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Home » Elementary School

Elementary School

2021/01/08 by R.M.S.

Considering a Private School Education?

Come to our Elementary Programme Virtual Information Sessions!

Have you been considering a private school education for your child for a while now? Have you been thinking about moving your child out of the public school system? Why not come to one of our upcoming Virtual Information Sessions and learn how Rowntree Montessori Schools can help your child reach their full potential?

Rowntree Montessori Schools, Brampton’s Best Private School, cordially invites you to attend our upcoming Elementary Programme Virtual Information Sessions on Wednesday, January 13th, 2021 and/or Thursday, January 14th, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to speak with our Director of Education, Principals, and the admissions and teaching staff, and to learn more about our award-winning Elementary programmes (grades Pre-Kindergarten to 8). Come learn about our balanced programme that focuses on both traditional learning and new technologies, all delivered within a warm and nurturing environment. 

Our Elementary Information Sessions will take place virtually and will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Please invite your friends and family to these informative sessions.

These sessions will take place at the following Campuses on the dates below:

Downtown Campus Elementary Programme Virtual Information Session

Date: Wednesday, January 13th, 2021

Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Hosted by Mrs. Jennifer Baldassarre, Principal of the Downtown Campus.

Please use this link  to login: meet.google.com/qcs-hpvm-sid

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A FLYER FOR THE EVENT

Central Park and Mayfield Campus Elementary Programme Virtual Information Session

Date: Wednesday January 13th, 2021

Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Hosted by Principals, Mrs. Laura Leeson, Principal, Central Park Campus, and Mrs. Tammy Rivard, Principal, Mayfield Campus.

*Central Park Campus offers grades Pre-Kindergarten to 3.

*Mayfield Campus offers grades Pre-Kindergarten to Prep-ONE (Senior Kindergarten)

Please use this link to login: meet.google.com/qmz-pixf-uua

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A FLYER FOR THE EVENT

Academy Campus Elementary Programme Virtual Information Session 

Date: Thursday, January 14th, 2021

Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Hosted by Mr. Jonathan Harris, Director of Education and Principal, Academy Campus.

*Academy Campus offers grades Pre-Kindergarten to 8.

Please log into the session using this link: meet.google.com/gtm-opjv-pck

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A FLYER FOR THE EVENT

We look forward to “seeing” you and your families soon!

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Rowntree Montessori Schools wins Top Choice Award for Brampton Private School for 6th consecutive yearReaders Choice Award logo

BBOT Business Excellence Award

 

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.

Filed Under: News, Top News Tagged With: Academy Campus, best private school, Central Park Campus, Downtown Campus, Elementary, Elementary School, Mayfield Campus, private school Brampton, programme information evening, virtual open house

2020/09/04 by RMS

Less is More – Class Size Matters!

Using our Montessori methods to consolidate learning
At RMS, class size matters!

With all of the media coverage over the past few weeks about further cuts to education and larger public school class sizes due to COVID-19 (with more students learning remotely), this article is timely. Concerned about the size of your child’s class size? Read on. At RMS, less is more and class size matters!

The community of Rowntree Montessori Schools is rooted in a value system which focuses primarily on the safety, well-being, academic growth, and overall happiness of each student. We are a faculty who acknowledges that each student is an individual, with specific learning needs, challenges, strengths, and skills. We aim to teach the whole child, in order to nurture academic and personal growth and development. Each individual student will be better prepared for a secondary and post-secondary education, career establishment, and global citizenship. At Rowntree, our educators’ goal is to ensure that each student is engaged, supported, and challenged because this sets the standard for comprehensive, sustainable school improvement. This will help lead to long-term student success. But in order to be able to teach the whole child, we must know our students, and know them well. This is harder to address with large class sizes. This is why, at Rowntree, our commitment to keeping our student to teacher ratio low better serves the needs of our students.

