DPA Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

2019/03/29 by R.M.S.

Learning Values and Skills Through Physical Education

We all know that physical fitness is a vital component in leading a healthy lifestyle. However, Physical Education class at RMS not only helps students maintain fitness, develop motor skills and muscular strength (while improving cardiovascular health), but also often improves learning in other areas. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, Phys-Ed class is an important part of the curriculum, and encompasses many teachable elements. Not only are there many competitive sports teams at RMS, such as soccer or track and field for students to participate in, but we also offer non competitive sports clubs such as cricket or basketball.

Students at sports match during Extra Curricular Activities - Showing Good Sportsmanship at RMS Private School in Brampton — Students at RMS thanking their competitors for a great game!

Our Physical Education teachers design and lead many fitness drills, demonstrate sports techniques and highlight a different sport each month, all year long, so that students get a good grasp of many different sports. Fitness assessments take place three times per year, where students are encouraged to build their stamina through beep tests, build their strength with push-ups, improve core strength with sit ups and work on their flexibility through a plethora of exercises. Various health topics are also taught in Phys-Ed class to students, including oral hygiene, personal hygiene, personal safety, body movement and body systems (for example the respiratory system, the nervous system, the digestive system).

Students at RMS in all grades learn many positive attributes from learning about sports and fitness that carry over into their overall academic performance. For example, in Phys-Ed class we teach positive values such as sportsmanship, teamwork and honesty, and skills such as striving for best personal performance, positive self-esteem and group participation. We believe that learning values and skills important in one area of study can help another. For example, maintaining good sportsmanship is taught in all Phys-Ed classes, and is also extremely beneficial in all other academic areas, especially when working in teams. We also see that participating in team sports is a good way of building positive self-esteem and confidence. In all grades, self-esteem is very important for students to do their best thinking and to increase interactions with teachers and other students. Students that believe in themselves seem far more able to ask more questions, and are willing to work hard to find the answers when needed.

Students playing Cricket after school with friends and family members.

According to an article posted by All Gymnastics University, “sports and Physical Education are a great way of teaching discipline and the value of hard work. As with most things in life, there are no shortcuts. Any athlete, regardless of their level, has to work hard to improve and reach his or her full potential.” This is true not only for our Physical Education classes, but for many areas within our curriculum. When students learn good principles like discipline, grit or resilience in one subject, such as Physical Education, it can often be carried over to other areas with proper direction and nurturing from teachers and mentors.

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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2017/05/16 by Contributor

Active Learning in the Classroom

A supportive and modern learning environment must nurture all aspects of a student’s life, that includes physical health through active learning. Daily physical activity (DPA) is proving to be an important part of a child’s growth and development. It can greatly benefit physical, mental, and social well-being. Research has shown that active learning enhances academic achievement, and it also motivates students to open their minds to learning new concepts. DPA can have a positive impact on students’ behavior and their willingness to learn. Keeping students active in the classroom ensures increased focus, because of greater blood flow to the brain. Even adults whose work requires them to be seated at a desk for extended periods of time can experience fatigue. A brisk walk, a good stretch or even a brief workout can renew one’s energy and significantly improve the clarity of one’s focus. Studies have shown that this also applies to young students in a school environment.

Students participating in active learning by counting multiples through song and dance

Students learning multiplication through song and dance

Building daily physical activity into a mathematics programme has proven to be a very useful and motivating tool for both teachers and students. Learning the multiplication tables by singing and dancing to multiplication songs, is a lesson that students look forward to! This type of active learning helps students to more easily retain information and apply it effectively to their classroom assignments. RMS prides itself on an accelerated mathematics programme, and our students are always ready for a challenge! DPA is an essential part of our daily routine, and its benefits to students’ performance within the classroom is becoming increasingly evident, as we endeavor to make daily learning both rigorous and fun.

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 .

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.

PP: 1-15-23-30/2-5-9-12-21-27/22-28/07/02

2016/04/26 by RMS

Jump Around!

One can often hear adults say, “I don’t get much exercise because I work a desk job.” The same can be said for many students, particularly in the older grades. It can be difficult to make sure that both children and adults get enough exercise – 30 minutes a day is the recommended minimum amount. So how can families make sure that they maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise?

Family winter sledging activity

There are many fun and unique ways that families can be “on the move,” even during the colder and wetter months when many of us are not brave enough to venture outside! Family activity time can be a great opportunity to bond, talk about your day, and get that all-important exercise. Below are some ideas you can try at home. Remember, activities don’t have to be expensive to be effective!

Each family member takes turns telling others about their day. While one person is speaking, the other family members will engage in light exercise, such as lunges or squats. You can even change the type of exercise when the next person begins their story.
Use a deck of cards to help you decide which exercise to do, and for how long. Assign an activity for each suit (for example, hearts = jumping jacks). When someone turns up a heart (for example, the 5 of hearts), they must do the activity designated to that suit. In this case, the person would do 5 jumping jacks.
Participate in outdoor activities – take a walk with the family pet, go to a toboggan hill, or build a snowman.
Try your hand at new activities – laser tag, mini golf, and bowling are all great activities that are fun for all ages!

Students demonstrating their teamwork skills during a DPA activity

Students enjoying their time in the gym exercising

At school, students learn the importance of regular exercise through their Daily Physical Activity (DPA) exercises and through the Ontario Health curriculum. However, it is just as important for parents to ensure they are also getting enough exercise at home during the weekend and holidays! Together as a family, all of us can work to achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle. So get out of your seat and jump around!

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 9:00am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm.

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