Grade 1 Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

2018/04/03 by R.M.S.

Hands On Learning in Grade 1 – Private School

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.

Grade 1 stuents at RMS private school in Brampton problem solving through the use of manipulatives

Grade 1 students at RMS Central Park Campus showcasing their playgrounds in science class

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.

A proud Grade 1 student showcasing her work

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 .

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.

2018/01/16 by R.M.S.

SATURDAY OPEN HOUSE – Jan 20th from 10am-2pm

Come and discover the opportunity you can provide your child to succeed Now and in their Future. Our Saturday Private School Open House is a perfect opportunity to tour our campuses and meet our teachers, particularly if you are unable to take advantage of our Open House ANYTIME opportunity. It’s your chance to see our campuses when it might be more convenient for you!

Take just a few minutes to come by our Private School Open House on Saturday Jan 20, 2018 (10 am – 2 pm) at our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses and discover the opportunity and possibilities for your child to love learning and excel. Your visit could be your first step in empowering your child’s journey towards their dreams!

Students using robots at RMS for Open House on June 3, 2017

Students using Dash & Dot robots

Apply NOW for September 2018! Click here to find out more.

Here’s a map which illustrates the locations of our 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 with the opportunity to meet teachers and administrators
Outline our enriched educational programmes
Inform you about the wide variety of before and after school activities available
Discuss registration options for Pre-Kindergarten (starting at 2 years 8 months old as of September 2018) to Grade 8

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.

2018/01/16 by R.M.S.

Grade 1 Information Evening – Wed & Thu

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 the upcoming Grade 1 information sessions.

Both current RMS parents and prospective parents who are considering enrolling their child(ren) in our RMS Grade Level programmes for either September 2018 or in future years are invited and encouraged to attend our upcoming information session to learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools’ Grade Level Curriculum and co-curriculum programmes and opportunities.

Wednesday January 17^th6:00pm @ our Rowntree Montessori Schools Preparatory Campuses

Thursday January 18^th6:00pm @ our Rowntree Montessori Schools Academy Campus
Presentation about our Elementary Programme (Grade 1 to 8) at the Academy campus (3 Sunforest Drive, Brampton)

Who should attend:
-Parents who have a child entering Grade 1 in September 2018 or in future years
-Parents who have a child entering other Elementary Grade levels in September 2018

Making a Most Critical Decision in your Child’s Education.

RMS’ Academic-based Private Education or Play-based Public Education?

Presentation on our enriched Grade Level Curriculum & Educational Programmes
School Tour
Meet our Grade 1 teachers and Administrative staff
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 – 30 minutes.

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.

2017/01/18 by RMS

Event Reminder – Info Session about our Elementary (Grade 1 & up) Programmes – Tomorrow night!

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 this upcoming Info Session in January.

Both current RMS parents and prospective parents who are considering enrolling their child(ren) in our RMS Grade Level programmes for either September 2017 or in future years are invited and encouraged to attend one or more of the following evening events to learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools’ Grade Level Curriculum and co-curriculum programs and opportunities.

Thursday January 19^th 6:00pm @ RMS Academy campus
-Presentation about our Elementary Programme (Grade 1 to 8) at the Academy campus (3 Sunforest Drive, Brampton)

Who should attend:
-Parents who have a child entering Grade 1 in September 2017 or in future years
-Parents who have a child entering other Elementary Grade levels in September 2017

Making a Most Critical Decision in your Child’s Education.

RMS’ Academic-based Private Education or Play-based Public Education?

Presentation on our enriched Grade Level Curriculum & Educational Programmes
School Tour
Meet our Grade 1 teachers and Administrative staff
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 an hour long and the guided school tour typically takes 15-20 minutes.

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 .

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.

2017/01/17 by RMS

Event Reminder – Info Sessions about our Elementary (Grade 1 & up) Programmes – Tomorrow night!

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 Info Sessions in January.

Wednesday January 18^th 6:00 pm @ RMS Downtown campus
-Presentation about our Grade 1 and Elementary Programme at Downtown campus (4 Elizabeth St. North, Brampton)

Wednesday January 18^th 6:00 pm @ RMS Central Park campus
-Presentation about our Grade 1 and Elementary Programme at Central Park campus (502 Central Park Drive, Brampton)

Thursday January 19^th 6:00pm @ RMS Academy campus
-Presentation about our Elementary Programme (Grade 1 to 8) at the Academy campus (3 Sunforest Drive, Brampton)

Who should attend:
-Parents who have a child entering Grade 1 in September 2017 or in future years
-Parents who have a child entering other Elementary Grade levels in September 2017

Making a Most Critical Decision in your Child’s Education.

RMS’ Academic-based Private Education or Play-based Public Education?

