Top News Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

2020/07/24 by R.M.S.

Why choose RMS’ Kindergarten Montessori: A Mother’s Perspective

How does a parent ever know that they have made the right choice when making difficult decisions for their child, such as where to send them to school for Kindergarten?

A male PrepOne (SK) student using popsicle sticks to build cubes — A Kindergarten student using popsicle sticks during a Montessori activity

Every day when my 4.5-year-old son comes home from Rowntree Montessori School (RMS), I can see the wonder and excitement on his face and in his discussions at the dinner table. “Mommy, do you know what Black History Month is?!” “Mama, I spelled my name!” “Mom, I counted 100 beads today!” With each passing day, I continue to be amazed at his growth and development not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. I truly believe that it is his exposure to the Kindergarten Montessori programme that has helped him to develop into an intelligent, caring, compassionate, and curious little boy. Each of the skills he learns at school is evident in our home-life as well.

Using Montessori Materials

At school, he is exposed to sensorial Montessori materials, such as pouring, scooping, and lacing, all of which have helped develop his fine-motor and self-help skills. This hands-on approach to learning aids him in being able to master tasks such as dressing himself, precision with pouring, and even printing. The Rowntree Montessori approach to learning has really helped to develop his independence in completing his school-work and in self-care. He also uses various Montessori materials to aid in his understanding of mathematics and language. With Kindergarten expectations set higher than the Ministry of Education, students benefit from the use of apparatuses such as the Spindle boxes and the Addition Strip Board. These strengthen his understanding of concepts, such as numeration and addition. Watching my 4.5-year-old son complete addition questions of sums over 10 is just one example of the reassurance I am given in my choice to have him attend Rowntree Montessori Schools.

Kindergarten Montessori students using the sandpaper alphabet

I will never forget the evening my son came home with a list of spelling words to work on for homework. I was surprised to see that my little boy could not only identify the phonetic sound of each letter but could read each list word! The RMS Kindergarten Montessori programme focuses on the importance of reading and writing right from the beginning. Students are taught to correctly print letters, with the use of the Montessori Sandpaper Letters. The importance of reading is also evident through their Reading program where students are given a weekly reader to practice. In just a few short months I was amazed to see that my son has advanced so remarkably in his language and reading skills. At such a young age, I can already see the early signs in my son of a strong reader!

One of the most notable areas of growth I have witnessed in my son since he began the RMS Kindergarten Montessori programme in September is in his character building. His participation in class has helped him to build healthy peer-relationships. He has become more respectful, caring and responsible. All of these traits are evident in his home-life, particularly in the way he interacts with his siblings at home, with extended family and to people in our community. He shows compassion and understanding to his younger sister and models the importance of using manners, sharing and being kind to others.

The enriched curriculum that he is being taught at school has given him every opportunity to reach his highest potential. The curriculum being taught is current, cross-curricular, and challenging. Classroom sizes are smaller and allow for more one-on-one attention with each student. I am confident that my child receives the individualized attention that he requires to succeed at school. As a parent, we all want to ensure that we provide our children with the very best, and what better place to start than at the Top Choice Award-winning school, Rowntree Montessori Schools.

If you want your child to have the best start to their education, book a private tour today. Learn how we can help your child reach their full potential.

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.

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 .

2020/07/14 by R.M.S.

Why RMS is the Best Private School in Brampton

Our Reviews Make Us So Proud!

An image with three Kindergarten Montessori students

Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) has been voted Brampton’s Best Private School by the Readers’ Choice Awards for the past eight years. In addition to this prestigious award, RMS has been awarded Brampton’s Top Private School by the Top Choice Award. While we hold these awards near and dear to our heart, it is the feedback that we receive from our current student’s families that means the most to us.

On March 12th, 2020, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, RMS received news from the Ontario Ministry of Education that all public schools in the province of Ontario would be closed. This was an unprecedented time for our students, their families, and our faculty and staff. But in true RMS spirit and fashion, we faced this challenge head-on with hard work, tenacity, and teamwork. Our teachers and staff worked tirelessly over the March break and delivered a state-of-art Remote Learning programme for all of our students from Pre-Kindergarten to grade 8. And the feedback we received from our students and their families was overwhelming, heartfelt and heartwarming.

