Blog Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Kendalwood (Montessori & Elementary School)

Beyond Core Curriculum – Music Enrichment at Kendalwood Montessori

February 27, 2015/in Blog /by Editor

Learning the Ukulele!

At Kendalwood Montessori and Elementary School, our academic program goes beyond the Ontario Curriculum in many aspects. Beyond the core curriculum, we are always further developing our enriched Arts offering, including drama, dance, fine arts and in particular – music.

Learning to makes music together is a wonderful exercise for students to experience and Kendalwood provides many musical opportunities in our classrooms. The process fosters cooperation, teamwork and an appreciation for the skill required to produce a pleasing tune.

A Joyful Experience across All Ages + Stages

Creating a joyful musical experience is at the heart of our music program. Music is integrated into our curriculum at all ages in a fun and interactive way.

Mr Linderman leading students in song

In our Toddler program, music education begins with simple songs and rhythms. Songs such as, “Poor little bug on the wall” and “C is for cookie” are among our current favorites. The addition of diverse music from around the world adds interest and complexity.
In our Casa programs we increase the complexity of our music while keeping it developmentally appropriate for the students in each class. Our focus is on group singing, learning the fundamentals of rhythm, and call and response songs. We are currently exploring the similarities and differences in culturally diverse music using Eya Emose, a lullaby originating in Sierra Leone.

Music theory fundamentals are introduced at the Lower Elementary level. We always work on applying our learnings to the music we enjoy together in class. Our song selection ranges from world music to original compositions written for events in our school. These original pieces of music allow the students the opportunity to study musical composition in a more personal way. We have recently introduced our lower elementary class to the Penny Whistle this year, a 17th century transposition woodwind instrument. It has been such fun to learning how to play it together!

The Upper Elementary class spent the fall term exploring musical theory and learning the history of western music. We are now learning to play the ukulele as a class. Our lessons are built around a favorite Bob Marley song with a special focus on student composition.

The Inspire Choir

Penny Whistles & Ukuleles!

The Kendalwood music program comes together in our Inspire Choir, a weekly club focused on creating music for performance. In each class we focus on the most important element of music; that it is a joyful expression of the human spirit, which allows us to join together in harmony as a school community. It’s so much fun!

We are looking forward to our annual Spring Concert, where parents will have an opportunity to see their children perform some of their newly acquired musical skills. Our theme will be A Cultural Celebration and each class will be performing a cultural song or dance to portray around that culture. We hope to see you there!

Kendalwood Montessori Sets High Standards for Student Assessment

February 19, 2015/in Blog /by Editor

Staying up to date with the progress of a Montessori student is quite different from the approach in a traditional classroom. When following a child in a Montessori environment, the role of the teacher is that of a model, guide and resource. As a thoughtful and perceptive observer, the teacher monitors each child’s progress and plans for their individual development.

Montessori Student Assessment

The Montessori Method ensures students are learning at their own pace, which requires an atypical approach to student assessment. Montessori teachers recording progress for an entire classroom must take extra time and care when students are progressing through the curriculum at differing rates.

As a CCMA Accredited Montessori school, Kendalwood ensures that our teachers have a strong understanding of student progress at all times. We keep clear and detailed records as a continuous form of assessment. They are not compared against other children, or against an average/benchmark.

Kendalwood uses the Montessori Clarity computerized system to manage student progress at the Casa and Elementary levels. The system provides teachers with a method to easily track progress on a daily basis. It enables reporting on each individual their own pace. The program allows teachers to quickly determine where each student is in their development and plan for their upcoming lessons. Additional features give context, such as the number of times a lesson has been given.

From a broader perspective, using the Montessori Clarity system ensures quality and consistency for our students. The program helps teachers to ensure all students are receiving new lessons on a frequent basis and that they are meeting the developmental and academic milestones in each program.

As a result, parents can gain a comprehensive overview of the Montessori Curriculum and two formal progress reports each school year, outlining their child’s development. As teachers update their student records frequently, they are well prepared to discuss mid-term progression with parents at any time.

High Standards for Student Assessment

Quality student progress reporting is important to us at Kendalwood Montessori and we set high standards for ourselves. We feel that personalized student assessment is worthy of the effort required. At Kendalwood, we strive to provide our families with an environment where parents and teachers support each other and work together to help students to be successful. Our student assessment methodology supports us in this goal.

Make sure you ask about student progress methodology when selecting a Montessori school for your child. Comprehensive student assessment is one of the many reasons for parents to look for CCMA Accreditation in a Montessori school. CCMA ensures consistency of standards and the safeguarding of authentic Montessori philosophy.

AIM French Program Unique to Kendalwood Montessori

February 13, 2015/in Blog /by Editor

Living in a country with two official languages makes bilingualism an important element of a Canadian education. Kendalwood Montessori is uniquely positioned to offer French learning to Durham Region students. We integrate French instruction into the daily routine in all our classrooms from toddler through elementary, ensuring students gain natural and regular exposure. Starting in our toddler program, our youngest students have an opportunity to begin their French introduction at 18 months of age. This early exposure and opportunity to use newly acquired language regularly is key to developing native-like fluency with ease, which is much harder to achieve as students grow older.

