remote learning 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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2020/05/07 by R.M.S.

Students Go on A Virtual Field Trip!

An image of students taking a Virtual Field Trip to Famous Structures Around the Globe — An image of our grade 3 students taking a Virtual Field Trip around the globe, visiting famous structures

Grade 3 Students Go on a Trip Around the World, with a Virtual Field Trip!

With another week of virtual learning under their belts, our grade 3 class took their remote learning skills to a new level by going on Virtual Field Trip! Our students took a field trip this week as part of a unit on Stability in Science. Our student “globetrotters” visited landmarks around the world locating both ancient and modern structures on every continent. Students identified the stable features of these structures while exploring why these structures have stood the test of time! This virtual field trip provided students with an opportunity to visit famous structures. These online “trips” provide students with a broader experience of the world around them.

For more information on different virtual field trips that are available to you and your children, click here. For a list of some benefits of virtual field trips, please click here.

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2020/05/06 by R.M.S.

Passion Projects at RMS!

A male student working on a craft at home as part of his Passion Project
A student working on a craft as part of his Passion Project
Cooking at home at part of his Passion Project
Helping out in the kitchen during time spent on their Passion Project
RMS Passion Projects
Planting seeds for an outdoor vegetable garden during Passion Project

On April 27th, 2020, Rowntree Montessori Schools’ students from Grade One to Eight had the opportunity to start their very own RMS Passion Project.

What is an RMS Passion Project?

The goals of the RMS Passion Project are to tap into students’ talents, the things they love, and the things that bring them joy. Further, this creative initiative provides students with a chance to start learning more about what they love. With the ongoing challenges that the COVID1-19 Pandemic has brought us, and with students working remotely away from their classmates and teachers, the timing of this creative project was perfect.

The Framework

In addition, the framework, “Think, Do, Share” encourages students to first think about what they love, what they want to learn about or create, and finally which digital tool would they like to choose to share their Passion Project with others. Specifically, activities have covered a wide variety of creative projects; such as cooking, dancing, baking, lego, coding, gardening, art, and more. Even RMS teachers, principals, and the Director of Education has been delving into their RMS Passion Projects!

We Love Learning

Our schools foster a love of learning and we want to further enrich our students’ learning experience by providing them with opportunities to share and inspire others with their RMS Passion Projects.

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2020/04/24 by R.M.S.

Remote Learning at RMS

RMS student working remotely — A grade 3 student working hard from home during RMS’ Remote Learning Programme

Learning About Values while Learning Remotely

One of the many skills our students learn at Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) is grit and we have truly put this skill to test in the past six weeks. Grit has helped our students adapt to our Remote Learning Programme. RMS’ award-winning, structured academic programme includes a focus on character building and core values. Grit is one of the many values that we encourage our students to display.

Our dedicated and committed teachers have really stepped up to the challenge and helped us implement a robust Remote Academic learning programme. However, it’s truly our students who upped their game with their remote learning skills. And they have done so while displaying kindness, thoughtfulness, and care. This video of the past week’s learning can really attest to that.

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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2020/04/23 by R.M.S.

Teaching Geometry at Home

Remote Learning, Geometry and a Scavenger Hunt

With students participating in Rowntree Montessori Schools’ Remote Learning programme, our teachers have had to get a little creative with their lesson plans for teaching our students and helping them learn geometry while at home. This week, our grade 2 students put their knowledge of 3-dimensional shapes into practice by going on a scavenger hunt for 3D objects in their house. This was part of the learning Geometry at home unit for our grade 3 class.

Using Household Items to Learn Geometry

The Geometry at home unit provided our students with an opportunity to make real-world connections with the objects around them. By doing this, our students were able to use their new geometry skills. In addition to using their geometry skills, students were able to use their critical thinking skills while simultaneously applying their knowledge of Geometry by using common household items.

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

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2020/04/16 by R.M.S.

The Benefits of Having a Pet

Two sisters with a dog. There are numerous benefits to having a pet. — Two RMS students with their pet. There are numerous benefits of having a pet for children.