If you are considering a private school education for your child, please read these touching comments and then contact one of our Campuses and book a private, safe, social distancing tour. Our smaller class sizes, award-winning, structured curriculum, talented teachers, and character-building education will help your child reach their full potential. To book a private tour, please click here

Reviews from our Remote Learning Programme

Dear Ms. L:

More importantly now, we want to thank you so much for everything you’ve done since September and beyond! It’s sad to say goodbye to a teacher as amazing as you. You’ve worked so hard, and we know this is absolutely true because this year we had the unique opportunity to actually BE inside your “classroom”. This is such a gift!!

I wish I had the words to say all the wonderful things you deserve to hear. You are one incredible woman!! I’m amazed at your level of patience and understanding through all this.

As I packed up all the paperwork and projects our son has completed over the year, I’m blown away by how much you’ve taught and all they’ve learned. I’m grateful for each and every project, assignment, game, video, photo, etc. Our son’s level of comprehension and knowledge of things he’s learned this year is astounding.

Dear Mrs M., You are AMAZING!!!!! What a great session this morning!!!! Really, really appreciate your support. The time you took to review and then explain was just inspiring. J. was a little confused with the 2nd lesson but after your one-on-one, he feels GREAT! Feeling so good about remote schooling…..THANK YOU!

Dear Mrs. F., Thank you for the awesome work that you are doing with online teaching. In these uncertain and difficult times, you are not only providing education, but also giving the kids a sense of normalcy. We really appreciate all your efforts!

From a Prep-ONE student’s family:

We want to share a word of thanks to you both. What an amazing effort from you both to get the kids to continue their education given the situation. I am sure it is very hard and demanding, being remote. Our thanks, sincerely.

Hi everyone, I just wanted to say thanks so much for our first day of online learning! We appreciate all your work in keeping the kids engaged and your patience as we all figure out what will be our new reality for the next little while.

Hi Mr. H., Just a quick note to say thank you for yours and the Rowntree teacher’s dedication and leadership. Recognizing this likely wasn’t an easy task to pull together during the March Break, but feel very fortunate to be part of the Rowntree family. Both of our children have adjusted well to remote learning.

Good Morning Mr. H., Principal, I would like to acknowledge yourself and your team for working hard in the past few days to make this online learning possible for these students. It is a great initiative and I have no words to express how thankful as a parent I am for making this happen.

Nothing can replace the face-to-face interaction but this remote learning is fulfilling the needs of my child. As parents we appreciate making this Remote learning possible in today’s tough times.

Dear Rowntree,

Just wanted to let you know that the online learning system is going well for our son and us. I would like to commend you, the teachers and RMS for doing what you are doing and that is making sure kids get the learning and education they deserve. Well done to you and the RMS family for ensuring our kids continue their education and remain busy in a positive manner amid these unprecedented circumstances. Also, please know that we, as parents, are part of the RMS family and as such, do not hesitate to reach out to us if there is anything we can do to support RMS with these efforts.

Dear RMS Team,

This message is to congratulate RMS in being so meticulous in the planning and executing of the online learning programme for RMS students, in a timely manner. We were relieved and thankful for your effort. We appreciate and also of the other teachers who are working with the kids continuously. Hope all your families are staying safe and we really miss the school.This is many Grade 8s last year at the school and all the more reason for us to hope and pray they get to say a nice goodbye to their teachers and friends.

Hope this situation gets better and all the kids get back to their favorite hangout place-Rowntree!! Thanks again and take tonnes of care. Please convey our regards and wishes to other teachers too.

Dear Mrs. B.,

Just wanted to tell you that considering it’s only Day 2 of remote learning, you are doing so awesome! The meetings are well-structured, organized, and supporting docs are very clear for the kids. I want to thank you personally as I know all this was quickly drawn up, and I’m sure new to you as well. We really appreciate how well organized you are and how you’re able to keep the children engaged and in-check, virtually! This is really important in order to learn, and I am so happy with how great the classes are going.

Dear RMS,

Just wanted to extend a big thank you for your efforts. I know everyone was working extremely hard over March Break to make today happen and your efforts were not unnoticed. After being in my own work meetings the entire day, I felt very appreciative that my kids were “educated” today.