The public school system is less flexible with regard to French language instruction, requiring parents to make a decision between full immersion in the French stream, or waiting until the fourth grade to begin a basic introduction to French within the English curriculum. These options provided by the school board are problematic, as they result in an all or nothing verdict. Students are either left with a wide learning gap during an important window of opportunity, or they are required dive headfirst into an immersion program in pursuit of language skills over other educational priorities.

AIM Language Learning at Kendalwood
Every student at Kendalwood receives French instruction on a daily basis with our French Directress, Mme. Borges. She has been with us for over seven years in a variety of roles, including Lead Casa Directress after obtaining her Montessori Teaching certificate in 2011. Mme. brings a great passion and infectious energy to her teaching, as her boisterous and excited voice can be heard echoing through the halls. She has a great connection to all her students and is always able to elicit their attention and enthusiasm!

Mme Borges demonstrates AIM French with gestures.

AIM French Daily Instruction

Toddlers – 20 minutes
Casa – 30 minutes
Elementary – 50 minutes

Our French program is based on the Accelerated Integrated Methodology (AIM) which ensures students successfully and rapidly build proficiency in a second language. Mme. Borges spent three years familiarizing herself with the AIM program in order to bring the technique to Kendalwood. AIM utilizes key strategies such as gestures, useful key words, and content based instruction which creates an Immersion-like experience. The methodology uses storytelling and music to allow language development to be supported and nurtured within a familiar, predictable context. Simply put, the AIM approach closely resembles the way we learn our first language and it’s done in a fun and interactive way.

We chose the AIM program because it is such a natural complement to the Montessori philosophy:

Prepared Environment – The French classroom is set up with visuals and teaching aids to ignite the passion for learning for the students.

Individualized Learning – The children are encouraged to learn at their own pace, as the teacher observes and provides assistance whenever needed. At the Elementary level, students are divided into three groups for French, based on their current level of comprehension.

Use of the Senses – Maria Montessori found that children will develop more wholly when all their senses are engaged in their learning. AIM incorporates all the senses through listening, visuals and gestures.

If you are looking to prepare your child for French fluency in a program that provides early exposure with an individualized approach, we would love to share more about our French program with you. Kendalwood is the only Montessori School in Durham Region to offer the AIM Learning program.

Contact us to book your personal tour or visit our school calendar to find our next Open House. We look forward to meeting you and your child!

Spotlight on Janis Koenders, Principal - Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School

January 16, 2015/in Blog /by Editor

Janis Koenders has been passionate about working with children all her life. She began as the resident babysitter in her neighborhood, where local parents came to rely on her and her wonderful way with their families. Janis began to think that her future might involve working with children.

Upon high school graduation from Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, Janis began the Early Childhood Education program at George Brown College as an initial foundation for her post-secondary studies. As she approached completion of the ECE program, she was unsure of her next academic step but one thing was certain – her career would center on child development.

Janis’ passion for children was met with good fortune in an exciting opportunity at a Montessori school in Port Perry. Janis accepted her first formal role as the afterschool program teacher and she was soon promoted to a full time position. She had found her calling and knew that her future would be in Montessori education.

I vividly remember my first visit into the classroom. I recall two clear thoughts racing through my mind:

I had spent my life underestimating children and just how much they are capable of, and; I simply had to learn more about the Montessori program that helped children to flourish like this!

– Janis Koenders

After becoming immersed in Montessori through her first teaching position, Janis went on to complete her Montessori Diploma program focused on Infant and Toddler education at Toronto Montessori Institute. Upon graduation, we were fortunate to meet with Janis and quickly offered her a teaching position. She has since worked closely with our students as a Teacher in quite a few Kendalwood classrooms and acted as our Office Administrator. Most recently, Janis has taken on the role of Principal as we couldn’t be happier to have her in this Leadership role.

In Her Own Words

We sat down with Janis to ask her a few questions about her thoughts on Montessori, and more specifically, life at Kendalwood. Here’s what she had to say:

Janis Koenders, Principal

Why do you think parents should choose a Montessori education for their child(ren)? In Montessori, we view our role as educators to be the child’s “aid to life”; always working at their pace and their developmental capabilities. Providing children with an individualized education allows them to take control of their educational destiny!

In society, we place so much pressure on post-secondary education. And while I agree to its importance, I also feel we often overlook the most crucial time in a child’s life. It is frequently noted how important the early years are for child development and I believe Montessori provides the best head start for life-long learning.

What differentiates Kendalwood from other Durham Region Montessori schools? Kendalwood Montessori goes beyond the education of children. We pride ourselves on engaging families through curriculum nights, parent information sessions, school-wide events and social networking. We are a school community; a family and I love that!

What is the best part of your day as principal of KMS? Every morning I am greeted with excited handshakes by the children of Kendalwood that enter the school ready to start their day. As I walk through the classrooms I can see the joy when they are given a new lesson. I can sense the pride as they persevere through a challenging piece of work. I can feel the encouragement as they help a classmate. That excitement, that joy, that pride and that encouragement renews my faith in Montessori every single day and I am truly honoured to witness it.

