Montessori Schools – Rowntree Montessori Schools

2019/08/30 by R.M.S.

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, Math is Fun!

Not everyone will agree that math can be fun but the students at Rowntree Montessori Schools love math. As the great, William Paul Thurston stated, “mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms; it is about understanding”. The teachers at RMS are excellent at teaching one of our core subjects, math, and fostering a love of this subject.

Rowntree Montessori School students shopping during Math Day

Math is one of the core subjects taught in Prep-ONE (Senior Kindergarten) that we teach at Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS). During our math circle time, we start the year with counting from 1 to 100, counting by 2s to 20, and 5s and 10s to 100. We often make this engaging for students by adding songs because studies how that children learn well when lessons are fun. We teach students greater than and less than, as well as before and after numbers (up to 100). Students really enjoy this because the lessons are conducted using Montessori manipulative materials. These materials include number cards and object counters.

We also teach our students addition and subtraction to 10 using the Montessori Addition and Subtraction Boards. When students are learning double-digit addition and subtraction, we use the Stamp Game. This provides children with a learning tool that they can touch and see. At an early age, we also introduce 2D and 3D shapes, sorting, time by the hour,m and by the half hour, graphing, fractions, and place value.

Recently, our students learned about Canadian money which they used it in a real-life setting, during our annual “Math Day.” On this day our whole school transformed into a shopping mall and all of our students became shoppers. They learned how to purchase items and budget their mock money to buy toys, books, clothing, etc. Another exciting activity was teaching our students about “place value” through the use of Montessori materials. In this activity, students were able to create numbers by using the Montessori Golden Beads.

As a Kindergarten teacher, I can truly say that our Math programme is well-organized, and well balanced to suit the needs and learning styles of our young children. Our programme is truly ahead of the Ministry set guidelines. I look forward to many more years of watching our young students build a love for math, as they become interested in it through well thought-out activities and an excellent planned curriculum.

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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2019/08/06 by R.M.S.

The Importance of Physical Education in Kindergarten

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, we also value the importance and necessity of physical education, because we acknowledge the importance of skill building and teamwork, as we try to make physical education engaging and fun. Phys-Ed at the Kindergarten level is an extension to academic learning within the classroom that refines each student’s fine motor and gross motor skills. The students start the year off by learning how to play run around games that help them learn to follow simple 3 step instructions, until they have become confident to follow more complex rules, as a result of becoming familiar with the structure of various games. When the students have established the understanding of the rules in a game, they are then taught a variety of sports and fitness drills. Other activities such as parachute, obstacle courses, fitness rotations, and free movement play, are also embedded into the Phys-Ed programme for Kindergarten students at RMS.

Phys-Ed class occurs twice per week, as students wear appropriate gym clothes and shoes at school. Health lessons are also part of the curriculum, which focus on personal hygiene, fire safety in school and at home, healthy eating and identifying road signs, completed through paper-based activities and movement around the gymnasium.

Age-appropriate equipment is used to learn the basic skills in a sport or in free movement activities. Eye captivating materials such as soft coloured balls and hula-hoops grab the attention of students, as teachers create multiple ways to make Phys-Ed engaging. The use of imagination is the most important part of Phys-Ed for Kindergarten students, as they use movement to express real life experiences. For example, when playing parachute, students can demonstrate the waves of the ocean on a sunny calm day or during a storm. This allows the young students to actively participate in an inclusive activity that can relate to their weather discussion later on during circle time in the classroom.

Recently during a Phys-Ed class at the RMS Downtown campus, students were mixed with different age groups from Kindergarten to Grade 2, to complete a teamwork activity similar to the popular children’s board game “Hungry Hungry Hippos”. The game required students to work in pairs, fetch the balls from the middle circle, and bring them back to their bowl as quickly as possible. The students quickly began to strategize, problem solve and work with their partner to be successful and accomplish the activity with a win. This was a great learning experience for students, as it involved multiple grades and ages, and challenged them to work together to create a space where meaningful social interactions and teamwork could occur.

Physical education is not just about being active, it develops skills when solving challenges, competing against a peer or developing fine motor abilities. Phys-Ed at RMS develops self-discipline, responsibility and improved judgement. Students have the opportunity to assume leadership roles, cooperate with others and learn regulations. With a strong Phys-Ed programme, students are supported in their mental health by using the class as an outlet for releasing tension and anxiety. It is a time for them to facilitate their emotional stability and build resilience. A great Phys-Ed programme can be a major positive influence in helping young children successfully socialize with others, and is an important part of peer culture.

At RMS, building a child’s self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth are important to us. During Phys-Ed class, children feel included and are part of something great! They feel proud when mastering new skills and concepts, which helps them become more confident, assertive and independent.

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

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

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2017/07/20 by Contributor

Healthy Competition

The Chairman of The Independent Association of Prep Schools, Eddy Newton once stated that the best schools not only promote success and competition but also encourage the “life lessons of coping with defeat or a lack of success”. Newton takes an interesting perspective that is worth examining, because it is evident that the struggles of failure are necessary in order to succeed through healthy competition.