Hello Mr. H., Just wanted to give some feedback from the past 2 weeks of R. doing her school work from home. The program design is well organized and we are very impressed with hard work put into it by you and the teachers. Although R., is at home, she feels connected with Rowntree through the program. Being connected to Rowntree is very important to us as the kids know that their friends are still there and their teachers all care about them. We would like to thank and commend Ms. M. for all the work she is doing with the class daily.

Dear RMS,

We are proud to be a part of the RMS community and thank all the teachers, management, and administration for the work you do.

I am impressed with the online program. I was a bit skeptical at first but my son has done very well in adapting. It keeps him occupied most of the day and provides a structure which is critical. Of course, we are very pleased he is continuing to learn his curriculum while school is out. He has done really well and my son is excited to get online every day.

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.

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 .

2020/07/08 by R.M.S.

Teaching Core Values in Senior Kindergarten

A child displaying her school work — A child displaying her “Bucket Filling” assignment for her fellow students

Learning How to Be “Bucket Fillers”

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, teaching core values is an important part of our curriculum. For example, our Prep-One classes read the book “How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids” by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer.

This book’s main character learns how to be kind to others in many different ways. After reading this book, students had an opportunity to participate in a Bucket Filling exercise. Students filled each other’s buckets with kind words and compliments. Students told their fellow classmates what they liked about each other and drew pictures to demonstrate these traits. This provides an opportunity for students to build each other’s confidence.

Teaching Core Values

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, we believe in teaching our students core values such as kindness, hard work, team work, leadership and responsibility by being “bucket fillers”. Studies show that children learn by watching and copying others. As educational practitioners, we understand the importance of setting good examples for our students.

Teaching a student core values can help them understand right from wrong. Additionally, it helps them to shape their mindsets and behaviour as future adults. A values education should not be underestimated. We have found that there are many activities throughout the school year that can help to build character and values. Holding workshops on anti-bullying, encouraging students to fill each other buckets and rewarding positive behaviours at Student of the Months assemblies, all contribute to building strong characters.

With a strong foundation and strong characters, children will develop core values of their own. Schools play a significant part in preparing the future generation for their life as adults by teaching core values. This is a responsibility to be mindful of and an exciting opportunity to be a part of. If your school’s vision and school values are clear and well thought out, your message will be simple and inherent. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, we truly believe in Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers by teaching core values.

To learn more about teaching core values and promoting character, click 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.

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 .

2020/07/02 by R.M.S.

PrepOne Environmental Science

A PrepOne (SK) Student waters his seeds as part of an Environmental Science unit in PrepOne

Rowntree’s Prep-One students learn a lot about Environmental Science in class. Specifically, students have learned about the parts and life cycles of plants and flowers, as well as planting and growing seeds. Students have been taught about the importance of planting for the environment and the benefits that plants provide. Some of our students have even been pursuing planting as part of their very own “Passion Projects” together with their grown-ups during our Remote Learning programme! This is a great activity that can be done with the entire family at home.

Growing Plants from Seeds in PrepOne

Plants have become very important in the lives of many of our Prep-One students. As part of RMS’ Science curriculum, students plant in our school gardens as well as together in pots or cups in our classrooms. RMS students were happy to be able to continue with this lesson from the comfort of their own homes! Students had a lot of fun getting soil, beans or seeds, water and cups or pots to plant in. Students followed the steps outlined by their teachers. Everyone had so much fun planting their seeds! Students can’t wait to watch them sprout and grow over the summer months.

Making Learning Fun!

Rowntree Montessori Schools believes in making learning fun and incorporating hands-on lessons in our teaching methods. Cross-curricular teaching methods integrate different subjects and help students develop meaningful connections to what they are learning.

This lesson unit includes Montessori learning and Science, as well as being an advocate for the Environment. RMS encourages our students to interact with the world around them. Taking care of plants is a great way of practicing self-care especially during these difficult different times.

Hands-On Learning

Planting and sowing seeds is a great hands-on practical Science lesson, as well as a Montessori lesson. Everyone got excited about the idea of planting and gardening at home, whether to bring more oxygen into the environment with more plants or to grow their own fruits and vegetables to eat later!

