Top News Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

2018/12/06 by R.M.S.

Stepping into Media Literacy

At Rowntree Montessori Schools Academy Campus, the students learn about Media Literacy as part of the English Programme. The year begins with an introduction to Digital Citizenship, which is a necessary lesson for students to gain digital privileges within the school community. The students are expected to learn the following seven Digital Citizenship Rules (www.topdogteaching.com):

I am building my digital footprint every day
I will make safe and appropriate choices while on my device
I will keep my private information private
I will be respectful of myself and others while on my device
I will never share my passwords
I will report all bullying I see while on my device
I will always give credit to sources I use

Students in Grade 6 at Brampton Private School learning about media literacy

Students in Grade 6 showcasing their digital footprints

After learning about Digital Citizenship and passing the required test, the Grade 6 class this year began to explore their digital footprints. The students were asked: “What would we find if we looked at your digital footprint?” This question prompted the students to look at the search history on their school Chromebooks and other devices that they had at home to have a better understanding of their digital life. The students began to write down the patterns they noticed like websites and apps that they regularly visited. Next came the fun part, the students drew pictures and words on an actual footprint to represent themselves. A few of the most common additions were pictures of apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and Google apps (docs, slides, etc.). The students coloured them brightly, and together we cut them out and posted them on the classroom ceiling. They now act as a daily reminder to the students that they are always leaving a digital trail behind them.

Participating in this activity has helped encourage the Grade 6 students to act responsibly in their digital lives. As the school year progresses, the students often return to these conversations of digital citizenship when scenarios arise, and they use the tools they learned to navigate through various situations. We cannot wait to watch these students become digital leaders!

“Social media is changing the way we communicate and the way we are perceived, both positively and negatively. Every time you post a photo or update your status, you are contributing to your digital footprint and personal brand.” – Amy Jo Martin

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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2018/12/03 by R.M.S.

Encouraging Girls in STEM

It goes without saying that females are underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. As we progress further into the 21st Century, this presents a real problem that educators and employers need to address. A lot has been said in the past decade about pay gaps and gender inequality in the workplace and making meaningful changes in STEM-related work environments can help bridge this gap. In neighbouring New York state, there are over 34,000 job openings in Computer Science, that is 4.7 times the state average demand rate. Here in Canada, data shows that 70 percent of bachelor’s degree graduates in Engineering and Computer Information Science found employment in related industries. This is good news for individuals who are naturally STEM-minded, but is the system flawed? How can we make sure to pay close attention to girls in STEM?

Girls using robotics at Rowntree Montessori Schools in Brampton

Female students showing interest in robotics at Rowntree Montessori Schools

Globally, female participation in STEM-related careers are drastically lower than that of males, despite more women graduating from universities worldwide. The World Economic Forum maintains the following: “The reasons for this systematic underrepresentation are multiple and complex, but three things seem to matter most:

1) Aspirations that are molded by social norms and parental expectations

2) Information failures that affect the decision to enter and stay in a STEM field

3) Institutional factors that constrain women’s ability to enter a STEM job.”

Educators have the most control over numbers two and three, but can also help influence social norms and parental expectations as they relate to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. That being said, elevating girls in STEM education should not result in diminishing boys interest in the same topics.

FIRST, the parent organizations of the FLL (First Lego League), has launched the Elevating Girls and Young Women in STEM initiative. Rowntree Montessori Schools is proud to participate in the FLL yearly and recently won the FIRST Core Values Award at the 2017 Provincial Qualifier. FIRST maintains that the, “initiative focuses on the advancement of girls and women in STEM, but it is not exclusionary of the contributions of boys,[o]r men..” What is unique about this program is that it focuses on the inclusion that is so vitally needed in STEM education, helping to drive more diverse thought, innovation and creativity across STEM fields.

Girls using computers at Brampton Private School

Female students using computers

In the last five years, we have seen technology absolutely explode in K-12 education. Not only do students have more access to technology than they ever did before, but they are learning how to use it in ways that were previously reserved for the college-level computer lab. Additionally, a number of companies are jumping on the EdTech bandwagon and introducing new and exciting high-tech, low-tech, and no-tech ways for young people to learn code. RMS’s Motto: Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers, recognizes that successful students of the future include all the boys and girls currently doing great things at our four campuses. We want to ensure that all students have a fair and equal shot at doing great things with STEM. As an organization, we recognize that this can only be achieved if we work together to create an environment where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is genuinely intertwined with what we do every single day. Rowntree Montessori Schools is excited about striving to be the best 21st Century learning institution that it can be, and has introduced a number of new initiatives this year to ensure that STEM is at the forefront of its students’ everyday experience, regardless of gender.