Presentation on our enriched Grade Level Curriculum & Educational Programmes
School Tour
Meet our Grade 1 teachers and Administrative staff
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 an hour long and the guided school tour typically takes 15-20 minutes.

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 .

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.

2017/01/12 by RMS

Info Sessions about our Elementary (Grade 1 & up) Programmes

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 events in January.

Wednesday January 18^th 6:00 pm @ RMS Downtown campus
-Presentation about our Grade 1 and Elementary Programme at Downtown campus (4 Elizabeth St. North, Brampton)

Wednesday January 18^th 6:00 pm @ RMS Central Park campus
-Presentation about our Grade 1 and Elementary Programme at Central Park campus (502 Central Park Drive, Brampton)

Thursday January 19^th 6:00pm @ RMS Academy campus
-Presentation about our Elementary Programme (Grade 1 to 8) at the Academy campus (3 Sunforest Drive, Brampton)

Who should attend:
-Parents who have a child entering Grade 1 in September 2017 or in future years
-Parents who have a child entering other Elementary Grade levels in September 2017

Making a Most Critical Decision in your Child’s Education.

Academic-based Private Education or Play-based Public Education?

Presentation on our enriched Grade Level Curriculum & Educational Programmes
School Tour
Meet our Grade 1 teachers and Administrative staff
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 an hour long and the guided school tour typically takes 15-20 minutes.

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 .

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.

2016/06/14 by RMS

For the Love of Art

William Bennet, former U.S. Secretary of Education, once said, “The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing and arithmetic… Music, dance, painting and theater are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment.” At RMS we understand the importance of music and drama, and how crucial it is to encourage our students to use their imagination, creativity and self-expression. Therefore, most of our programs and activities are geared to promote these valuable skills.

Designing, producing and starring in ‘The Three Little Pigs”

Last month, students from a Prep-ONE class (Senior Kindergarten level class) presented a play entitled, “The Three Little Pigs.” This is a popular fable about three pigs who went to build homes of their own upon leaving their mother’s house: one made of straw, one made of sticks, and the last home made of bricks. A big bad wolf blew down the first two houses made of straw and sticks, but was not able to blow down the house made of bricks.

The students took pride and pleasure in preparing their lines, songs, actions, and props. Each student was afforded the opportunity to contribute their vision for the play and put it into action. During their Music and Drama period, they would go to their assigned groups to work on their presentation. After much practice, the Prep-ONEs were ready to showcase their version of “The Three Little Pigs” to the staff and parents, who thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

The Prep-ONEs were so happy with their performance and feedback

These Prep-ONEs were delighted by the response they received from their audience, and the students felt very proud of their performances. As they took their bows, the Prep-ONEs walked away not only feeling a sense of accomplishment from their great performance, but also realizing that dedication, diligence, and co-operation are bound to reap rewarding results of sweet success!

To see more posts about Art related activities at Rowntree Montessori Schools, 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 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.

2016/06/05 by RMS

The Benefits of Montessori Education

In the early 1900’s, Maria Montessori developed a system of education to help children in the first few years of life develop in a multitude of ways. This form of education, for children from birth to six years, incorporates the needs to not only be healthy, well-fed and safe, but also to learn a variety of skills and to be active learners. We understand that children are born ready to learn and this type of education is an approach to teaching the whole child. In their first years, children’s cognitive, social-emotional, movement, and language skills are highly intertwined and enmeshed. Learning in the first six years sets the stage for learning for the rest of a child’s life – the brain is very malleable and neural networks are being laid down in the child’s first years; they do not get a second chance at healthy brain development.

Students use different Montessori Methods to complete their learning tasks

We know that children are born with minds that are empty vessels needing to be filled or blank slates to be written upon. They are born ready to learn, with all the architecture already in their brains; all the neurons they will have in their life are already in there—billions of them! What happens as young children learn and grow is that some connections between neurons are strengthened and other neurons get pruned or eliminated. Connections are strengthened by the child’s experiences; routine interactions between the child and a caregiver or between a child and a learning activity set up patterns of neural activity that are strengthened by repetition. Montessori materials enable children to concentrate because they are able to move freely and choose activities in which they are interested. We know that when someone is highly interested in anything, that is where he/she will focus attention. We capitalize on this principle of learning to enable children to develop a high level of concentration at a very young age.

Students attempt different learning activities to strengthen their learning in the classroom

In our Montessori environment, children are encouraged to speak, read, write and be excellent communicators. The language area of the Montessori curriculum is a subject of much interest and is unique in its approach. Because of the “absorbent” quality of the child’s mind under the age of six, the oral language environment that they are exposed to constitutes the substance of the language they will eventually understand and speak. We ensure that the language we speak to very young children who are acquiring language is clear and not overly-simplified, and that it is informative as well as engaging! Essentially, we want children to learn the best form of our language’s vocabulary and speech patterns.

