at Rowntree Montessori Schools, we start teaching the foundation of coding skills very early in Pre-Kindergarten Montessori as part of the private school education. Our Kindergarten students use Dash and Dot robots to learn how to block code, by giving command instructions to robots, making them follow a path, light up different colours, throw a ball and complete other actions. Take a look at these Grade 4 students working on a challenging online game called Code Monkey. With this learninig game, the students solve problems on a map to the left of the screen by typing in the commands to the right. We use this to transition students from block coding in preparation for more complex coding languages that will be taught after Grade 4.

Grade 4 student at Rowntree Montessori Schools using coding application on a computer at his private school

Grade 4 student using coding game

We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!

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 .

Please kindly SHARE this post with others by clicking onto one or more of the icons below. We would appreciate it and thank you in advance.

2018/04/27 by R.M.S.

STEM Projects Solving Problems

Every year our Grade 1 to Grade 8 students participate in the Annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Fair. This is a great opportunity for our Private School students to enhance their problem solving and public speaking skills. Students start working on their STEM projects in early January, and those in Grades 1-4 are judged upon their use of the scientific process, where they must observe something and try to hypothesize and explain why is has been seen. We had many great projects this year, including one that reviewed the density of objects such as raisins by seeing how they floated in water. Another looked at how well plants would grow depending on what they were given, whether water, milk, pop and other liquids.

Grades 5-8 RMS private school students are judged upon their use of the engineering process, which often times means designing a product (like a machine or computer code) that meets certain criteria and/or accomplishes a certain task to solve a problem. Some of the noteworthy examples this year included one group that engineered the idea of a peanut detector, whereas another set of students redesigned the standard garden rake to be more efficient.

Students explaining their project at RMS STEM Fair 2018

Grade 6 students explaining their winning project at RMS STEM Fair 2018

Students were judged from parents and experts from multiple fields, and it was clear that they put in a lot of time and effort into their projects this year. Selecting the winners is not an easy process, but it allows us to recognize the exceptional efforts and creativity of those that followed the scientific process and the engineering process. Following the STEM Fair is a day of learning and fun for everyone! To celebrate the efforts of the students involved in the STEM Fair, on the second day we enjoyed a school wide bake sale and outdoor learning activities.

RMS Private School students in Brampton at the bake sale

Students at the RMS yearly bake sale

This was especially exciting for our Grade 4 students, who dressed up as scientists and helped take our younger students to the bake sale and to the learning stations outside. All students were able to participate in many learning games and stations, such as learning about density of multiple objects at the water station, learning about how to clean the ocean at the magnetic station and more! In many ways, these two days are some of the most exciting days of the year, as students look forward to showcasing their work, followed by a delicious snack and outdoor learning activity!

RMS Private School students at RMS learning about the density of various objects at school activity

Students learning about density and what will float at an outdoor learning activity

We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!

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 .

Please kindly SHARE this post with others by clicking onto one or more of the icons below. We would appreciate it and thank you in advance.

2018/04/25 by R.M.S.

Spelling takes Perseverance

Recently Grade 2 to Grade 6 students from Rowntree Montessori Schools participated in the 31st Annual Peel Region Spelling Bee Competition. We are very proud of our students for their hard work and dedication, and would like to share the good news that one of our Primary students came in 3rd place overall and one of our Junior students came in 4th place.

RMS Private School students in Brampton competing at spelling bee

Students showcasing their Spelling Bee Certificates

Succeeding in this type of spelling competition is not easy for any student. Our Private School students here at RMS start practicing for the spelling competition in January every year. Learning to spell is not simply about memorizing words, but rather learning about the origin of each word by breaking it down into parts that can be understood. From here our students can go on to learn advanced words, and be proud of their achievements. Congratulations to all of our students who participated in the Spelling Bee Competition!

RMS Private School student in Brampton at spelling bee competition

RMS student spelling a difficult word at the recent Spelling Bee Competition

We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!

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 .