How Our Furry Friends Can Help

RMS’ Favourite Four-Legged Friends

Have you ever been told about the Benefits of Having a Pet? With the loss of our daily routines as we knew them, this has put a serious emotional strain on all of us. So it isn’t surprising to see a flood of photos and videos of our favourite four-legged friends on websites and social media. This is especially true for children. According to the CDC, pets help relieve anxiety and stress for children by providing companionship and comfort.

Pets help serve as our most loyal friends and companions and aid us in coping and managing stress and anxiety. Having a pet is especially helpful for children who are missing their daily routine of going to school and seeing their teachers and classmates.

Additionally, the instinct to turn to our pets during a pandemic is supported by medical and scientific evidence. Elizabeth Arnold Stevens, who is a Junior Professor at the Cummings School, studies how pets help people in their everyday lives. Pets are known to provide nonjudgemental emotional support. Studies show that people that have pets in stressful times feel less lonely and less anxious.

With Rowntree Montessori Schools’ students working remotely, they’ve had the help of some of their favourite four-legged friends. Click below for fun video that they wanted to share with their fellow animal lovers.

RMS’ Favourite Four-Legged Friends

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2020/04/08 by R.M.S.

Remote Learning Advice from RMS

Remote Learning Advice graphic image — Some remote learning advice to help your kids learn at home during COVID

Some Tips for Helping Your Kids Learn at Home During COVID-19

Reach Out To Your Child’s Teacher (s)

Ask the teacher fort their suggestions on how best to follow the lesson schedule and plan for the day
Teachers can also give you tips on how to effectively facilitate your child’s learning
Talk to your friends and see what is working best for their children and try to incorporate some of these practices.

Set Up a Dedicated Workspace for your Child

Make sure that your child has a desk or table where they work quietly and uninterrupted, with little-to-no distraction. Ensure that the desk area is tidy and bright, if possible.
Turn off televisions and make sure that devices and phones are put away
Have a laptop or desktop computer set up for your child, with a hard-wired internet connection
Ensure that your child has schools supplies handy, including pencils, erasers, pens, calculator etc.

Plan The Day With Your Child

Even if you’re following a lesson plan, it’s good to brainstorm with your child about their day ahead
Provide them with options. Ask them what how they feel about doing things in certain ways. Be sure to give them time to adjust to the new routine and schedule.

Involve the Family

Remote learning involves integrating your child’s educational schedule with your family’s regular routine.
Have a chat with your family and know what their expectations are with the remote learning setup- and what is expected of them.

Be Flexible

Learning from home can be challenging, new and frustrating at times.
Facilitate your child’s study schedule closely, but be flexible to change it up based on your child’s learning tendencies and emotional state at the time.

Use Free Resources

Your child’s schools will provide lessons, but you can also make use of other resources like worksheets that are available online to support or expand upon your child’s lesson.
Pearson Education Resources is providing comprehensive textbooks, digital products, teaching materials and services for Elementary, High School and Professional Education for Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, French, AP and IB, Art, Career and Technology. www.pearsoncanadaschool.com

Enjoy the Time with your Children

We all know that this is an unprecedented and challenging time. But try to make the most of the extra time that you have together as a family.
Create memories with your children. Take advantage of the extra time and play some board games, create crafts, go through old family photo albums and pictures, or work in the backyard together.
Your children will remember this time when they are older so try to create some positive memories about how your family coped.

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

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2020/04/08 by R.M.S.

Kudos to Kindness

A Little Bit of Kindness Goes a Long Way

Kudos to Kindness! We all know that a little bit of kindness goes a long way. This is especially true during troubling and stressful times. With schools closed, Rowntree Montessori Schools has our students set up to work remotely during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The positive feedback that we have received from our parents and students has been heartwarming!

We would like to take a moment to thank our Rowntree students and their families for the kind words they have shared with us. During a difficult and challenging time, where it is tough to escape negativity, a little bit of kindness goes a long way. Together, as a community and family, we are stronger together than we are apart. We’d like to thank our Rowntree students and their families for their kind words and support.

Some kind words from our families

“RMS, you are AMAZING!”

“What a great session this morning! Really, really appreciate your support! The time you took to review and then explain was just inspiring. J. was a tad confused with the 2nd lesson but after your one-on-one, he feels GREAT!”