From an early age of a child’s life, the concept of competition is quickly learned. As individuals we long for our potential and skills to be recognized. For example, siblings at an early age will often compete for attention from their parents. Even outside of the household, the world is filled with competition. It is seen in sports or even when applying to post-secondary education. All of this competition can certainly be stressful for children; however, with proper guidance and support it can be an avenue for children to mature and grow as individuals.

Students competing in the RMS Math Bowl

Competition can be healthy for children because it teaches them that success does not happen overnight. In order to become the best or improve in an area, the child must work hard and learn from their mistakes. Academics is where students will face many of their toughest challenges and hardest failures. Children must be well equipped to realize that failure is not a dead end but an indicator of where further improvement can be made.

Students working together to find the correct answer

Competition should not be seen as a race between individuals trying to get to the top. Rather, it is a competition with oneself. With that thought in mind one must forge ahead with the intention of improving and succeeding in life’s challenges. Therefore, competition is a way to avoid complacency and strive to become the best individuals these children can be. It also builds resiliency and adaptability towards any difficult situation that students may face.

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.

2017/07/17 by Contributor

Encouraging Public Speaking

When RMS hosted its Annual Speech Night, it was a huge success! Our students’ faces glowed with confidence and pride because they knew that they had overcome their stage fright and were well on their way to developing their public speaking skills!

The students dress for the occasion at our Speech Night

When speech night was first introduced, panic washed over the faces of the Grade One students. The very thought of having to stand up in front of a crowd to recite a speech was petrifying. Understandably, this feeling is not unusual, public speaking can be an intimidating experience even for adults. As a first step, we worked on introducing ourselves to an audience. Once the students were comfortable with that, we started writing our speeches. We brainstormed possible topics and narrowed them down to our favourites. We made idea webs together, sharing what we would want to know about each other’s topics. The students asked each other questions that sparked imaginative ideas. They not only worked together as a team, but learned to contribute positively to another’s learning process. It was interesting to observe how these six year olds inspired each other to think from a different perspective, one that was not their own. After much thought and insightful discussion, we wrote our first draft, and what a success! The students were not only proud of what they had written but surprised at how well their speech sounded. Our speeches were ready for rehearsing.

A Superhero!

A Princess!

My Favourite Place!

Memorization was a huge concern from the beginning. Students practiced reciting their speech on a daily basis and with more practice came more clarity and expression. At the end of each practice, students offered each other feedback on how to improve their peer’s speech as well a “success sentence” about what they did well. As the much awaited day dawned, our brave and ever enthusiastic bunch were ready to take on the task of public speaking.

The words of encouragement that they offered each other were truly noteworthy. It was heartwarming to see their faces beaming with pride as they realized that they had achieved what they once thought was impossible!

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.

2017/07/06 by Contributor

Real Estate Agents for a Day

Elementary math is not just about numbers and memorizing formulas. At RMS, we often use this subject in order to explain real-life scenarios, allowing students to live a day in the life of a certain profession. By doing this, we make this important and sometimes challenging subject relevant and fun. Recently each grade seven student took on the role of a real estate agent to sell properties to prospective buyers (other students) during the RMS Math Day.

The Grade Seven Real Estate Agents in Action

A lot of effort was put into each project, and by the time Math Day started, students were ready to display their work with pride. Students were very prepared for questions and to act the part, and as a result their clients were eager to purchase many properties. Aside from all of the hard work the students put in, teachers were able to see that the students really enjoyed stepping into the shoes of real estate agents.

The Real Estate Agents Selling their Properties

Students at the end of the day decided to write a song about their experience with Math: “Math is fun. When you learn math you get the job done. There are many types of math you need to learn. With these skills you will earn. A whole new level of education. And you don’t even have to be a mathematician.”

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 9:30am-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.

2017/05/16 by Contributor

Active Learning in the Classroom

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

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

Students learning multiplication through song and dance

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

We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

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

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

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2017/05/15 by Contributor

Learning Origami During Asian Heritage Month

Origami is the Japanese word for paper folding. The word ‘ori’ means to fold and ‘kami’ means paper. Together, they form the word “origami”. It is an art form that has been handed down for generations from parents to children. We introduced origami to our Prep-ONE (SK) class as part of our celebration of Asian and South Asian Heritage month. The students were fascinated with the experience of origami. What made it even more fun for them was the challenge of having to transform a plain sheet of paper into a three-dimensional model!

Developing our fine motor skills

Folding the paper was great for their co-ordination and thinking skills. Transforming a square sheet of construction paper into something unique was an experience our Prep-ONE students truly enjoyed and gladly participated in! With some paper, patience and teamwork, our students were successful at learning a new form of art and cultural awareness.