Class Size Matters
Class Size Matters

A major parental concern brought to our attention, especially during our Open Houses, is the complaint over class sizes in the public system, and in some other private schools. Parents are extremely concerned that their children are being overlooked, and not being supervised safely. Parents have voiced that individual students needs are not being addressed, and that their teachers do not really “know” their child. And how can they? This has been especially true since the COVID-19 Pandemic, with parents being concerned about larger public school class sizes due to some classes being “collapsed”.

Smaller Class Settings

Rowntree Montessori Schools understands that it is very hard to meet the needs of each child when they are placed within a large class group. The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (a professional organization made up of elementary teachers) has tried to influence legislators for smaller class sizes. Research has shown that when placed in small class settings, students receive higher grades on reading and mathematics tests. Students also participate to a greater extent, and require less disciplinary measures. This may be due to the teacher being able to structure lessons and differentiate evaluation approaches based on individual needs. These needs can be better determined when there are fewer students in a class to assess. Student-teacher bonds can be better established, and thus students may feel more comfortable. Students are more willing to contribute their ideas and answers more independently in class, which also allows for further evaluation. The teacher is also able to better monitor the class, and address areas of concern and social interaction.

However, the Ontario government has not adopted the ETFO’s proposal for smaller class sizes. Furthermore, the government has not even put a cap size on the new Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program (ELKP). The government has only suggested that there be an average of 26 students per class. It is very pertinent to point out one major problem with such a regulation based on averages is it results in class sizes often not being equal in board schools. Class sizes vary between different school boards and between individual schools within a board. For example, one class could have a significantly larger number of students, while in contrast another class may have a much smaller number.

Meeting Children’s Learning Needs

At RMS, we pride ourselves in maintaining small class sizes whereby our educators can identify, meet, and challenge each student’s individual learning needs. We know our students well, and we engage with parents regarding the academic and social success of their children on a frequent basis through notes in the students’ daily agendas. Teachers also make phone calls home, and set up meetings which are welcomed and encouraged at any time, not just on parent-teacher evenings. RMS functions as a tightly knit group—a family—as many of our students, parents, and staff fondly refer to us. Our low student to teacher ratio allows us as educators to develop meaningful lessons, teach to each student’s learning requirements, and identify areas which need improvement. Smaller class sizes further student learning, provide a well-disciplined and safe learning environment. RMS also creates lasting and meaningful bonds with our students.

We are still accepting students for the 2020/21 Academic Year. If you are interested, please fill out an Enquiry Form and one of our Admissions Coordinators will be in touch shortly.

For another great article about classroom size, please click here.

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 4 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.

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.

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Rowntree Montessori Schools wins Top Choice Award for Brampton Private School for 6th consecutive yearLogo for Readers Choice Award 2019   BBOT Business Excellence Award

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.

Filed Under: News, Top News Tagged With: classroom size, COVID-19, Elementary School, private school, student success

2019/01/16 by R.M.S.

Elementary Programme Information Sessions

The most meaningful investment you can make is in your child’s education!

To learn more about why you should consider our highly desired programmes for your child, we encourage you to attend one of our upcoming Elementary Programme Information Sessions.

Wednesday January 16th  6:00pm @ our Rowntree Montessori Schools Downtown Campus or Central Park Campus

Thursday January 17th  6:00pm @ our Rowntree Montessori Schools Academy Campus

This is a great opportunity to meet with the Principal and teaching staff, and to learn more about our award-winning Elementary programmes (Grades 1 and above) and to visit some of our Elementary classrooms.  You can come and learn about our balanced programme that focuses on both traditional learning and new technologies, all delivered within a warm and nurturing environment. Plus you will have the chance to take a guided tour and get more information about our registration process for September 2019!

Both current RMS parents and prospective parents who are considering enrolling their child(ren) in our Grade Level programmes for either September 2019 or in future years are invited and encouraged to attend one of our upcoming information sessions to learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools’ Grade Level Curriculum, programmes and opportunities.

