teaching values Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

2020/07/08 by R.M.S.

Teaching Core Values in Senior Kindergarten

A child displaying her school work — A child displaying her “Bucket Filling” assignment for her fellow students

Learning How to Be “Bucket Fillers”

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, teaching core values is an important part of our curriculum. For example, our Prep-One classes read the book “How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids” by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer.

This book’s main character learns how to be kind to others in many different ways. After reading this book, students had an opportunity to participate in a Bucket Filling exercise. Students filled each other’s buckets with kind words and compliments. Students told their fellow classmates what they liked about each other and drew pictures to demonstrate these traits. This provides an opportunity for students to build each other’s confidence.

Teaching Core Values

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, we believe in teaching our students core values such as kindness, hard work, team work, leadership and responsibility by being “bucket fillers”. Studies show that children learn by watching and copying others. As educational practitioners, we understand the importance of setting good examples for our students.

Teaching a student core values can help them understand right from wrong. Additionally, it helps them to shape their mindsets and behaviour as future adults. A values education should not be underestimated. We have found that there are many activities throughout the school year that can help to build character and values. Holding workshops on anti-bullying, encouraging students to fill each other buckets and rewarding positive behaviours at Student of the Months assemblies, all contribute to building strong characters.

With a strong foundation and strong characters, children will develop core values of their own. Schools play a significant part in preparing the future generation for their life as adults by teaching core values. This is a responsibility to be mindful of and an exciting opportunity to be a part of. If your school’s vision and school values are clear and well thought out, your message will be simple and inherent. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, we truly believe in Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers by teaching core values.

To learn more about teaching core values and promoting character, click here.

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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 .

2019/12/04 by R.M.S.

Parade Floats, Mitten Trees and Building Character at Rowntree Montessori Schools

At Rowntree, we have taken a forward-thinking, yet balanced, approach to the implementation of 21st Century teaching and learning. The teaching of coding, the embedding of a STEM mindset and using Chromebooks as an educational tool are all certainly front and centre, but so too are inter and intrapersonal skills, such as citizenship and character, which have also been deemed essential for today’s learners. As our students’ world has become increasingly influenced by technology and social media, it has become necessary to teach them Digital Citizenship in order to help them navigate their complex electronic environment. However, “non-digital” citizenship is just as prominent, and at least as important, in our day-to-day programming. If our students are ultimately to become global citizens of both their digital and real worlds, they should first have a sense of what it means to be citizens of their school and local communities. Through our character and leadership programs, our involvement with the WE organization, and through contributions to various charities, our Rowntree student-citizens learn what it means to be engaged members of something beyond just themselves, their families or their classrooms.

When we encourage our students to get involved in activities such as the Santa Claus parade or help decorate a tree to overflowing with donated mittens, we are instilling within them a sense of belongingness and pride in their community. It is our hope that this impulse will one day be transferable to a broader context, and that the character and citizenship lessons that they have learned at Rowntree will have a positive impact on their lives and on the world. The academic skills, both modern and traditional, that are taught and learned in our classrooms will certainly help to shape our students’ future successes. However, we cannot neglect to incorporate invaluable “soft skills” into the Rowntree student experience.

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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2019/11/08 by R.M.S.

The Importance of Learning Values at Rowntree Montessori Schools with the Golden Boot Award

Rowntree Montessori Schools,

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers Since 1969

Our AHA! Moments take place in our classrooms, every day!

At the First Student of the Month Assembly this year, the “clean-freak” Grade 4A students were the proud recipients of the First Golden Boot Award for the 2019-20 Academic Year at Rowntree Montessori Schools’ Academy Campus.

These grade 4 students were thrilled beyond words as they rejoiced during the Student of the Month Assembly after being announced the proud recipients of the Golden Boot Award! But let’s rewind a little, back to the year 2007. At this time, Rowntree was having a difficult time keeping our students’ shoe and boot racks neat and tidy and as an incentive, the Rowntree’s management came up with a brilliant idea, the infamous ‘Golden Boot Award.’ Since then, every year, the grade 4s have been diligently working towards the goal of being the first Golden Boot Award recipients. The competition is stiff and the feat is not small, but after years of dedication and hard work, the 4A class defeated their opponents, proudly!

So what’s this victory mean? It means a badge of honour and bragging rights in the hallways at Rowntree. It means proudly displaying the Golden Boot trophy until next month’s Student of the Month assembly. It involves keeping the shoe and boot rack clean, being involved in the regular maintenance and tidiness of all shoes and boots on a daily basis.

But more importantly, this award signifies the importance of being respective of your school environment and cleaning up after yourself and helping out. School is a place where our children are not only educated academically, but they are also educated in the wellness of life. This includes the importance of maintaining a tidy, organized and clean working environment. Congrats to Class 4A on this well-deserved award!