According to an article by the Early Learning Furniture, planting and gardening can help contribute to a child’s learning and growth. There are numerous benefits of children planting and gardening. These benefits include, sensory skills, encouraging healthy eating, and teaching responsibility and patience.

Gardening engages all the senses and helps children to develop and recognise their senses. Students feel the texture of soil, seeds, flower and petals. They get to smell all the amazing flower scents and see all the colourful petals.

If you engage children in growing their own vegetables, they gain a keen interest in eating them too. It can sometimes be a challenge to get children to eat healthy foods. Growing vegetables teaches students the hard work that it takes to grow them, but they get a sense of achievement knowing they are eating food they have grown themselves.

Growing any sort of plant or vegetable from the seedling or bulb stage requires daily attention and care. Children will quickly learn they get out what they put in. If the plants aren’t regularly watered and taken care of, they won’t flourish. Gardening is a great way to teach responsibility, but, it is no overnight process. These benefits are bountiful, and there are so many more!

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.

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.

2020/06/22 by R.M.S.

Learning French at RMS

Did you know that Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) begins teaching our students French, in Kindergarten?

At RMS, students are given a “head start” in French Studies, as they begin to study in the Core French Program during their Junior Kindergarten year. Frnehc continues throughout the primary, junior, and intermediate grades.

Starting in Junior Kindergarten, our students become familiar with telling time, the weather, and learning the calendar. This helps our students become accustomed to the vocabulary and culture of Canada’s official second language. By the time RMS students reach grade 4, our students are already well on their way to developing a practical working knowledge of French.

Practical Knowledge of French

Additionally, RMS students also have opportunities to express and expand their practical French knowledge through the preparation and presentation of projects. A visit to a Grade 5 French class might include a lesson on verb conjugations. However, it is also likely to involve students presenting their French pizza and ingredients! Or even possibl showing off their t-shirts emblazoned with French logos. Bulletin boards in the RMS hallways often display work that highlights the French language and traditions. We believe that this helps maintain a significant profile for this important area of study.

Learning about Time in French

Recently, our grades 2 and 3 students from our Central Park Campus studies a unit on learning time, in French and put together a fun video for you to watch. Our students continue to amaze us with their love of learning and how quickly they learn new concepts, and language.

For more information on Rowntree Montessori Schools, award-winning curriculum, please fill out an enquiry form and one of our Admissions Officers will touch base with you shortly.

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.

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

2020/06/03 by R.M.S.

Getting Creative with Music at RMS

RMS Students playing folklore drums during a music class

Music is to the Soul, What Words are to the Mind – Modest Mouse

COVID-19 has changed the way students around the world are learning and teachers are teaching; and because of this, our teachers had to get creative with music at RMS. Remote learning certainly brought some challenges along the way, but at Rowntree Montessori Schools, our teachers faced these challenges head-on. This is especially true for our music teacher, who continued to deliver top-notch music lessons to all of our students, from grades 1 to grade 8.

We all know the long list of benefits of music, especially during stressful times. As the famous alternative band, Modest Mouse has quoted, “Music is to the soul, what words are to the mind”.

With this in mind, RMS’ music teacher, Mrs. W ensured that our students continued their music lessons, albeit, in a non-traditional and extremely creative way.

RMS students continued their music classes on theory, including learning notes, rests, and ledger lines. In addition, students learned treble, bass clefs, and time signatures. RMS students continued their lessons on learning about more unique instruments, including identifying different types of instruments as well as their responses to orchestrated music.

Singing Their Hearts Out

Our younger grades participated in Disney Sing-Alongs on Mondays and Wednesday mornings. This was a favourite amongst our Junior and Senior Kindergarten classes. Singing in a group alleviates stress, and also helps children express themselves. Singing builds confidence and performance skills.

Our Junior and Senior Choirs continued Choir Practice on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. At RMS, our Choirs are designed to foster a lifelong love of music. Singing in a choir also helps students build their sense of school community. Seeing familiar and friendly faces online, singing is also a great way for our students to interact with their friends.

Our senior students were busy participating in in-depth instrument workshops, as part of one of Rowntree’s before and afterschool programmes. To keep things fun and interactive, students played Music and Trivia games, led by Mrs. W. And we can’t forget our new Rowntree tradition, “Chromebook Karaoke” with Mr. C.