Who should attend:
-Parents who have a child entering Grade 1 in September 2019 or in future years
-Parents who have a child entering other Elementary Grade levels in September 2019
-Parents who have questions about our award-winning programme, who may apply for 2019

Students working on Google chromebooks in Grade 1 at Rowntree Montessori Schools in Brampton

Get Informed To Make An Educated Decision Regarding Your Child’s Education:

  • Presentation on our enriched Grade Level Curriculum & Educational Programmes
  • Take a Guided School Tour
  • Meet our Principals and teaching staff
  • Learn about the results at RMS versus public school
  • French at RMS versus public school French Immersion
  • Learn about our registration process, schedule and options

NOTE: Supervision is available for your child(ren) while you attend. The presentation is approximately two hours long and the guided school tour takes approximately 20 minutes.

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.

Readers Choice 2018 Winner Logo Trophy for Rowntree Montessori Schools who was Voted as the Top Choice for Private School in Brampton for 4 Consecutive Years2016 TOP Performers Platinum Logo

 

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Filed Under: News, Top News Tagged With: Elementary, Elementary School, French, French at RMS, Grade 1, info session, private school

2016/12/18 by RMS

FREE Holiday Song & Activity Books available at RMS

Drop into any of our 4 campuses and pick-up a Brampton Guardian 2016 Holiday Song & Activity Book, compliments of Rowntree Montessori Schools. Limited quantities available.

Songbook 2016 Cover

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. May you enjoy good health and prosperity in 2017.

If you have some time when you drop in, we encourage you to also take a moment to discover the opportunity and possibilities for your child to love learning and excel.

Rowntree Montessori Schools cordially invites your family to please drop in ANYTIME at any of our 4 welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses.

We will gladly take the time with you and your family to:

-Tour the facilities (typically takes 15-20 minutes)
-Provide you the opportunity to see our teachers and classes in action
-Outline our enriched educational programmes
-Discuss registration options

…and of course, children are most welcome.

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.

Reader's Choice Platinum 2016 Winner LogoTopChoiceAwards 2016 logo - 2 years on Top 2016 TOP Performers Platinum Logo

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Filed Under: Announcements Tagged With: Christmas, Elementary School, holiday, Montessori School, private school

2016/11/11 by RMS

Voted BEST Private School for fourth consecutive year!

We are thrilled to announce that Rowntree Montessori Schools has been awarded the 2016 Readers Choice Platinum (#1) Award for BEST Private School! This is the fourth consecutive year that RMS has been recognized with this highest distinction. We truly appreciate the recognition from the Brampton Guardian Readers for once again voting Rowntree Montessori Schools Brampton’s BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL. A GREAT BIG THANK-YOU, Brampton!

Reader's Choice Platinum 2016 Winner LogoRMS would like to once again THANK all of our wonderful families for the trust and faith you have in our Schools and for entrusting us for the past 47 years with your most cherished treasures, your children.

ABOUT RMS
Since 1969, Rowntree Montessori Schools’ teachers pride themselves on their caring and stimulating approach towards teaching as the school’s motto “Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers” implies. Our small class sizes allow for teachers to develop a close working relationship with our students and their parents in a motivating and friendly atmosphere while addressing the individual learning needs and styles of each student. Conveniently located throughout Brampton, Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) offers four campuses, each one designed and structured to suit the needs of its students who are of Pre-kindergarten age up to Grade 8 inclusive. Rowntree Montessori Schools is the largest and longest serving Montessori school in Brampton as well as a GOLD Level member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools. For more information, call 905-790-3838, visit www.RowntreeMontessori.com, or just drop by any of our campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm.

Reader's Choice Platinum 2016 Winner LogoTopChoiceAwards 2016 logo - 2 years on Top 2016 TOP Performers Platinum Logo

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Filed Under: News, Top News Tagged With: Awards, Elementary School, kindergarten, Montessori, private school

2016/09/11 by RMS

Back-to-School Anxiety doesn’t last long at Rowntree!

In August, as students creep closer to accepting the inevitability that school is just around the corner, anticipatory back-to-school fretting kicks in.

