Reading Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

2020/05/18 by R.M.S.

Novel Study Learning, Remotely

It has been two months since our students began their remote learning adventure. This has meant that we have had to come up with creative ways to teach different lesson units. Our grade 4s took their remote learning to a new level by adding a dimension to their novel study unit.

What is a novel study?

A novel study refers to the process of reading (studying) a text (novel) together. One copy of the text is provided to the teacher to read aloud to the students. Alternatively, the teacher provides a copy of the book for every student to follow along with. Reading a textbook can be dull but using a Novel Study to learn a lesson unit makes it more engaging for students.

The novel study is used to practice comprehension and fluency. In addition to this, a novel study also focuses on Literacy concepts such as cause and effect, summarization, and making inferences. The content of the book is just as important as the skills readers are using to understand the text.

Reading novels, taking part in discussions, chalking our character sketches, and answering questions can become boring at times. To address this, one of our grade 4 classes decided to take action! Students generated Apps for James and his team to help them cruise around with ease to reach their destination. There are many benefits to teaching students through Novel Studies. For a list of five key benefits of a novel study, please click here.

Our grade 4 class rewrote their stories to give a different perspective to Roald Dahl’s famous novel, James and the Giant Peach!

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

2019/09/13 by R.M.S.

Reading Buddies in Grade 1

This year, the Grade 6 class at Rowntree Montessori Schools partnered up with the Grade 1B class to participate in the Learning Buddies Programme. According to experts from www.edutopia.org from the George Lucas Educational Foundation, “Partnering with higher achieving peers can have a positive influence on a student’s learning, and students who are older, more capable readers can be these peers for young students.”

At the Academy Campus, this programme runs each Thursday, as Grade 6 students are paired with Grade 1 students, whether in the classroom or library, and together the students work through an educational reading activity. This programme initially began with the intention of being reading centered only, but when the teachers saw how well the two classes worked together, they decided to change to focus to learning in other areas as well. The activities each week may start with a reading exercise, but may also be combined with a larger themed activity, whether learning about personal identity, speech writing or even goal setting. The students often engage in activities based off of what events are happening in the school that week.

A grade six student helping a grade 1 student with reading

Here are some examples of activities that the students have completed:

All About Me booklets
Story writing
Themed crafts
Hour of Code
Goal setting and New Years resolutions
Speech writing
Speech presentations
Read aloud

Through these weekly peer interactions, the students have created meaningful relationships with children outside their grade levels. This has positively contributed to the social environment at RMS. The younger and older students get very excited when it is time for them to see their learning buddy outside of the regular Thursday morning schedule.

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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2018/11/26 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 .

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2018/10/16 by R.M.S.

Creating a Love for Reading

This is an exciting week because students have the opportunity to enjoy the yearly Scholastic book fair! Over the three days of the book fair, students have the opportunity to make a wish list, which they can share with parents, who can either send money in or attend the school to purchase the books. We offer an excellent selection of books and related items for all age groups, and even get students excited by having random book giveaways each day. Plus the proceeds help us earn books for the school library!

Students at RMS book fair at private school in Brampton

Students looking through a selection of books together at the RMS yearly Scholastic book fair

We love seeing students get excited to read! Experts tell us that reading is an important part of a child’s overall health and well-being. In fact, Canadian paediatricians suggest that children who do not learn to read well, may have problems later in life. According to an article posted by caringforkids.cps.ca, you can help your child to develop good reading skills in many ways. Here are just a few of the many suggestions outlined in the article Promoting reading in school-aged children:

Make reading part of your routine every day. Even just a few minutes each day will make a difference. It is also a great way to create a special bond with your child. Plus, continue to read out loud to your child even when he or she can read alone. Experts also suggest that you read books that are a bit above your child’s reading level, as long as they are books that he or she can still understand and enjoy.
Be a role model and let your children see you read. If he or she sees you and other family members reading books, newspapers and magazines, he or she will learn that reading is important, fun and valuable.
Consider creating a special reading space in your home that is quiet and cozy. Keep books close to this area.
Use rhymes, games and songs. Singing traditional songs and telling stories can all enhance your child’s learning opportunities. This can also be a great way to expose your child to other languages.
Practice writing. Reading and writing go together. Children can practice their writing skills by making lists, keeping a journal, making a catalogue of their collections, or writing to friends, family, or favourite authors (many have websites with an address for fan mail).

Student at RMS book fair at private school in Brampton

A student selecting her preferred book for her book fair wish list

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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2017/10/26 by R.M.S.

Scholastic Book Fair Fun

This year our Scholastic Book Fair was a success at all campuses, running over a three day period! Not only did the purchasing of books from students and families help us earn ample funds that will go back into our schools and programmes, but together we earned over 100 new books for the campus libraries. During the Book Fair, students wrote up a wish list of books, took it home to review with parents, and then returned to purchase books the next day. With every purchase, a ballot was given for a chance to win a grand prize of $25 of free books for the student plus $25 of free books for his or her classroom. Everyone was excited to participate in this excitement!

Two students at RMS Private School in Brampton looking at books during the book fair — Two students looking through their options at the Book Fair

We also garnered interest for the Book Fair by placing random tickets for free prizes in the Kindergarten classroom cubbies and student lockers throughout the school. The random winners were able to select a book as a prize! Students were also granted a surprise visit by Clifford the Big Red Dog during the last day of the Book Fair. His visit was especially exciting for the little ones, as he encourages them to enjoy reading, and is a familiar face!

