Group work

2019/05/16 by Natalie

Homework Matters

Homework often works as the bridge that joins the school with parents. It is important because it can serve as a window through which a parent can observe his or her child’s progress and express positive support towards a child’s achievements and hard work. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, we believe that there are times when homework can play an important role in the development of a child’s success.

Student writing down her homework assignment at Rowntree Montessori Schools private school in Brampton. — Student writing out the details of her homework assignment.

There are many positive attributes of homework. Firstly, it promotes practice and participation in learning tasks that may need additional time and effort, often in the mastery of basic skills, such as reading, writing, spelling and mathematics. It can also help improve a child’s ability to independently get organized, help a child learn how to set priorities when needing to complete a work from home project, and give a student the chance to problem solve independently. It can also help strengthen a student’s sense of responsibility and improve development of personal skills such as time management. It also offers the school an opportunity to let parents know what their children are learning, and can be used to share updates about other class activities and school policies. Importantly, homework gives parents a chance to see what their child is learning in school.

Student working on homework assignment at Rowntree Montessori Schools private school in Brampton. — Student getting ready to show the teacher his completed homework assignment.

At RMS, we ensure that homework reinforces skills taught in class and provides an opportunity for students to apply newly gained knowledge without the teacher’s supervision. Regular completion of homework often leads students to better success rates on tests and quizzes. We offer a progressive and broad curriculum at our school, and we know that there is a time and a place for both completion of homework and involvement in various extra-curricular activities. We ensure that each teacher considers this balance each week when determining the homework that is required, and that each child has an opportunity for both academic and extra-curricular success.

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 Natalie

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 .

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.

2016/07/13 by Natalie

Teamwork

Team building workshops have been an important part of learning at Rowntree for the past several years. In order to allow our students to come together in various team working scenarios, we have participated in numerous workshops.

Working together as a group to solve tasks

We feel that it is very important to foster an understanding and respect for every member of the class, and to take our team building skills to the next level. Of course, during lesson time, there are always plenty of opportunities to work in groups and teams to achieve academic goals. However, we wanted to take this concept further. A number of external and internal workshops were set up in order to achieve this goal.

Students working together to solve problems in class

Our first team building activity was an internal workshop delivered in February. Students worked in teams as architects and designers to create strong structures. Their hands on, practical skills were tested.

Grade five went on a journey to the wilderness centre. Here, they were able to exercise and demonstrate their team work and leadership qualities in different outdoor activities, bringing the class together as one unit.

Students at leadership camp demonstrating their teamwork skills on the low ropes

The Grade 5 students had a very creative and highly engaging workshop with ‘Skills Ladder’. Skills Ladder organizes interpersonal communication skills enhancing workshops for school children. Students worked on enhancing their Interpersonal communication skills in Active Listening, Getting Involved, Right Body Language and Conflict Resolution.

All of these skills may sound very ordinary, but are very desirable leadership and resilience building skills. These skills are rarely taught, but are required when working in a team environment. It was great to see Grade 5 students working with their teams and enjoying being a part of it. They had many opportunities to explore their Interpersonal communication skills while participating in the workshop. They learned how to listen, compliment and encourage each other while respecting different ideas. Most importantly, they learned about conflict resolution -a skill many adults struggle to master.

Students recognise the importance of working together — Students recognize the importance of working together

Students in grade 5 joined forces with our grade 6 class at leadership camp this year. This year’s camp focus was on the environment and energy conservation. Camp Ki-Wa-Y was held over 2 days and set up by the YMCA. The students took part in many outdoor activities with energy conservation as their focus. Students developed their teamwork skills through whole class, team, and small group activities that focused on recognizing each other’s strengths, exploring different ways of positive communication, and encouraging others to accomplish individual goals.

Our culminating teamwork challenge came in the form of a tree top trekking course set in the tree line of Heart Lake Conservation area. The students had to work together in order to complete the obstacle courses set up in the trees. Students showed tremendous respect and concern for their grade members, along with skills they have learned throughout the school year.

Click the link below to watch a clip of our students demonstrating their teamwork skills during a spirit day assembly

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 .

Group work

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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