Students working together and enjoying a new form of art

We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

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

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

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

2017/05/08 by Contributor

READ FOR SCHOOLS IN NEED

Imagine making a difference in the world while doing something that you love. This is the basic principle of Scholastic Book Clubs’ Classrooms Care Program. This program is built upon students’ love of books and reading, and any class of any reading ability can make a difference. Within the program, the students in each class must read a total of at least 100 books. Each book is recorded on a tracking poster. As the books get read and the results get recorded on the poster, the students become increasingly more excited and inspired to participate. Students are not only eager to contribute to their own classroom goal, but they also know that their reading is making a difference to children in need.

Students in Grade 2 following where their books will take them!

Students in grade 2 enjoying a good book while helping children in need

Once 100 books are read, Scholastic Book Clubs is notified and a donation of 100 books is made to children and schools in need or reading materials. Our students benefit from both their increased interest in reading but also from the knowledge that their reading is making a difference to other children who are less fortunate. The program is indeed a fulfilling and rewarding experience for both the giver and the receiver. Together, thanks to Scholastic Book Clubs, we can make a difference, one book at a time!

Class certificate for successfully reading 100 books

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.

2017/03/24 by R.M.S.

Making Successful Choices

We are committed to helping every student achieve success and well being. We strive to build the “Six Cs of Deep Learning” – Character, Citizenship (local, global and digital), Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Creativity (in terms of innovation and having an entrepreneurial eye) in each child, to support him or her in preparing for the demands of the future. Whether in academia, career choices or personal relationships, the Six Cs are necessary in the 21^st Century, as according to Fullan and Scott (2014). This month we encouraged teachers to support students in building these character traits, and today we saw them in our monthly Spirit Day assembly – where each student is part of a squad that strives to win the most points. We have four squads – Red Cheetahs, Yellow Lions, Black Panthers and Orange Tigers, and they are very competitive, each wanting to be at the top of our points board.

Students clapping and cheering at the Spirit Day Assembly

Each student is able to earn points every month that go towards the squad! Points are rewarded for many types of successful choices made by the student. A student may earn points for demonstrating the monthly character trait (this month it was ambition) or by having a sense of gratitude and politely thanking a teacher or student for assistance with a project. Giving other students credit for their victories after a group presentation to the class demonstrates our school values, as does helping a teacher keep the classroom clean. This month, Mira (a Panther from Grade 5) earned many points by going above and beyond, and running the audio during both Festival of the Arts nights while the teachers were dancing. As a squad, the Panthers also earned points during house league intramural sports games.

Mira – A Grade 5 Panther who was rewarded many points this month for helping teachers

When our teachers see a successful decision that may be based on critical thinking or creativity, along with a positive character building trait, they reward points. Not only does the Spirit squad motivate the individual to make positive lifestyle choices, but it also gives the child the opportunity to interact with different age groups and influence the behavior of others in a positive manner. The Government of Ontario also suggests that interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies have become much more important in the 21^st Century (as outlined in 21^st Century Competencies: Foundation Document for Discussion; Ministry of Education, Ontario). We know that these character traits and people skills are critical to a young person’s successes, and so we will continue to encourage our squads to share information and ideas with each other, so they can continuously learn and become more well-rounded students prepared for the demands of the future.

Congratulations to our Panthers, for earning 2751 points this month and taking the lead! We look forward to seeing what squad will challenge you for the top position next month.

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.

2017/03/07 by R.M.S.

Math Made Fun

Many schools teach Math primarily through numbers and textbook work. However, we believe that as times change, so should teaching methods. Today is Math day at RMS! It is a fun and exciting day for all ages, and allows us to provide a meaningful educational experience, that offers students the ability to engage in multiple hands-on activities using measuring tapes, counting objects and graphing tools. Our students are very engaged and glad to have the opportunity to use the many different math resources that we setup in the classrooms and around the school! They work as a team to successfully solve each problem they are given, while having a blast learning!

Younger students using tanograms (geometric shapes) during Math Day 2017

Today the students completed over 10 activities throughout various stations setup around the school. They had the opportunity to attend a toy and book store where they used play money to purchase items, teaching them about currency, addition and subtraction. They also completed math trivia, multiple math games which included a fun physical fitness element in the gymnasium, and learned how to calculate real estate agent commission when purchasing a new home – among many other activities. These activities allow students to understand how math is not just a subject we teach, but a life skill that plays a vital role outside of the classroom, helping prepare them to solve everyday obstacles they may encounter.

Student purchasing books from another student using play money

Our elementary students study math at one grade level ahead (for example Grade 2 students study Grade 3 math). This keeps our student challenged by introducing new concepts and procedures in a timely manner. Our students are often asked to prepare and present solutions to their math challenges. For example, today we had junior students presenting their Real Estate projects to other students and teachers, explaining the sale price between agent and buyer, making sure to explain how commission rates are calculated.

A proud student explaining how commission is calculated when buying a new home

Our students were thrilled with their experiences on Math Day and will now engage in learning new math concepts from a different perspective – one that is both educational and fun!

We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

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