kindergarten Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

2018/12/05 by R.M.S.

Apply for Kindergarten Today!

Now accepting NEW student applications for Pre-Kindergarten Montessori and Kindergarten Montessori (JK) for the 2019-2020 Academic Year starting in September 2019!

If you have a child who was born in 2016 or 2015 and would like to submit an application to Rowntree Montessori Schools for the 2019-2020 academic year (starting in September 2019), please do not wait until it is too late! We are now officially reviewing applications for acceptance to Pre-Kindergarten Montessori and Kindergarten Montessori (JK).

Students in Kindergarten Montessori at Rowntree Montessori Schools

Students in Kindergarten Montessori (JK) at Rowntree Montessori Schools

Click on the Apply Now button below to quickly and easily submit your application, and someone from our Admissions Office will be in touch with you shortly. If you would like to talk with someone from our Admissions Office, please click here to review the contact information for each campus.

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools’ admission process, click here.

If you have not done so already, we also encourage you to visit one of our campuses. Discover the opportunity and possibilities for your child to love learning and excel.

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 meet teachers and administrators
Outline our enriched educational programmes – Pre-Kindergarten (2.8 yrs) to Grade 8
Discuss registration options

…and of course, children are most welcome.

Private school students in Kindergarten working on Montessori materials at RMS

Students in Kindergarten Montessori (JK) learning to count

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.

2018/11/26 by R.M.S.

Learning to Read in Kindergarten

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, our Kindergarten students have been hard at work learning to read! When you come visit our classroom, you can see the students using many different methods to help them in their reading journey. During our language time, we have been focusing on our beginning phonetic sounds. Phonics in our classrooms, is the practice of teaching children the sounds made by individual letter or letter groups (for example, the letter “c” makes a k sound), and teaching Kindergarten students how to merge separate sounds together to make one word (for example, blending the sounds c, a, t makes CAT).

Kindergarten Montessori schools learning about letter sounds at Rowntree Montessori Schools private school in Brampton

Kindergarten Montessori students learning about letter sounds while reading small words

We use many different methods to teach phonics, as we find the Kindergarten students learn the best when shown visually, with a manipulative and written resource. In order for a child to learn how to spell any word correctly, he or she must be able to recognize the sounds of the letters used in forming the words. At RMS, our teachers want to make sure all of our Kindergarten students feel confident and are well on their way to learning to read by the end of the school year. This is why learning to read is a daily focus that is utilized in all subject areas, not just language time!

Kindergarten student learning to read using worksheets

Student using workbook independently

When a Kindergarten student is taught phonics, the child will be able to recognize sounds in words, and will be able to spell the words correctly. We always start our language time with a circle that introduces the letter and phonetic sound. We use our Montessori moveable letters to build small words with the specific phonetic sound. We also look through text to find words that have the same beginning letters, which also helps increase a child’s fluency in reading. The students enjoy making a visual list of words that have the same beginning sound when they are learning to read. We then go over the proper way to print both the upper and lower case letters using the whiteboard. To cement any new reading concepts in the minds of our Kindergarten students, we finish with working in our workbooks on pages that connect with what was taught during circle time. It is amazing to see our students working so hard, and some of them are already reading small three letter words! Learning phonics is very important at Rowntree Montessori Schools in helping children to learn how to spell words.

Kindergarten students learning to read by using worksheets at private school in Brampton

Kindergarten students practising reading skills

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.

2018/11/21 by R.M.S.

Montessori Learning Time

When you look into one of our Brampton Kindergarten classrooms during Montessori learning time, you will see a variety of things taking place. For example, you might see children practicing their cutting skills, using scissors to cut along different kinds of lines. Maybe you would see a child practicing pouring sand from a jug into smaller glasses. You might see another child using tweezers to move pompoms or buttons from one container to another, counting as they go. Perhaps you would see a child using the Montessori Moveable Alphabet to practice making words on a Montessori mat on the carpet, or the sandpaper letters to practice writing individual letters. Another child might be using the Montessori Addition Strip Board to practice their adding. Continuing to look around, you might see children matching up letters to pictures or objects, working on their initial or ending sounds. No matter what, you will undeniably see a lot of different learning taking place in our Kindergarten classrooms during Montessori learning time!