Did you know that there are some studies that show that music can increase a child’s IQ? It’s true. Not only does music help to alleviate stress and bring joy, music has been proven in brain development.

Rowntree Montessori Schools’ curriculum includes a robust Music programme.

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.

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

2020/06/03 by R.M.S.

Virtual Student of the Month Assembly

A photo displaying the May 2020 Students of the Month at the Academy Campus — May 2020 Rowntree Montessori Schools Student of the Month

Rowntree Montessori Schools’ Student of the Month is a long-time tradition at our school. Every month, in conjunction with focusing on teaching our students core values, we hold a Student of the Month Assembly. The Student of the Month Assembly recognizes students from grades 1 to 8. These students have demonstrated the chosen value for that particular month. These values include leadership, responsibility, grit, honesty, kindness, among others. Due to the unique times presented by the current COVID-19 Pandemic, and our learning programme, this month’s value was Digital Responsibility. This month, RMS held our first Virtual Student of the Month Assembly.

Virtual Student of the Month

RMS’ Student of the Month Assembly is unique because it is organized and executed by the Rowntree Leadership Council (RLC). Guidance is also provided by one of our grade 8 teachers. The Assembly provides our students with an opportunity to use their top-notch public speaking skills, in addition to using their leadership skills.

The Show Must Go On!

With the COVID-19 Pandemic closing our physical schools, the RLC decided that the “Show Must Go On!” and students organized a Virtual Student of the Month Assembly. The Assembly took place on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Our MC, Mia and presenters Anthony and Tamanna led the Assembly and recognized students who have best displayed this month’s value, Digital Responsibility.

What is Digital Responsibility?

Digital Responsibility is essentially about making the right decisions online. Rowntree Montessori Schools encourages our students to always hold, model, and share this value during our normal school routines, and especially during this period of the virtual school. RMS students are required to demonstrate digital responsibility in order to become better role models for each other. Additionally, we want our students to become better digital citizens in our Rowntree Community and in the world.

How Do You Demonstrate Digital Responsibility?

Anyone can demonstrate Digital Responsibility simply by using technology appropriately by simply logging into class on time. We teach our students to stay focused on their work and be sure to communicate respectively with their fellow classmates and teachers. We encourage our students to be honest when doing their work. In the spirit of 21st-century learning, our students create and develop their work using digital creations, using various software and platforms.

This month’s Virtual Student of the Month Assembly was a huge success! It provided our students with an opportunity to celebrate each other’s accomplishments over the past month. Students high-fived one another and virtually “patted” each other on the back! Congratulations to all of our Student of the Month recipients. It was wonderful to see all of your smiling faces.

Want to see a great video from one of our past Student of the Month Assemblies? Click here

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.

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

2020/05/29 by R.M.S.

Keeping students active with DPA!

With our students participating in our Remote and Interactive Teaching and Learning Programme, DPA (Daily Physical Activity) has never been more important. Keeping children active during the day is always good for their physical and mental health, especially during challenging times like these.

Because our students have not had their regular physical education classes, our Physical Education teacher, Mr. S has been creative! Recent DPA and Phys. Ed class includes daily dynamic full-body workouts, with two to three sets of different exercises.

Dynamic and Static Stretching is Part of DPA

To ward off stiff muscles from sitting at a computer all day, our Physical Education teacher takes our students through a series of dynamic and static movements and stretches. Typically, two sets of these stretches is sufficient to keep stiff muscles loose. Mr S recommends that students do their stretches at least twice per day.

Dynamic stretches are active movements in which joints and muscles go through a full range of motion. They can be used to help warm up your body before exercising. Dynamic stretches include such things as walking lunges, leg swings, high knees or jumping jacks.

Static stretches, on the other hand, require extended muscle-use and are held for a period of time. Some examples of static stretches include a triceps stretch, downward dog, child’s pose or even the butterfly stretch. For some great examples of Dynamic and Static stretches that you can do at home, please click here.

Keep DPA Interesting With a Variety of Exercises

To keep DPA fun, Rowntree students have also participated in various movement games such as Simon Says and Charades. Each game includes students doing push-ups, situps, jumping jacks, lunges or squats, etc. Bodyweight exercises keep students moving throughout the day. Students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8 participate in Daily Physical Activity.

