Physical Activity – Rowntree Montessori Schools

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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2019/03/29 by R.M.S.

Learning Values and Skills Through Physical Education

We all know that physical fitness is a vital component in leading a healthy lifestyle. However, Physical Education class at RMS not only helps students maintain fitness, develop motor skills and muscular strength (while improving cardiovascular health), but also often improves learning in other areas. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, Phys-Ed class is an important part of the curriculum, and encompasses many teachable elements. Not only are there many competitive sports teams at RMS, such as soccer or track and field for students to participate in, but we also offer non competitive sports clubs such as cricket or basketball.

Students at sports match during Extra Curricular Activities - Showing Good Sportsmanship at RMS Private School in Brampton — Students at RMS thanking their competitors for a great game!

Our Physical Education teachers design and lead many fitness drills, demonstrate sports techniques and highlight a different sport each month, all year long, so that students get a good grasp of many different sports. Fitness assessments take place three times per year, where students are encouraged to build their stamina through beep tests, build their strength with push-ups, improve core strength with sit ups and work on their flexibility through a plethora of exercises. Various health topics are also taught in Phys-Ed class to students, including oral hygiene, personal hygiene, personal safety, body movement and body systems (for example the respiratory system, the nervous system, the digestive system).

Students at RMS in all grades learn many positive attributes from learning about sports and fitness that carry over into their overall academic performance. For example, in Phys-Ed class we teach positive values such as sportsmanship, teamwork and honesty, and skills such as striving for best personal performance, positive self-esteem and group participation. We believe that learning values and skills important in one area of study can help another. For example, maintaining good sportsmanship is taught in all Phys-Ed classes, and is also extremely beneficial in all other academic areas, especially when working in teams. We also see that participating in team sports is a good way of building positive self-esteem and confidence. In all grades, self-esteem is very important for students to do their best thinking and to increase interactions with teachers and other students. Students that believe in themselves seem far more able to ask more questions, and are willing to work hard to find the answers when needed.

Students playing Cricket after school with friends and family members.

According to an article posted by All Gymnastics University, “sports and Physical Education are a great way of teaching discipline and the value of hard work. As with most things in life, there are no shortcuts. Any athlete, regardless of their level, has to work hard to improve and reach his or her full potential.” This is true not only for our Physical Education classes, but for many areas within our curriculum. When students learn good principles like discipline, grit or resilience in one subject, such as Physical Education, it can often be carried over to other areas with proper direction and nurturing from teachers and mentors.

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.

2016/08/10 by RMS

Developing a Child’s Mind, Body and Soul

“Yoga creates children who are bright lights in this world, increasing their self-awareness and strengthening their bodies.” – Shakta Khalsa

Teacher instructing the students in tree pose

I have been a strong believer and follower of yoga ever since I can remember. Yoga has helped me to keep balance in my own life, it has taught me to be more patient, and helped my body stay healthy with flexibility. Seeing the positive effects it had on my own life, I decided to introduce a yoga program to our students. The children gather every Wednesday morning in the gym for a 30 minute practice session to learn and sharpen their yoga poses. The poses are done standing, sitting and lying down. Each pose challenges various muscle groups while helping a child become aware of his/her body and how it efficiently functions. Yoga poses enhance physical flexibility and strength because children learn to use their muscles in new ways.

A focused student demonstrating prayer pose

Yoga helps develop focus, concentration, balance and dexterity. The poses which we practise during yoga encourage children to clear their minds and focus on the present pose. For example, when children were taught the tree pose, the first thing they needed to learn was to stand still. They did this by staying calm and finding something to focus upon. After accomplishing this stage, the children were then challenged to further their pose to the next level. Now being able to focus, the students learn to coordinate their movements so they are able to balance on one foot completing the pose.

Cobra and Downward Dog

As a result, children learn to focus and concentrate during class time. Yoga also teaches them to persevere, be patient and work towards daily goals. Teachers like me have found that incorporating yoga and meditation into the daily schedule has had a positive impact on the completion of daily tasks. It has enhanced and strengthened the quality of students’ learning potential, and helped them to sustain their concentration, therefore making them more productive during their work day and helping them to achieve success in their learning environment.

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.

2016/06/12 by RMS

RMS “Olympians”

“All work and no play makes Homer go crazy”, is a saying that not only brings a smile to the faces of many, but also holds a great deal of validity. Here at RMS we strive towards having an equal balance between academics, arts, and sports, because having all makes life fun! So what better way to encourage a healthy way of life than to host our very own “Mini Olympics”!? With our annual Olympic Games, we train our students to be a part of future competitions in life, and how to deal with the trials and potential challenges that can come with them.

Taking a well earned rest and enjoying the sunshine at the “Mini Olympics”

Running the 100 metre dash

Through our physical education program, our students develop and hone their gross and fine motor skills, with the goal of utilizing these skills to help develop a lifelong enjoyment of sport and physical activity through events like our Mini Olympics. Winning is not everything, and neither is being the best; we must learn to deal with our own strengths and weaknesses in a healthy way.

Stretching and warming up before an event

The always popular and exciting Sack Race

Additionally, kids these days are getting fewer hours of physical activity than ever before; with technology so readily available, we must also help them to enjoy an active lifestyle. Therefore, through our integration of sporting days such as the “Mini Olympics”, we are able to facilitate a reinforcement of a healthy lifestyle that some of this generation’s kids are lacking. Lessons learned through sport also play an important role in helping children stay focused on a task, whether it is school work or other activities.

Giving everything they have at the long jump pit

Our RMS parents love to get involved too!

Teachers coaching students

Our closing event. A traditional Tug of War between our House League teams.

RMS provides nurturing which contributes towards developing tomorrow’s athletes. Every tree takes birth from a seed; similarly the seed for sport is instilled at RMS at a very young level. They play and compete amongst themselves in order to earn House League points. This gives them a head start to be our future Olympians!

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.

2016/04/26 by RMS

Jump Around!

One can often hear adults say, “I don’t get much exercise because I work a desk job.” The same can be said for many students, particularly in the older grades. It can be difficult to make sure that both children and adults get enough exercise – 30 minutes a day is the recommended minimum amount. So how can families make sure that they maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise?

Family winter sledging activity

There are many fun and unique ways that families can be “on the move,” even during the colder and wetter months when many of us are not brave enough to venture outside! Family activity time can be a great opportunity to bond, talk about your day, and get that all-important exercise. Below are some ideas you can try at home. Remember, activities don’t have to be expensive to be effective!

Each family member takes turns telling others about their day. While one person is speaking, the other family members will engage in light exercise, such as lunges or squats. You can even change the type of exercise when the next person begins their story.
Use a deck of cards to help you decide which exercise to do, and for how long. Assign an activity for each suit (for example, hearts = jumping jacks). When someone turns up a heart (for example, the 5 of hearts), they must do the activity designated to that suit. In this case, the person would do 5 jumping jacks.
Participate in outdoor activities – take a walk with the family pet, go to a toboggan hill, or build a snowman.
Try your hand at new activities – laser tag, mini golf, and bowling are all great activities that are fun for all ages!

Students demonstrating their teamwork skills during a DPA activity

Students enjoying their time in the gym exercising

At school, students learn the importance of regular exercise through their Daily Physical Activity (DPA) exercises and through the Ontario Health curriculum. However, it is just as important for parents to ensure they are also getting enough exercise at home during the weekend and holidays! Together as a family, all of us can work to achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle. So get out of your seat and jump around!

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 .