Kindergarten students using Montessori materials at Rowntree Montessori Schools Private School in Brampton

Students using different learning and pracical life materials during Montessori learning time

Montessori learning time has so much value in our Kindergarten classrooms. The hands-on nature of the Montessori Method truly allows for children to grow in their independence across multiple subject areas. The children have opportunity not only to work in areas such as Language and Math using Montessori materials, but also in practical everyday life ways, such as practicing using cutlery or practicing zipping up a zipper on a zipper frame. It is a valuable educational approach, used not only in these independent sessions but also in our lessons. Children respond so well to these materials, and can take the learning that they do here and apply it elsewhere with ease. Our students are always excited for Montessori learning time!

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.

2018/07/25 by R.M.S.

Montessori Materials in Kindergarten

We are often asked questions about what types of Montessori materials we use in our Pre-Kindergarten Montessori to Prep-One (SK) classes. As a result, we have put together some information for parents who have questions. Firstly, feel free to click here for an easy to read article outlining the basic types of Montessori materials used within a classroom. According to the article, there are three types of Montessori materials. Sensorial materials are “designed to help children learn through their senses.” We use these types of materials in our Kindergarten grades on a daily basis, predominantly during language time, math time and social studies. For example, the Pink Tower is used to help children learn about width and height, whereas nobless cylinders help teach about diameter, and metal insets allow students to trace shapes and prepare them to get started with printing and gripping pencils. All of these materials are built to excite children to touch and to learn about their environment through exploration.

Kindergarten students using Montessori materials

Practical life materials “are real, everyday tools, often scaled down for little hands and statures. They teach real-life skills such as sweeping, pouring, washing dishes, setting a table, or dressing.” We also use these materials regularly so that children can learn to tie their shoe laces, fold and sort laundry such as socks, measuring cups to learn how to pour liquid and dry materials, buttons for dressing and many items that you may find on the dinner table to prepare students for setting a table. We agree with the above article, in that children will instinctively imitate the everyday activities that they see around them, so practical life materials offer a great way for students to “develop small and large motor skills, balance, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, independence, confidence and more” all with familiar items.

Kindergarten student using real-life materials to learn through Montessori teaching method

Student using real-life materials to learn small motor skills and hand-eye coordination

Lastly, we use Academic Montessori materials on a daily basis to prepare students for progression in math and language. For example, you will find out students using sand paper letters, numbers and counters during math, spindle boxes for object counting and basic 1 to 1 addition and subtraction and golden beads for more complex counting and addition and subtraction. It is important that Montessori materials attract a child’s attention, and that they are “connected to a series” so that children can progress in their learning. Successful materials must allow children to make mistakes and correct their errors, so that they learn confidence and a sense of self-criticism. Our Kindergarten students at RMS enjoy all of the Montessori inspired learning activities that take place, and definitely benefit from this kind of instruction.

Kindergarten students using Montessori materials in private school to learn about math

Kindergarten students using golden beads and number counters during math activity

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.

2018/07/24 by R.M.S.

Teaching Children Core Values

Raising children is an enormous responsibility. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, we make every effort to be part of the community that helps grow and shape young minds. We recently came across an interesting article that highlights the need to teach children 7 Core Values. Click here to read this article written by S. Campbell. Below are some of the highlights that we would like to share.