While our littlest ones may find it both exciting and anxiety-provoking, they may also be apprehensive about taking on more responsibility and independence. Spending recess in a new environment, meeting new friends, and adapting to a new social setting all prove to be challenging at this stage of schooling. They may describe their anxiety as “butterflies in my tummy.” They may not have much of an appetite in those days leading up to the start of school, and they may take a longer time falling asleep or become clingy. All of these are common symptoms observed by both parents and teachers come September.

The younger students being greeted by the Grade 8's on their first day of school
The younger students being greeted by the Grade 8’s on their first day of school

For the Middle School students, their reality may be somewhat different; by now, they would have developed a comfortable knowledge of the inner workings of their school, but still they may experience anxiety as September approaches. Not being too sure about the new teacher, new curriculum, and new rules can be overwhelming! Remaining positive and assuring children that all bumps in the road have workable solutions is the best way to deal with the usual September issues. Another problem that Middle School students face is being separated from their class buddies from the previous year. Reassuring them that they can always reconnect outside class hours will probably help them to settle down.

Students are so excited to be returning for a new school year with us
Students are so excited to be returning for a new school year with us

Faculty members, parents and older students at RMS helping the new students move in
Faculty members, parents and older students at RMS helping the new students move in

We make every effort to ease these transitional traumas and create a “home away from home” atmosphere at RMS. The first few school days in a child’s life are crucial as students are expected to learn the rules that they will have to follow for the rest of their careers as students. Not only do they learn the ways of a new academic regimen, they are also expected to adjust to a new timetable, teachers, new students, and familiarize themselves with a new school setting. Once they become comfortable and cozy, there is no looking back! By the time October rolls around, at the end of a long and productive day, our student are rarely ready to say goodbye! Parents who once had a hard time leaving their children at the classroom door are often left hanging around in the hallways at the end of a school day, patiently waiting for their children to pack up and say goodbye to their friends. Now that truly speaks to the level of comfort that our students enjoy within the nurturing environment found at Rowntree.

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.

Readers_Choice_2015_PLATINUM TopChoiceAwards 2016 logo - 2 years on Top Business Times Reader's Choice Platinum Award

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Filed Under: News, Top News Tagged With: Elementary School, Montessori Schools, private school, school community

2016/08/29 by RMS

RMS voted the #1 Top Performer for second consecutive year!

Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) has for a second consecutive year been voted the Best Private School in the Business Times 2016 Top Performers Awards!  We truly appreciate the recognition from the Business Times Readers for nominating and once again voting Rowntree Montessori Schools Brampton’s BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL.

We are truly honoured of this recognition which complements the Brampton Guardian Reader’s Choice awards and the Top Choice Awards also received by RMS during this past year.

Business Times Reader's Choice 2016 Platinum Award

Each year in May, the Mississauga Brampton Business Times, a publication of Metroland Media Group (TORSTAR), asks its 34,000+ local business readers in the Peel region for nominations of the Top Performers via the Business Times website. This monthly readership, split between direct address labels to local CEO’s, SVP’s, Managing Directors, Small Business Owners, Family Businesses and general distribution, nominated Rowntree Montessori Schools as a Top Performer in the Private School category. Thank you so much  for your support… we truly appreciate it and are humbled by it. Hopefully, those who are looking for a top private school with a family atmosphere as well as excellent, dedicated teachers and staff will look no further than RMS.

We thank those of you whose experience at Rowntree has instilled a sense of pride regarding your child’s development and a respect for the school community we strive to foster at RMS. We really appreciate your endorsement once again in letting the rest of the Brampton community and that of surrounding areas know that as well by taking the time to vote for Rowntree Montessori Schools in the Mississauga Brampton Business Times’ 2016 Top Performers Awards.

Finally, we also THANK all of our wonderful families for the trust and faith you have placed in our schools and for entrusting us for the past 47 years with your most cherished treasures, your children.

ABOUT RMS
Since 1969, Rowntree Montessori Schools’ teachers pride themselves on their caring and stimulating approach towards teaching as the school’s motto “Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers” implies. Our small class sizes allow for teachers to develop a close working relationship with our students and their parents in a motivating and friendly atmosphere while addressing the individual learning needs and styles of each student. Conveniently located throughout Brampton, Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) offers four campuses, each one designed and structured to suit the needs of its students, from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8 inclusive. Rowntree Montessori Schools is the largest and longest serving Montessori school in Brampton as well as a GOLD Level member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools (OFIS).

