Top News Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

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 .

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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 .

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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 .

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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 .

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.

2018/07/25 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 .