Teamwork: Note only is it critical that we show our children the necessity of teamwork by getting them involved in school and community activities, but we must also make sure they understand the importance of being a valuable asset to each environment they are a part of. At our private school, students have the ability to participate in many different team environments, from multiple sports clubs and teams, to Robotics club, Model United Nations, to participating in community outings and leadership opportunities where the older students can be role models for younger students at concerts and school trips.
Self-Care: According to the article, children must learn to put their responsibilities first and free-time second, in order to feel successful and to be at their best. At RMS, we encourage our students to be the best version of themselves at all times, whether on school trips, when working on projects with others, or whether at home working on their Chromebooks. However, we always ensure a school-life balance, so our teachers make sure that students are never overwhelmed with school priorities. Our school calendar is monitored closely, and our Principal is very involved with each classroom, so that homework plans and project plans are put together in a way that ensures students can always be successful in meeting their priorities, leaving them time for life outside of school, and for other fulfilling and fun activities.
Seeing Possibilities Where Others See Problems: Campbell states the value of helping teach children persistence and consistency in thought and action towards solving their problems. We could not agree more. Problem solving is a fundamental skill that we teach at our private school. Giving our students access to the tools they need to help solve their problems is pivotal. Not only do we focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in a multidisciplinary way when learning to problem solve, but we offer tools like robotics, computers, Chromebooks, interactive whiteboards and many other hands on materials to help our students find solutions. This offers them the opportunity for personal development and growth, and prepares them for dealing with real world problems.
Motivation: We agree that encouragement, validation and support are necessary in helping grow a child’s motivation. At RMS, we make every effort to ensure that each student who walks through our doors feels motivated to succeed, not only at classwork, but also is achieving their goals. We hold a regular monthly assembly to acknowledge student achievement and teachers make the classroom environment comfortable and supportive, but also challenging enough for students to develop their skills and find joy in accomplishing tasks independently and in group projects.
Time Management Skills: According to Campbell, “success is deeply rooted in having exceptional time-management skills.” This is very true, and it is why we ensure that students are required to meet deadlines, and taught to self manage their time responsibly.
Accepting Responsibility: At RMS, we make sure that students take responsibility for any outcomes, both positive and negative. Teachers, Principals and Faculty are all very involved in setting this guideline. At Rowntree Montessori Schools we have a strict code of conduct, which we all abide by to ensure that we have a successful school experience. When mistakes are made, students are taught to take responsibility for their actions, and they are given every support they need to correct actions. Importantly, we also ensure that good work and successful decisions are recognized, so that students who are successful in their decision making can accept positive reinforcement and be role models for others.
Kindness: We agree with Campbell that children must value themselves and others, and that the environment around them is consistently positive and supportive. As educators we set examples everyday for our students about how to be kind, and we believe this is one of the reasons why our families consistently return to our private school, because they cherish the positive influence that our teachers and students have.

Student helping a younger student at RMS private school in Brampton

RMS student showing leadership by helping a younger student

We are always looking for new families to join our school community. If you would like to apply to RMS, please do so by clicking here.

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.

2018/05/25 by R.M.S.

Learning about Butterflies in Kindergarten

Since early Spring, Pre-Kindergarten to Prep-ONE (SK) Kindergarten students have been learning about the lifecycle of a butterfly by caring for these creatures through each stage of the metamorphosis. This has been a great interest based project, as our students were eager to learn about all of the stages of this change. This learning experience gave students the opportunity to observe nature, learn collaboratively, take turns and communicate with peers about what was happening.

Kindergarten student at RMS private School Brampton looking at butterfly

Kindergarten Montessori students looking at butterflies eating

The video below shows the release of our butterflies back into natural habitat. Our release ceremony started with students telling us about the life cycle of butterflies, and then included a poem recited by our Prep-ONE class. All students made a wish as we released the butterflies. Students enjoyed learning about how all things change during their lifetimes. Just as the butterfly develops through four stages of metamorphosis — egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult (butterfly), so too will our Kindergarten students change during the year. We are very proud of our students for participating in this project together, and thank the many parents who participated in the release ceremony.

For more information about the Butterfly Life Cycle, click below to read more from the National Geographic Kids Canada website.

The Butterfly Life Cycle!

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.

2018/02/09 by R.M.S.

Celebrate 100 Days of School!

At RMS our Kindergarten Montessori (Junior Kindergarten) and Prep-One (Senior Kindergarten) students enjoy learning through the use of multiple teaching techniques, including Montessori inspired methods. This prepares our students to learn more complex topics, as all of our subjects meet and exceed the Ministry set guidelines for learning by one to two grade levels. Today we celebrate the 100th day of school and we recognize the value of what we have learned so far this year! Every day starting at the first day of school Kindergarten Montessori and Prep-One students count the day, and when they reach the 100th day they celebrate! This year the Prep-One students came up with 100 reasons why they love school, including reasons like enjoying doing challenging work and loving their great teachers! Take a look at the video below of our Prep-One students using golden beads and large numbers to count over 100!

This afternoon we will have an assembly to celebrate the the achievements of our students, followed by Kindergarten students enjoying a 100th day cupcake celebration. Each day at Rowntree Montessori Schools we make sure to challenge our students to become the best versions of themselves and to learn something that will help them achieve success in their educational careers.

Students in Junior Kindergarten at RMS Private School Brampton celebrating the 100th day of school

Students in Prep-One celebrating the 100th Day of 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 9:30am-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.

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!

RMS 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.

Please kindly SHARE this exciting news 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 .