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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2018/11/28 by R.M.S.

Anti-Bullying Week at RMS

According to the Ontario government, teaching students about bullying, is the best way to prevent it from happening. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, bullying of any kind is not accepted. This year we decided to put together an anti-bullying committee to showcase the traits of cooperation, tolerance and positive role-modeling. Last week this committee lead our students in celebrating Anti-Bullying week. It was a fun-filled week of learning about how to prevent bullying, that educated out students about what bullying is, and how to stop it. The week kicked off with an assembly at the Academy Campus where students were encouraged to come together and sing a song called “The WITS Song”. WITS is an acronym that helps children to remember some very important steps to resolving a conflict. W = walk away, I = ignore, T = talk it out, S = seek help. Everyone loved the song, and the experience of learning it together was truly memorable. Watch the video below of students together singing “The WITS Song.”

Day 2 consisted of students making posters with a positive message, that were formed into a collage. Students were also asked to create positivity cards, with messages and images that described themselves, that could be traded with other students to promote their positive self-image. On day 3, students shared their lunch-time and made a new friend from a different class. The Grade 8 class really took some initiative and paired themselves with students from the Pre-Kindergarten classes. At lunch time, teachers encouraged students to eat with someone that they had not previously socialized with, in order to show students how easy it can be to make new friends. Students were given a list of questions to help them start a conversation, and used it to ask their peers questions like “What is your favourite thing to do” and “What is the funniest thing you saw today.”

Students made a pink anti-bullying shirt

Students made pink anti-bullying shirts

On day 4 of Anti-Bullying week, students were asked to make a card that they could give to a friend, to help them learn about the importance of inclusion. Then on day 5, students and staff dressed in pink, and were asked to show random acts of kindness throughout the day. Teachers encouraged students to find opportunities to give compliments to each other, their teachers and the staff throughout the day. Students were also asked to write down what they appreciated about each member of their family, team or class. All positive comment cards were then collected, organized and shared with each student. This way every student received some positive comments from their peers.

Finally, teachers reviewed the the RMS policy on appropriate internet usage with students, to make sure that students fully understand what cyber-bullying is, and how to make sure it is never something they participate in. We are very proud of our students for making an effort all week to learn about bullying prevention, and for providing their commitment to never become a bully. For more information on how to prevent bullying with your children, take a look at the resources available from the Ontario government, 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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2018/11/28 by R.M.S.

Solving Problems with STEM!

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, we believe that as 21st century educators, it is our responsibility to equip our students with the knowledge and skill set that will prepare them for a fulfilling future and give them tools for solving problems when they arise. We do this by presenting students with a monthly STEM-Challenge box, that within it contains a real-life situation or problem that they need to solve. Students are instructed to complete a task, for example design a cleanup mechanism to solve the problem of water pollution, using basic materials such as duct tape, popsicle sticks, paper clips or other.

Each student is expected to collaborate with his or her peers to devise a creative solution to the problem, that will be judged each month by a panel of teachers. Our goal with these challenges, is to offer our students opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills, make decisions independently and collaborate with one another to find solutions to real-world problems. These challenges are a good first step to foster an interdisciplinary way of thinking about global issues. STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) as a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving, and as a component of what we teach, is taking our students’ level of learning and preparation for life, to the next level.

In October, students were asked to design a structure that could transport people from Downtown Toronto to the Toronto Islands. One of the criteria was that the structure needed to be strong and stable enough to support a class novel (with the novel representing one family of people). Each class found a different, and at least somewhat effective, solution, and all projects were displayed in the hallway at the end of the month. The image below shows students in the research and design stage of their challenge, as they engineer a structure for people to travel across Lake Ontario.

Students collaborating on solving a real-world problem using science, technology, engineering and math

Students collaborating on the October STEM-Challenge

Utilizing a STEM approach to learning develops much more than a student’s problem solving, decision making and critical thinking skills. It shapes our students into persevering, committed and patient people who will embrace tomorrow’s challenges with flexible and open minds. Our students are currently working on a very timely and important problem: create a mechanism that can be used to extinguish large forest fires without causing significant damage to the environment. We encourage all students to keep thinking creatively to solve this problem, and we look forward to seeing the solutions you present!

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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2018/11/26 by R.M.S.