Another great form of DPA to do at home is dancing, through online dance competitions or tournaments. This provides students with an opportunity to showcase their latest dance moves and have a few laughs with fellow students via their remote learning. Once again, this is a great form of DPA for students in all grades.

Rowntree Montessori students also regularly participate in yoga-like and mindfulness activities. These are a great form of exercise that have many benefits including keeping muscles limber as well as calming the mind. Children, aged 6 to 12, have improved physical and mental health with yoga-like exercises and mindfulness, according to Harvard Medical School.

Running Drills as Part of DPA

Lastly, our Physical Education teacher has been taking our students through a full course of running drills that are beneficial in preparation for any type of sport and will help aid their cardiovascular health. Running is also a great sport for children of all ages to participate in as it provides an opportunity to get outside and get some fresh air with their families. Running is also a sport that anyone can do while at home during COVID-19.

We encourage our students to stay active and take a break from their screens and get outside (when the weather is good, and with parental permission). A recent student survey revealed that most RMS students are doing at least 2 hours of their own physical activity each day, and the most popular forms of exercise include cycling, running, walking, and basketball.

During challenging times like these, it is so important to keep children active. Physical activity keeps our students’ bodies healthy and helps manage stress, anxiety, and even boredom.

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.

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

2020/05/25 by R.M.S.

Learning about Trees in PrepOne Science

Science in PrepOne

A young male student holding up his drawing of a tree — A PrepOne student displaying a picture of his tree and its parts during a PrepOne Science class

Science is an important subject for students at Rowntree Montessori Schools, starting in our younger grades, like PrepOne (SK). Our curriculum ties real-life lessons into our teaching. Recently, our PrepOne students learned that trees are an important part of our world.

Trees provide wood for building and pulp for making paper. Trees provide habitats for all sorts of insects, birds and other animals. Many types of fruits and nuts come from trees — including apples, oranges, walnuts, pears and peaches. Even the sap of trees is useful as food for insects and for making maple syrup — yum! Science in PrepOne can be so much fun!

In this Science lesson, our PrepOne students learned about the different parts of a tree, including the roots and root system. The roots are the part of the tree that grows underground.

Trees also have a crown. The crown shades the roots, collects energy from the sun (photosynthesis) and allows the tree to remove extra water to keep it cool. The crowns of trees come in many shapes and sizes!

Another important part of the tree is its branches. The branches provide the support to distribute the leaves efficiently for the type of tree and the environment. They also serve as conduits for water and nutrients and as storage for extra sugar.

The last big part of a tree is its trunk. The trunk of the tree provides its shape and support and holds up the crown. The trunk transports water and nutrients from the soil and sugar from the leaves.

We made this lesson fun by having our PrepOne students colour the different parts of the tree. For a similar activity that you can do while out for a walk, visit Forests Ontario’s website.

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.

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

2020/05/18 by R.M.S.

Novel Study Learning, Remotely

It has been two months since our students began their remote learning adventure. This has meant that we have had to come up with creative ways to teach different lesson units. Our grade 4s took their remote learning to a new level by adding a dimension to their novel study unit.

What is a novel study?

A novel study refers to the process of reading (studying) a text (novel) together. One copy of the text is provided to the teacher to read aloud to the students. Alternatively, the teacher provides a copy of the book for every student to follow along with. Reading a textbook can be dull but using a Novel Study to learn a lesson unit makes it more engaging for students.

The novel study is used to practice comprehension and fluency. In addition to this, a novel study also focuses on Literacy concepts such as cause and effect, summarization, and making inferences. The content of the book is just as important as the skills readers are using to understand the text.

Reading novels, taking part in discussions, chalking our character sketches, and answering questions can become boring at times. To address this, one of our grade 4 classes decided to take action! Students generated Apps for James and his team to help them cruise around with ease to reach their destination. There are many benefits to teaching students through Novel Studies. For a list of five key benefits of a novel study, please click here.

Our grade 4 class rewrote their stories to give a different perspective to Roald Dahl’s famous novel, James and the Giant Peach!

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.

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