“Feeling so good about your homeschooling. THANK YOU!”

“Thank you for the awesome work that you are doing with online teaching. In these uncertain and difficult times, you are not only providing education but also giving the kids a sense of normalcy. We really appreciate all your efforts and kindness!”

“Want to share a word of thanks. It is a great effort from you both to get the kids continue their education given the situation. I am sure it is very hard and demanding, being remote. Our thanks.”

“Hi everyone. I just wanted to say thanks so much for our first day of online learning! We appreciate all your work in keeping the kids engaged and your patience as we all figure out what will be our new reality for the next little while. Have a great evening and we will see you tomorrow morning 🙂 “

Some words of thanks from our families

“Hi Mr. Harris – Just a quick note to say thank you for yours and the Rowntree teacher’s dedication and leadership. I recognize this likely wasn’t an easy task to pull together during the March Break, but feel very fortunate to be part of the Rowntree family. M and A have adjusted well to remote learning. After three days, it looks like things seem to be going well. Hope you and the family are keeping well and safe.”

“Good Morning Mr. Harris,

I would like to acknowledge yourself and your team for working hard in the past few days to make this online learning possible for these students. It is a great initiative and I have no words to express how thankful as a parent I am for RMS making this happen. Nothing can replace the face-to-face interaction but this remote learning is fulfilling the needs for now.”

More Kudos to Kindness

“As parents we appreciate making this Remote learning possible in today’s tough times. Take care and be safe.”

“Just wanted to let you know that the online learning system is going well for A. and our family. I would like to commend you, the teachers and RMS for doing what you are doing and making sure kids get the learning and education they deserve. Well done to you and the RMS family for ensuring our kids get an education and remain busy in a positive and kind manner amidst these unprecedented circumstances.”

“Also, please know that we, as parents, are part of the RMS family and as such, do not hesitate to reach out to us if there is anything we can do to support RMS with these efforts.”

“Hello RMS Team, This message is to congratulate RMS in being so meticulous in planning and executing online school for all the kids, in a timely manner. As parents, we are relieved and thankful for all your kind and excellent efforts. We are thankful for the teachers who are working with the kids continuously.”

“Our family hopes that all of your families are staying safe. The children really miss our school! Being that this is the grade 8s last year at the school, this is all the more reason for us to hope and pray they get to say a nice goodbye to their teachers and friends.”

“Hope this situation gets better and all the kids get back to their favorite hangout place- Rowntree!! Thanks again and take tonnes of care. Please convey our regards and wishes to other teachers too.”

Positive Vibes Only

“Just wanted to tell you that considering it’s only Day 2 of remote learning, you are doing so awesome! The meetings are well structured, organized, and supporting docs are very clear for the kids. I want to thank you personally, as I know all this was quickly drawn up, and I’m sure new to you as well. We really appreciate how well organized you are and how you’re able to keep the children engaged and in-check virtually! Most importantly, this is critical for our daughter to learn, and I am so happy with how great the classes are going.”

“Thanks again for being such an awesome teacher!”

“Additionally, I wanted to extend a big thank you for your efforts. Everyone worked so hard over March Break to make today (and beyond) happen and your efforts were not unnoticed.”

“Also, I would like to provide some feedback from the past 2 weeks of R. doing her school work from home. Although R., is at home, she feels connected to Rowntree through the virtual program. being connected to Rowntree is very important to us as the kids need to know that their friends are still there and that the teachers all care about them. “

“We would like to commend R’s grade 5 teacher for all the kind work she is doing with the class daily. She is very positive, interacts with them all and shows concern for their well-being.”

R’s teacher is doing an excellent job under the circumstances that we are all under.”

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

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2020/04/05 by R.M.S.