Learning to Read in Kindergarten

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, our Kindergarten students have been hard at work learning to read! When you come visit our classroom, you can see the students using many different methods to help them in their reading journey. During our language time, we have been focusing on our beginning phonetic sounds. Phonics in our classrooms, is the practice of teaching children the sounds made by individual letter or letter groups (for example, the letter “c” makes a k sound), and teaching Kindergarten students how to merge separate sounds together to make one word (for example, blending the sounds c, a, t makes CAT).

Kindergarten Montessori schools learning about letter sounds at Rowntree Montessori Schools private school in Brampton

Kindergarten Montessori students learning about letter sounds while reading small words

We use many different methods to teach phonics, as we find the Kindergarten students learn the best when shown visually, with a manipulative and written resource. In order for a child to learn how to spell any word correctly, he or she must be able to recognize the sounds of the letters used in forming the words. At RMS, our teachers want to make sure all of our Kindergarten students feel confident and are well on their way to learning to read by the end of the school year. This is why learning to read is a daily focus that is utilized in all subject areas, not just language time!

Kindergarten student learning to read using worksheets

Student using workbook independently

When a Kindergarten student is taught phonics, the child will be able to recognize sounds in words, and will be able to spell the words correctly. We always start our language time with a circle that introduces the letter and phonetic sound. We use our Montessori moveable letters to build small words with the specific phonetic sound. We also look through text to find words that have the same beginning letters, which also helps increase a child’s fluency in reading. The students enjoy making a visual list of words that have the same beginning sound when they are learning to read. We then go over the proper way to print both the upper and lower case letters using the whiteboard. To cement any new reading concepts in the minds of our Kindergarten students, we finish with working in our workbooks on pages that connect with what was taught during circle time. It is amazing to see our students working so hard, and some of them are already reading small three letter words! Learning phonics is very important at Rowntree Montessori Schools in helping children to learn how to spell words.

Kindergarten students learning to read by using worksheets at private school in Brampton

Kindergarten students practising reading skills

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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2018/11/21 by R.M.S.

4th Math Bowl Competition

At Rowntree Montessori Schools Academy campus, we recently completed the fourth annual Math Bowl Competition. This long awaited event brought our students together in the pursuit of healthy competition and academic excellence in mathematics. To start the competition off, Grade 1 to 8 teachers selected 10 students to represent the class through the results of a math activity. Then 10 students from each class moved forward to the next round and went head to head against 10 other students, answering questions related to math word problems and calculations. Questions posed to Grade 1 students primarily focused on addition and subtraction, while Grade 2 questions covered more complex addition and subtraction questions, and relied more heavily on the need to write numbers in expanded form. Grades 3 to 8 focused more on multiplication based word problems, and Grade 7 and 8 had the opportunity to do some advanced high school level mathematics problems. From each group of 10 students, a winner was selected, who then competed against the other winner in his or her grade, to find the top performing Math Bowl Champion, who earned a trophy in celebration of his or her win. All competitors are congratulated for their efforts, and were given a certificate to acknowledge their achievements!

$Students at Rowntree Montessori Schools private chool solving math problems during the 2018 Math Bowl Competition$

Students hard at work solving math problems

It was an absolute pleasure watching the different classes from Grade 1 to 8 compete and learn from one another. The students demonstrated remarkable knowledge and application skills to solve the questions to the best of their abilities. It was very rewarding to see our students working as a team, and at the same time seeing the progress in their math skills as a result of their dedicated practice. It was an experience that allowed our students to compete under pressure while using their passion for math in pursuit of being crowned Math Bowl Champion.

$Students at Rowntree Montessori Schools private chool solving math problems during the 2018 Math Bowl Competition$

Students supporting each other during the Math Bowl Competition

The Math Bowl is an event that brings our student body together, and it could not have been possible without the hard work of our faculty. Thank you to everyone involved. We experienced a day of excitement with students using their positive influence and energy to cheer on their fellow classmates. We are very proud of all our students who helped make the Math Bowl Competition a wonderful success. See you all next year!

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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2018/11/21 by R.M.S.

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 pracical 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!

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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2018/11/09 by R.M.S.

Honouring 100 Years at Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day we pause to remember the many members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty in the first World War to provide us freedom! Every year on the 11th month, of the 11th day, of the 11th hour we take a few moments to stand in silence to remember those brave men and women. We celebrate on this particular day as it marks the last day of the first World War in 1918.

Poppies were the only flowers that were grown on the Flanders Field and became an emblem after the poem “The Flanders Field” was written by Canadian physician Lietenant-Colonel John McCrae. Today, all of our staff and students wore poppies to honour those that lost their lives in the war. We also took the time to show respect and honour the courage and devotion of those brave men and women at a full school ceremony.