 

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.

Readers_Choice_2015_PLATINUM TopChoiceAwards 2016 logo - 2 years on Top Business Times Reader's Choice Platinum Award

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Filed Under: Announcements, News, Top News Tagged With: Awards, Elementary School, Montessori School, Preschool, private school

2016/07/05 by RMS

Private School vs. Public School

Choosing a school that fits your child’s needs is a decision which requires careful consideration and much research. It is certainly not a task that should be frivolously checked off of your “Honey Do List”! It is an informed decision that needs to be made by both parents, and should not be taken lightly.

Here are some points that should be considered while weighing your options when choosing to go Private or Public:

  • Smaller Class Sizes

Private schools have smaller class sizes which enable students to receive more individual attention in weak areas, and advance their strengths. These class sizes provide more opportunities for teachers to further challenge and enhance the program to meet individual student needs. Most public schools have large class sizes which become challenging for the teacher to provide the individual attention that some students may require.

Smaller class sizes promote individual learning
Smaller class sizes promote individual learning

  • Enriched Academic Opportunities

One of the benefits of private schools is that they provide exceptional and challenging educational experiences. Private schools aim to go above and beyond offering the mandatory curriculum; in most cases, they exceed the expectations of the provincial curriculum. Most private school students consistently score top marks on standardized tests.

Students are enriched by a diverse curriculum
Students are enriched by a diverse curriculum

  • Parental Involvement

Private schools host frequent parent-teacher meetings, monthly social events, concerts, school trips, family events, camping weekends and more; these events allow parents to connect with their child’s teachers and stay in the loop. These opportunities are limited in the public school system.

Parents take an active role in the outdoor education of the students at RMS
Parents take an active role in the outdoor education of the students at RMS

  • A Safe Environment

Private schools have a strong reputation for supportive and nurturing environments which help maintain high standards for discipline and respect. Parents feel at ease dropping their children off each day, knowing that they are part of a close knit community where everyone knows each other!

.

Students celebrate milestones with their class and teachers
Students celebrate milestones with their class and teachers

  • Community Involvement

Private schools actively participate in community charity drives which help children learn how to develop a sense of gratitude for what they have, while giving back to their community and learning the importance of sharing and caring for one another.

Our Students giving back to the community
Our Students giving back to the community

  • Extracurricular Activities

While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education; they encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as: music, arts, sports clubs, robotics, science, and math with a variety of competitive opportunities.

Choosing a school is certainly no easy task. But catering to your child’s individual learning needs, igniting a passion for learning, and preparing them to achieve their fullest potential should certainly be high on your list of criteria when asking that all important question, “Where should my child go to school?”

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.

Readers_Choice_2015_PLATINUM TopChoiceAwards 2016 logo - 2 years on Top Business Times Reader's Choice Platinum Award

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Filed Under: News, Top News Tagged With: Elementary School, Montessori School, private school, school community

2016/06/16 by RMS

Three Cheers for Our Outstanding Volunteers

Field trips at RMS are an extension of learning and discovery. They are an opportunity for students to be active, and in some instances, to put into practice, skills and concepts that were taught in the classroom. These outside-the-classroom explorations are exciting for both students and teachers!

Parents play a vital role on our school trips
Parents play a vital role on our school trips

However, this extension of education can be quite an endeavour for a homeroom teacher. While behaviour management and routines are established in the classroom setting, it is important that these routines also be maintained and supported while taking a large number of students in a public forum.  Though teachers are extra vigilant and alert on such days, additional help from our volunteers works wonders.

Parents and teachers working together
Parents and teachers working together

It is our very own RMS parents that allow for our field trips to be a success. Our volunteers enthusiastically take on the responsibility of being another watchful eye of a few students. They care for, inform, and guide our students.  From orchards to museums, theatres to aquariums, our volunteers are there. They take time off work, rearrange their schedules, and commit to sharing an exiting day in the development of their child(ren) and their child’s classmates. Volunteers make these special days a success.