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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2019/10/29 by R.M.S.

Teaching Mindfulness, Meditation and Learning Yoga

Our AHA! Moments take place in our classrooms, every day!

Rowntree Montessori Schools…Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers Since 1969

Rowntree Montessori Schools is known for our strong and challenging Academic programme, our focus on 21^st century learning and for developing tomorrow’s leaders and problem-solvers. However, at our schools, teaching our students how to manage stress and anxiety, regulate their emotions, learn empathy, compassion and restoring calmness, is just as important as getting good grades. How do we do this? By teaching our students things like yoga, meditation and mindfulness, at a very young age. To learn more about the benefits of teaching your children mindfulness, meditation and yoga, click here.

2019/10/03 by R.M.S.

Students at Rowntree Montessori Schools Learning to Become Savvy Savers with Classroom Economy Project

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Were you one of those first-year university students that found yourself broke and struggling to stretch your meal plan with a month left of classes, wishing your parents (and teachers) spent more time on teaching you the importance of saving, spending wisely and budgeting? I know I sure was!

Rowntree Montessori Schools believes that teaching our students real-life skills, like learning financial literacy, is just as important as having strong academic skills. In our classrooms, students learn responsibility, the value of hard work, ownership, managing finances, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and the list goes on!

With these life skills in mind, and at the start of a new school year, one of our grade 5 teachers started a Classroom Economy project. The Classroom Economy is a financial management system that benefits both the teacher and the students by providing the simulation of real-world economic activity. Our grade 5 teacher gathered various materials for the Classroom Economy and customize the project for their specific class. Teachers then introduce the Classroom Economy to their students and train them on how they can complete tasks, jobs and chores. Students have the opportunity to choose a profession, such as a police officer, custodian, messenger, clerk, attendance monitor, banker, loan officer, meteorologist etc. Each student receives a monthly salary that varies based on his or her profession.

In our Classroom Economy, students are rewarded with “play money” for completing tasks and chores in their class and are also rewarded for doing well on tests and assignments. Students also receive “cash” for good deeds, such as being kind and helpful to other students, acting as leaders and for lending a helping hand. There are also fines in the Classroom Economy. Fines help students understand that there are costs and consequences for certain behaviours. Students can be fined for tardiness, talking during class, rudeness, missing work, a messy desk or cubby, etc.

Every month, each student receives a paycheque and is responsible for paying monthly bills such as desk rent, utilities, classroom supplies, etc. Fun activities such as auctions are included that provide the students with an opportunity to purchase personal items with the money they save from their pay cheques.

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, the Classroom Economy is more than just a lesson plan, it helps students learn the value of saving, spending, and delayed gratification. Students are taught the importance of record-keeping and tracking their monthly expenses. These skills will help carry students throughout their lifetime.

What’s great about the Classroom Economy is that students learn financial literacy in a fun and interactive way. Maya was the first student to save up enough money to purchase the deed to her desk so that she no longer had to pay rent. What will Maya do with all of her savings? At the time of this post, Maya informed me that she wants to donate her savings to her class Holiday Party. Maya may be a savvy saver, but she is a savvy saver with a kind and generous heart.

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.

2019/09/19 by R.M.S.

Lending a Helping Hand and Teaching Leadership at the Same Time

Our AHA! Moments take place in our classrooms, every day!

Brought to you by Rowntree Montessori Schools…Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers since 1969.

Did you ever stop to think that a simple act of kindness can actually help a student learn valuable leadership skills?[1] Studies have shown that a simple act of kindness, such as a welcoming smile, a high-five or simply helping a fellow younger student out, actually teaches valuable leadership skills. Leadership is one of the many skills that Rowntree Montessori Schools teaches our students as part of our curriculum.

Grade 8 students helping our younger students
Grade 8s helping our younger students on the first day of school
Grade 8s welcoming students to school
Grade 6 helping a grade 1 student

The first day of school can be an exciting day. But for many younger students, it can be a stressful day. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, our grade 8 students try to ease our younger students’ minds by helping them out and welcoming them to school with smiles and helping hands. This past first day, our grade 8s, greeted our younger students when they were dropped off by their parents, helped carry their backpacks and walked them to their classrooms.

Rowntree Montessori Schools encourages all students to be caring and nurturing individuals, as well as to be mentors to our younger students. Being caring and nurturing are critical qualities in tomorrow’s leaders.

Furthermore, our grade 8 students are encouraged to become members of the Rowntree Leadership Council where they will be in charge of the different activities within the school community, providing them with ample leadership opportunities that will help them in their future grades.

[1] Why Compassion is the Key to Being a Great Leader https://www.lollydaskal.com/leadership/why-compassion-is-the-key-to-being-a-great-leader/

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 .