Remembrance Day 2018 at Rowntree Montessori Schools - students reciting a poem

Students reciting a poem at the Remembrance Day 2018 celebration

This year, Remembrance Day serves as the 100th anniversary since the end of the first World War, so all students and staff came together to pay their respects. The Grade 6 students performed a reading called “For the Fallen,” followed by the Grade 4 students, who recited the inspiring poem “The Flanders Field.” Students also laid wreaths class by class, followed by 2 minutes of silence. During this time we all honoured the fallen heroes.

Kindergarten students reciting Remembrance Day poem at Rowntree Montessori Schools private school in Brampton

Kindergarten students reciting a Remembrance Day poem

To finish the assembly, Kindergarten students presented a touching poem. It is heartwarming to know that even at a young age, we remember and thank those who devoted their lives for us. The senior choir team sang “I Ask For One Day” to wrap up the ceremony. We hope everyone has a pleasant Remembrance Day tomorrow, and we are proud of all of our students who participated today at all campuses!

Click here to watch our Academy choir singing a beautiful song for Remembrance Day
Click here to see a performance by students at the Mayfield Campus
Click here to see Kindergarten students presenting a poem at the 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 .

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.

2018/10/31 by R.M.S.

Fundraising at Halloween

Last week the WE group at Rowntree Montessori Schools organized an awesome Halloween Dance-A-Thon to fundraise money to continue our journey supporting people in need in Kipsingol Kenya. The students from Grades 6-8, who were all dressed up in their best and scariest costumes, were welcomed to the dance by a group of zombies from Grade 8, which is our WE group. The night started with a video to educate the students about why they should support the dance-a thon as well as the importance of the WE foundation. After which, they were treated to dinner which was provided by the parents in the form of a potluck.

Grade 8 students at Rowntree Montessori Schools dressed as zombies for Halloween

Grade 8 students dressed as zombies for Halloween fundraising

The evening kicked off with the zombies coming to life in the dark, as they danced to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The music was provided by the zombie DJs and excitement was created by the zombie MCs. The witches, sumo wrestlers, police officer and other scary, creepy creatures danced the night away to Halloween songs such as Monster Mash, Ghostbusters and Thriller. The itinerary for the night included the Mummy Wrap, Who Can Draw The Scariest Pumpkin, and of course, the class that could make the loudest scream. The night ended with prizes awarded to the scariest and best costumes. The WE group did a fantastic job, and the students had a creepy and thrilling time at the dance.

Students on Halloween at Academy Campus of Rowntree Montessori Schools private school in Brampton

Kindergarten Montessori students are ready for the dance-a-thon

Today on Halloween, students are raising more money and awareness for the WE foundation. In the morning we had a spooky dance-a-thon, followed by a costume contest. We also had an afternoon dance-a-thon for older students, along with a haunted house, games room, interactive computer games, spooky masks and scary tattoos.

Everyone is having a great day at RMS, and we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween evening. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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.

2018/10/26 by R.M.S.

Educational Technology Preparing Students for the Future

According to S. Kert of educationaltechnology.net educational technology (ed-tech) is “a field of study that investigates the process of analyzing, designing, developing, implementing and evaluating the instructional environment and learning materials in order to improve teaching and learning. The overall purpose of ed-tech is to improve education.” At Rowntree Montessori Schools, ed-tech can be seen in our 21st-century classrooms when students are learning from the use of large interactive Epson projector whiteboards, to the use of desktop computers and Google Chromebooks, plus a variety of tools such as tablets and Dash and Dot robots with all of the accessories. For example, Dash allows students to learn about how to use block coding to control their robots.

We at RMS understand the need to ensure that students are prepared for jobs of the future, and so robotics is taught form Pre-Kindergarten Montessori onwards. Robotics is also taught in the computer lab, where students not only work on research, projects and typing practice, but they also take coding lessons. Our coding and technology teachers certainly see the benefit of this type of technology in the classroom, when students are able to problem-solve and complete coding challenges in their first year of joining RMS.

Students from grade 1 using dash and dot robots in the library at Rowntree Montessori Schools

Grade 1 students holding Dash and Dot robots in the library at the Academy Campus

The impact that ed-tech has on a lesson taught to a student is significant. When students are exploring games and applications on the tablets, it allows them to learn at their own pace. Children can play learning games according to their own abilities, and enjoy learning because technology in the classroom tends to be engaging. With the right combination of technology in the classroom, students can now access information instantly, be inspired for their next art project, or research solutions to real-life problems. Here at Rowntree Montessori Schools, we encourage 21st-century thinkers and learners, and continue to invest in technology to support our students.

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 .