Top News Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

2018/10/16 by R.M.S.

Creating a Love for Reading

This is an exciting week because students have the opportunity to enjoy the yearly Scholastic book fair! Over the three days of the book fair, students have the opportunity to make a wish list, which they can share with parents, who can either send money in or attend the school to purchase the books. We offer an excellent selection of books and related items for all age groups, and even get students excited by having random book giveaways each day. Plus the proceeds help us earn books for the school library!

Students at RMS book fair at private school in Brampton

Students looking through a selection of books together at the RMS yearly Scholastic book fair

We love seeing students get excited to read! Experts tell us that reading is an important part of a child’s overall health and well-being. In fact, Canadian paediatricians suggest that children who do not learn to read well, may have problems later in life. According to an article posted by caringforkids.cps.ca, you can help your child to develop good reading skills in many ways. Here are just a few of the many suggestions outlined in the article Promoting reading in school-aged children:

Make reading part of your routine every day. Even just a few minutes each day will make a difference. It is also a great way to create a special bond with your child. Plus, continue to read out loud to your child even when he or she can read alone. Experts also suggest that you read books that are a bit above your child’s reading level, as long as they are books that he or she can still understand and enjoy.
Be a role model and let your children see you read. If he or she sees you and other family members reading books, newspapers and magazines, he or she will learn that reading is important, fun and valuable.
Consider creating a special reading space in your home that is quiet and cozy. Keep books close to this area.
Use rhymes, games and songs. Singing traditional songs and telling stories can all enhance your child’s learning opportunities. This can also be a great way to expose your child to other languages.
Practice writing. Reading and writing go together. Children can practice their writing skills by making lists, keeping a journal, making a catalogue of their collections, or writing to friends, family, or favourite authors (many have websites with an address for fan mail).

Student at RMS book fair at private school in Brampton

A student selecting her preferred book for her book fair wish list

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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2018/10/15 by R.M.S.

Why Collaborative Groups?

We understand the importance of cooperative learning and the need for students to learn skills for success in the twenty-first century, such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and innovation. Recently some of our Grade 4 students learned about biomes, ecosystems, habitats and communities in collaborative groups. In order to help these students explore these topics in more detail, guidelines from the teacher were given and students were asked to conduct research in small groups using Chromebooks. Their first task was to learn about the five most important biomes. Afterwards they needed to prepare slides to help present their findings together. Not only did this project allow students to work in collaborative groups, but it gave each student the chance to take responsibility for his or her piece of the larger project, plan for the outcome, and complete the plan.

Students in group work at RMS Private School in Brampton-

One of the groups working together on grassland biome research using Chromebooks

Experts suggest that all of the soft skills learned in groups are necessary for preparing students for the workplace in the future. “Studies of cooperative-learning strategies regularly report an increase in engagement and active participation in the learning process, which in turn increase student motivation, time on task, and improve cognitive reasoning and the ability to see from others’ perspectives” (Munro, O’Brien, Payton, 2006). Click here for more information about why it is essential to teach students to work together in groups from a young age.

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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2018/10/05 by R.M.S.

Learning Real World Mathematics

At RMS, we understand the importance of extending what is learned in the classroom to real world situations, especially when learning mathematics. Experts like S.Wuolle (2016) suggest that students who experience meaningful real world connections are better able to apply their mathematics knowledge and skills, and can adapt to new situations (Boaler, 1998). Additionally, the British Columbia Ministry of Education states that real world connections are necessary in order to build numeracy in students (2008). So what is real world connection? Simple analogies, analysis of real data, discussion of mathematics in society, hands-on representation of mathematics concepts, mathematical modeling of real phenomena, and even the classic word problem can be considered to be real world connections (Gainsburg, 2008). Therefore, our teachers at RMS do their best to bring real world examples into the classroom. Recently some of the Grade 3 students extended their learning experience of the mathematical concept of estimating sums and applied it to the real world situation of grocery shopping. Each group of students was given a grocery flyer and was assigned the task of preparing a grocery list and estimating the cost of the list. The students were very excited to see what is was like to walk in mom and dad’s shoes for a while, as they eagerly began picking out grocery items for a healthy, balanced grocery list and then rounding the amounts to add up the cost of their lists. Below is a video that shows our smart 21st century learners busy collaborating with their friends to stay on budget with groceries!

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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2018/10/01 by R.M.S.

Supporting Students with Love

Stepping into a new class at the beginning of a new academic year if often challenging for both the teacher and student. For the student, a new grade brings a new teacher with new rules and new expectations. For our Grade 8 students at Rowntree Montessori Schools, the new academic year is the final step before high school. Every September, each student in the Grade 8 class at the RMS Academy campus is greeted with a gift bag, which we call “The Bag of Love.” Each item in this bag has a significant meaning, and is put in the bag to help the students adjust to the expectations of being in a leadership role at a top private school. For example, this year the bag included a water bottle for students to lead by example, drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated. It also included an eraser, so that students could remember that it is ok to make mistakes, as long as they learn from them and move on to make improvements. It also included a piece of string, to remind students that at RMS they are tied together in friendship, and that they should support each other. A star was included in the bag to remind students to shoot for the stars and set goals on their academic journey and in life.

Many other items were included in the bag this year, each with a purpose of bettering the experience of our Grade 8 students as they complete their final year with us. The students were excited to receive the Bags of Love, appreciated the kind gesture and made a commitment to work together to be leaders in the school and in the community. With this simple gesture, we see that classroom rules are followed easily as students transition from Grade 7 to 8. Building a student’s character is a fundamental goal of staff at RMS, as we not only want our students to be academically prepared for their futures, but also good citizens of the world.

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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2018/09/27 by R.M.S.

Want More For Your Child?

If you are looking for a better education for your child, consider Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS). We offer a progressive, well-rounded curriculum, and have been voted the best Private School in Brampton by local residents for the last 6 years. One of the areas of focus that students at RMS excel at is robotics. Students love designing and controlling robots, which allows them to sharpen their motor skills and think creatively from a young age. In robotics, students can engage with other students socially, working and communicating together as a team. It also prepares students for the increasing use of artificial intelligence and promotes teamwork and collaboration. Our coding and robotics activities often involve the use of Dash and Dot robots along with wireless tablets. Not only do we teach robotics in the classroom, but we also have extra curricular robotics teams that students can choose to participate on.

This is just one example of how RMS ensures that the curriculum meets and surpasses the Ministry set guidelines. We offer robotics and French starting in Pre-Kindergarten Montessori, and have small classroom sizes, with low teacher to student ratios. At RMS we have a code of conduct that supports discipline and security, with positive reinforcement and praise. We accept children any time during the year, and even offer an award-winning Summer Learning Camp.

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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2018/09/13 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 .

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.

2018/07/24 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 .

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.

2018/07/13 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 .