Three students hugging Clifford the Big Red Dog during the RMS Private School Book Fair in Brampton — Students hugging Clifford at the Book Fair

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 .

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2017/08/14 by R.M.S.

Succeeding with Guided Reading

In our Prep-ONE classes we place a large emphasis on guided reading. During these Language periods, the students are not only encouraged to strengthen their reading skills, but the group setting helps to engage the children into the context of the story. During guided reading periods children are “reading for meaning”, which means that the students are using their critical thinking to decipher the text. It promotes more purposeful and thoughtful conversations about the text that is being read by the group. It prompts questions and reflection, which lead to a better understanding of the material being read. This activity also embeds early inferencing skills that will strengthen over time.

RMS private school students reading in a circle

Prep-One (SK) students at the Mayfield Campus reading as a group

Guided reading groups not only help to develop students as individual readers, but they also have the support of their peers and teacher if needed. This gives children the opportunity to take on a leadership role while assisting their classmates. Students gain practice reading aloud, which in turn builds confidence and ease in the fluidity of their speech and oral presentations. This activity gets a thumbs up for igniting a passion for reading!

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 .

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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 .

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2016/11/09 by RMS

Give Me Five: The Essentials of Early Literacy

Our Grade 1 students have fun learning to read and write as they move through the five components of their Literacy Centres – small areas of the classroom where they can independently, or in a group, embark on a learning experience through self-directed activities. Within one literacy period, students have the opportunity to visit each centre for ten to fifteen minutes.

Students learning individually in their Literacy Centres

We know that students learn differently, have a variety of strengths and struggles, and find different topics interesting. Literacy needs and ability levels vary from one student to the next. As such, it is important that we provide a variety of ways for students to learn reading, writing, and speaking, using both traditional methods as well as newer technology.

Students using our technology to consolidate their learning

Each centre focuses on a specific literacy skill, all of which are essential parts of our young students’ academic development. The centres are organized as follows:

Reading to Self – Students independently read leveled readers, either in hard copy or on a computer.
Reading to Someone – Working in pairs, students take turns reading to one another.
Listening to Reading – Students can listen to an adult reading, or they can listen to an audiobook, while following along with a paper copy. Listening to Reading activities can also include interactive activities on the Smartboard.
Word Work – Students work on vocabulary-building activities.
Work on Writing – Depending on their level, students can do pencil-and-paper writing activities or use word tiles to create sentences accompanied by an illustration.

Working together in Literacy Centres to complete the tasks assigned

Beyond strengthening reading comprehension, writing development, and other literacy skills, the structure of our program also promotes the development of classroom routines and organizational skills. Since the content and skill level of each centre can be tailored to the needs of our students, we are able to provide them with active, fun and accessible learning as they work towards becoming the best readers and writers that they can be.

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 .

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2015/10/21 by RMS

“Hooked on Books”

According to the International Reading Association, children and adolescents in the 21^st century will read and write more than at any other time in human history. They will need advanced levels of literacy to perform their jobs, run their households, act as citizens, and conduct their personal lives. They will need literacy to cope with the flood of information they will find everywhere they turn. They will need literacy to feed their imaginations so they can create the world of the future (Moore et al., 1999, p.3). Importantly, then, we at Rowntree Montessori Schools view ourselves as active participants in a larger community that views reading, and thus literacy development, as a significant and enjoyable activity.

On October 19^th, 20^th and 21st, we hosted Scholastic – a global book publishing company known for publishing leading education materials for schools, teachers, and parents – in our 2015/16 Book Fair. The purpose of the Book Fair was threefold: to provide students with access to high quality books, to promote and celebrate a love of reading and, by extension, to promote literacy.

The book fair is set up and ready to accept our avid readers

Increasingly, education research emphasises the importance of pleasure reading for cognitive development, such as literacy attainment. According to Stephen Krashen, who is a linguist, educational researcher and a major proponent of the value of reading for pleasure, “when children read for pleasure, when they get “hooked on books”, they acquire involuntarily and without conscious effort, nearly all of the so-called “language skills” many people are so concerned about: they will become adequate readers, acquire a large vocabulary, develop the ability to understand and use complex grammatical constructions, develop a good writing style, and become good spellers. Thus, children who read for pleasure are likely to do significantly better at school than their peers (Krashen 1993, p. 85).

With this goal in mind, then, we are excited to announce that this year’s book fair was once again an absolute success. Each class was scheduled a particular time to visit the Book Fair, at which time they perused the shelves and completed a “wish list”. Throughout the following three days, students returned to the Fair with their parents and friends to purchase items from their lists.

Geronimo Stilton lending a hand at the Book Fair

All in all, the Scholastic Book Fair has helped Rowntree blossom with new and exciting adventures in reading and literacy development. This event, in conjunction with a number of other literacy strategies throughout the year, such as Reader’s Express, continues to spark the minds of Rowntree students for the year ahead.

Krashen, S. (1993).The Power of Reading.Englewood, Col,: Libraries Unlimited, Inc.

Moore, D.W., Bean T.W., Birdyshaw, D. &Rycik, J. (1999).Adolescent literacy: A position statement. International Reading Association

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 5 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 .

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