Parents demonstrating new concepts to our students
Parents demonstrating new concepts to our students

Volunteers also play an important role during special in-school activities, especially when there are several stations, hands-on learning opportunities, and tools. The more grown-up eyes are on keeping our environment safe and fun, the better!

A parent demonstrating wood working skills in the classroom
A parent demonstrating wood working skills in the classroom

 Let’s give three much-deserved cheers to our wonderful RMS volunteers!

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.

Readers_Choice_2015_PLATINUM TopChoiceAwards 2016 logo - 2 years on Top Business Times Reader's Choice Platinum Award

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Filed Under: News, Top News Tagged With: Elementary School, field trips, Montessori Schools, private school, school community, Volunteers

2016/02/23 by RMS

Mindful Living!

Mindfulness has been described by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Professor of Medicine Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, as follows:

 “…the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment.” (Kabat-Zinn 2003, p. 144)

In other words, it is focusing on what is happening now, not what happened yesterday or what will happen tomorrow. It also emphasises being non-judgemental or removing any emotion from your experience. I have found that this removal of emotion is one of the greatest benefits of such practices.

Mindfulness in the classroom
Mindfulness in the classroom

Mindfulness comes in many forms: from simply incorporating awareness into everyday activities such as sitting at a stop light or walking to the corner store, to formal meditation and training programs. These practices, with their roots in Buddhism, originally were used in the field of medicine but can now be seen in the fields of psychology, healthcare, neuroscience, business, the military and last but not least, education. Over the past couple of decades, there has been a growing body of research which demonstrates that mindfulness can improve health and well-being in adults. By extension, mindfulness has great advantages for children as well. Reducing stress and anxiety as well as enhancing immune system function are just some of the benefits (Meiklejohn, Phillips, Freedman, et al., p. 1).

There are many reasons why an individual would use mindfulness. As a singer, I find that mindfulness is particularly effective at dealing with performance anxiety or “stage fright.” Emotions, to a certain extent, enhance a performance.  However, too much emotion will cause my working memory to, well, stop working. The worst part of this is that the more my memory fails, the more my emotional state is heightened causing further memory failure. This downward spiral can happen very quickly, to the point where I will have no recollection of my lyrics despite having spent weeks preparing for the performance. By taking a few minutes prior to going on stage to close my eyes and focus on my breathing, I interrupt the emotional spiral and am able to perform my best.

Through these experiences, I have come to appreciate the power of mindfulness.  Whether it is in my own running around day-to-day life, my performances, or in the classroom, taking a moment of calm to reset one’s mind is a wonderful gift for myself and those around me.

This experience is not unlike what a student may find when they are about to write a test.  As such, this is where I will often use mindfulness. Just prior to having my students begin writing, I have them close their eyes and focus on their breathing or the tone of a bell.  This allows them just enough time to focus on the “now”, and not worry about the test. The intent of this activity is to calm the emotions thus allowing the working memory to function again, giving the students access to the knowledge that they have studied so hard to gain.

Demonstrating Mindfulness in class
Demonstrating Mindfulness in class

 The other instance in which I have used mindfulness in is to reduce the level of energy in a library class prior to story time. This has been a training exercise of sorts for Kindergarten through Grade 2, aimed at getting them to focus and regulate their behaviour. The way it works is that I ring a bell that would resonate for 20 or 30 seconds.  During that time the students close their eyes and focus on the sound of the bell and nothing else. When they can no longer hear it, they indicate this by raising their hand. This allows me to see who is focusing on the bell and who is distracted by other sounds. After completing a few rounds of this exercise, not only have students practiced focussing, being still and quiet, but they have calmed down enough to be ready to listen to the day’s story.

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.

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Filed Under: News, Top News Tagged With: Elementary School, learning style, meditation, Mindfulness, Montessori Schools, private school, Teaching styles

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