Whenever possible at Rowntree Montessori Schools, we encourage the use of manipulatives and hands on materials in the classroom to problem solve, especially in mathematics. According to Small (2009), “there is a strongly held belief in the mathematics education community that when students are actively engaged in constructing their own understanding of a concept through hands on materials, they better understand what is being taught”. In fact, Canadian researchers of education in Kindergarten to Grade 8 classrooms often suggest that children who are encouraged to focus on how to solve problems over how to complete exercises, better understand concepts. Click here to read Chapter 1 of Making Math Meaningful to Canadian Students, K–8 by Marian Small.
Recently, our Grade One students at the RMS Central Park Campus completed a unit of science about Materials, Objects and Structures. To complete the unit, students needed to build their own playground out of available materials, such as cardboard, paint, pipe cleaners, tubes and other supplies. Prior to building the playground, each student needed to create a blueprint of what he or she was planning to build, outlining what materials would best support his or her structure. Not only did this challenge encourage students to visualize and problem solve, but when presenting their projects they needed to verbalize their creations. This was a great learning opportunity for each student, and we are proud of their results.
We are currently still accepting applications to our Grade 1 programme, but space is very limited. Click here to Apply Now or Contact the Admissions Office at 905-790-3838 for more information today!
We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!
To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.
More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here.
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