Students are encouraged to make connections and communicate the answers they arrive at using different visual and kiniesthetic methods

There is an inner drive in every one of us, an inner voice that, if we listen to it, tells us which way to turn, which option to choose. If we allow children to listen to this voice, to follow their interests from birth, they are likely to learn a great deal about themselves and their world as they grow. They will learn what they like and what they don’t like. They will come to know what they are good at, and how they are challenged. The focus that comes from doing what interests them will allow them to learn many things and become confident learners.

Just some of the Montessori resources used in the classroom on a daily basis

Montessori learning sets the stage for future success, as RMS continues in its quest of “Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers”.

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 .

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.

2016/04/14 by RMS

Is Play-Based Education Alone, Enough for Your Kindergarten and Elementary Children?

Over recent years, there has been a significant swing of the educational pendulum in the direction of play-based learning for kindergarten and early elementary school children. Much research and publication effort has also been dedicated to extolling the virtues of play-based education, all for very good reason! It is well-known that some of life’s best lessons are learned through play, and in fact, much of the learning that is characteristic of Maria Montessori’s famous model is founded upon activities rooted in play. The question for us at RMS, and for you as parents is: Will play-based learning alone be enough? Our answer is: Perhaps not.

Play Based learning can take many different forms!

In her article “Does play-based kindergarten help children academically?” http://www.research.utoronto.ca/does-play-based-kindergarten-help-children-academically/ author Jenny Hall notes the work of OISE professor Angela Pyle while observing the play-literacy interface in classrooms. As in the RMS “Math Day”, Pyle observes children setting up a bank in their classroom, following the teacher having taught the group directly about money. With the fundamentals having been provided through teacher-directed instruction, the students are then enthused to move forward on their own with extension activities, and the teacher must have the good sense to step back and switch into a “facilitator and provider”, rather than a “teacher and director” mode.

An example of teacher directed learning that incorporates play-based learning

Like many of us who spend a good deal of time thinking about educational efficacy, Pyle is interested in the balance between “developmentally-appropriate practices like play-based learning, and the academic learning that we are expecting from young children”. I am always impressed when I visit our youngest classrooms, by how enthusiastically our children approach structured, teacher-led activities such as calendar, weather, and phonics classes. It is also rewarding to witness early reading stages and emerging numeracy, typically resulting from direct instruction. This does not, however, diminish the vital importance of lessons learned through play, especially as can be seen when original ideas and activities are encouraged, and concepts are reinforced by imaginative and creative play, where the teachers’ role is focused upon retaining safety and an atmosphere of mutual respect.

The teacher facilitates the learning rather than providing directed instruction or dictation during a STEM activity

In some ways, notes Pyle, teachers are in a bind. “We know that play is good for things like self-regulation…and learning to compromise and negotiate, but on the other hand, for play to work for academic learning, teachers may have to be more involved in guiding it.”

Clear instructions and demonstrations are given before the experiments can begin

At RMS, we embrace the balance. All of our students need to be equipped with the fundamental skills and knowledge for ongoing academic success, and also with the ability to naturally and independently interact with others in their “circle”. Development of all of these attributes depends upon the knowledge and flexibility of the RMS teachers and leaders to understand when each model, or something in between, is appropriate, and having the courage to “Nurture Tomorrow’s Achievers” in the way that is best suited to their present and future needs.

Students are learning the importance of strong structures at a young age

Clear instruction and structure provide the basis of this lesson, before the play-based learning can begin

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 .

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.

2016/01/13 by RMS

Event Reminder – Presentations about our Grade 1 and Elementary Programme – Tomorrow night!

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

To learn more about why you should consider our highly revered programmes for your child, we encourage you to attend one of our upcoming events in early January.

Both current RMS parents and prospective parents who are considering enrolling their child(ren) in our RMS Grade Level programmes for either September 2016 or in the future years are invited and encouraged to attend one or more of the following evening events to learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools’ Grade Level Curriculum and co-curriculum programs and opportunities.

Thursday January 14^th 6:00pm @ RMS Academy campus
-Presentation about our Grade 1 and Elementary Programme at the Academy campus (3 Sunforest Drive, Brampton)

Who should attend:
-Parents who have a child entering Grade 1 in September 2016 or in future years
-Parents who have a child entering other Elementary Grade levels in September 2016

Making a Most Critical Decision in your Child’s Education.

Academic-based Private Education or Play-based Public Education?

Presentation on our enriched Grade Level Curriculum & Educational Programmes
School Tour
Meet our Grade 1 teachers and Administrative staff
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 an hour long and the guided school tour typically takes 15-20 minutes.

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 .

Please kindly SHARE this post with others if you found it informative and helpful by clicking onto one or more of the icons below. We would appreciate it and thank you in advance.