RMS Continues to Deliver Exceptional Learning

Remote Learning at RMS — Rowntree Continues to Deliver Its Award-Winning Curriculum, Virtually

RMS Continues to Deliver Award-Winning Programme

On March 13th, 2020, schools and most businesses closed because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, Rowntree Montessori Schools stepped up and continues to deliver its award-winning curriculum to its students, virtually. We understand the difficulties families have faced with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

There is no doubt that the past few weeks have been challenging for everyone in our Brampton Community. For 50 years, Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) has been delivering a structured, challenging, progressive, and award-winning curriculum that surpasses the Ministry of Education’s guidelines. RMS adapted its academic programme quickly. On Monday, March 23rd, 2020, our talented, caring and committed teachers and administrators tirelessly incorporated everything they have learned about 21st Century Learning and launched our Virtual Rowntree programme for all of our students, from Kindergarten to Grade 8. RMS believes it’s important for our students to not only continue to learn during COVID-19 but to also maintain connections with their teachers and fellow classmates. The mental, emotional and physical well-being of our students is our priority.

Want to learn more about our Virtual Learning programme and why we are an award-winning private school, watch a great video our Director of Education has put together.

Online Learning – A Week in the Life at RMS

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

Rowntree Montessori Schools wins Top Choice Award for Brampton Private School for 6th consecutive year

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2020/04/03 by R.M.S.

Virtual Rowntree is Now in Session!

Rowntree Montessori Schools Goes Online to Deliver our Award-Winning Curriculum

Student using traditional materials and a laptop to learn remotely — A student learning remotely and raising his hand to ask a question

Remote Learning in Response to COVID-19

Three short weeks ago, most of our students were finishing the last days of school before March Break. However, in just a matter of weeks, we have witnessed unprecedented changes in the world as we know it. Everything seems to have changed, and especially for us, the way that we think about teaching and learning.

Rowntree Montessori Schools’ students are strong and resilient. These past few weeks have proven this to us.

On Monday, March 23, 2020, RMS launched what we hope will be a relatively short and temporary Virtual Learning Programme. Our priority continues to be our students’ health and safety during these truly extraordinary times. However, we also want to ensure that we continue to keep our students engaged, learning, and connected with their peers. It is important that our students have some normalcy and predictability during COVID-19.

The last three weeks have been a blur of activity for our talented and committed teachers and administrators, who spent most of what would have been their March Break putting together virtual lessons and activities for the sake of their students. None of us could have ever imagined that the technological skills that we have nurtured over these last few years would have suddenly become so fundamentally crucial to what we do today.

A matter of just a few years ago, the prospect of temporarily shifting our students’ learning experience from the classroom to a remote setting would have seemed impossible. However, Rowntree has fully embraced 21st Century teaching and learning. We continue to offer our students and their families a valuable and meaningful learning experience. At this time, we are unable to meet face-to-face in our classrooms on a daily basis, but we can meet virtually!

RMS Virtual Classsrooms

Since Monday March 23rd, our students have been “in the classroom” every school day, from the comfort and safety of their own homes. The school day starts at 9 a.m. and we begin the day the same way we always do, with the playing of O Canada. Students have daily schedules to follow that provide them with the best chance of succeeding within a remote learning programme. The day begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 3:30 p.m. and includes not only English, Math, Science, and French; students also have Music, Art, Daily Physical Activity, and STEM O’Clock (Science, Technology, Engineering) at the end of each day.

Our teachers are delivering daily virtual lessons. Our students can see their teacher online, raise their hands and ask questions about the day’s lesson, in real-time, and interact with their classmates. Students complete assignments, assessments and presentations. We will also be holding fun events, activities, Spirit Days and Student assemblies online. RMS had planned to hold our International Day and Grandparents celebration today. Rather than cancel the festivities, we simply moved the event online. It is important for our students to feel connected to others. The feelings associated with all of our recent social isolation are likely even more acute for the grandparents and older relatives of our students.

Online Learning is for All Grades

Our Virtual Learning Programme is for all of our students, whether they are in Kindergarten or in Grade 8. We care about our students and we want them to be happy, healthy and successful, whether they are learning in our classrooms or in their homes. The goal of our Remote Learning Programme is to provide a structured and challenging Academic programme that will keep our students engaged and focused in a different way during this challenging time. We also believe that our online programming is as important for our students’ (and teachers’) social-emotional well-being as it is for their academic progress.

Together, as a school community, and family, we will get through this unprecedented time. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do, and Rowntree Montessori School students and teachers are up for the challenge.

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