Nicole Tal, Head of Elementary

“Janis is not only a supportive principal and colleague, but she continuously shows us that coming to work everyday is a joy by the smile on her face. She reflects a grateful and joyous attitude towards students, parents, and teachers creating an environment we are happy to be a part of everyday. As a teacher, administrative support is so important, and Janis has that for us in spades. She is consistently present and helpful, and ready to step in whenever a helping hand is required.”

Lisa Jobe, Owner/Director

“It has been great to have Janis lead the school this year as Principal. Her approachable style and friendliness are key to maintaining, as well as enhancing, Kendalwood’s family-focused culture. Janis ensures that our school operates to a very high standard, above what is required for Provincial Licensing or our CCMA Accreditation. Janis is very well organized and tackles every situation with dedication and focus, leading our staff with one clear goal – inspiring our students to love to learn. Kevin and I look forward to working with Janis in the years to come.”

Your Child’s Growth & Development – The Year Ahead

January 9, 2015/in Blog /by Editor

Each New Year is welcomed by a familiar annual ritual, one in which we reflect on the past and enthusiastically look toward the year before us. It is a time for planning, setting goals and visualizing future successes. This January, Kendalwood Montessori invites you to take a moment to consider your hopes for your children in the coming year. What would you like them to strive toward? What character traits do you want to cultivate? Are there specific values you would like to nurture?

As a parent who has chosen a Montessori path for your children, you are already providing an environment which aims to help them learn and grow to the very best of their ability, while allowing them to take the lead role in their development and success. If you have 2015 goals based on the growth and development of your children, read on for some helpful ideas!

He who is served is limited in his independence.

– Maria Montessori

Parents often ask us how they can bring Montessori principles into their home and family environment to further support their children using a consistent approach. We have put together a few suggestions that are simple to work into your interactions with your children:

Provide opportunities for your children to do as much for themselves as possible, such as getting dressed, making their bed and packing their bag for school. This may require some patience! The benefits of enabling children to do for themselves are great and cannot be overemphasized. Independence is an aid to life – we want to develop young people who are self-aware and confident, with strong decision making skills.

Help your children learn how to fail successfully. When your child is presented with a challenge, help them to think through more than one approach to solving the problem. Problems are rarely solved with our first attempt and children need to practice the art of problem solving. This can be done in playful situations (how are we going to fix the Lego tower that fell apart?) or in more challenging obstacles that require research and more complex thinking (an advanced homework assignment for an older child).

Cultivate critical thinking skills through play. A fun and easy way to do this is to turn off the technology and sit down together for a family game night! Choose card games or board games that your children enjoy which also require age appropriate reasoning and logic.

Put your children in charge of household tasks! Even very young toddlers are capable of helping with cleaning, sorting the recycling and making meals. Contributing to the daily work of family life helps children develop self-esteem and cultivates appreciation and respect for family members and your home.

Inspire their inner drive to learn at every opportunity. Periodically encourage your child to plan a family activity based on their interests and have regular conversations centered on the topics that appeal to them. You will see the spark in their eyes!

It can be all too easy to lose sight of our larger goals for our children in the midst of our busy days. Taking a moment to reflect and look ahead helps us to reset and focus on the things that matter most – our hopes and dreams. This year, Kendalwood promises to encourage your children to dream big and support them in attainment of their goals!

Happy New Year

The Kendalwood Giving Tree

December 12, 2014/in Blog /by Editor

Each winter, the Kendalwood Montessori and Elementary Community comes together in the spirit of the season to support Durham families in need. Kendalwood staff, our students and their families team up make the season a little brighter for less advantaged children. For the past five years, we have worked with Simcoe Hall Settlement House to provide sponsorship at Christmastime. The tradition continues in 2014!

The Kendalwood Giving Tree is our customary way of coordinating the Christmas sponsorship program. A tree filled with special ornaments greets students and parents at each entrance of the school. Kendalwood families are invited to select an ornament which includes details about the family we are sponsoring, along with items they need or other special requests from their wish list. Items listed on the ornaments are then purchased, wrapped and returned to the school using the ornament as a gift tag.

Simcoe Hall Settlement House is a not-for-profit community resource centre dedicated, since 1935, to assisting less advantaged children, families and vulnerable adults whose lives are affected by poverty.

In addition to the gift collection for sponsored families, Elementary classrooms hold a bake sale where the children work together to prepare a delicious treat, cookie or square and then offer their wares for sale at the school. Students use the proceeds to purchase essential items for the Simcoe Settlement House food bank. It is a true experiential learning process for the children as they visit a local grocery store to purchase necessities for families in need, such as baby formula, diapers and food staples. It is an opportunity to learn about shopping on a budget and gain a better understanding of the amount of food a family requires for a week or a month. Each year, this field trip helps our students gain important perspective on what they consider to be the necessities of life.

The Kendalwood Giving Tree is not only an act of charity, but a larger community service initiative in which our students actively participate. The authentic experience gained by taking part in the annual sponsorship program gives students insight into the needs of others and provides invaluable character education which is so important to us at Kendalwood Montessori.

Today, our students and staff will personally deliver their contributions of gifts, grocery store gift cards and and food bank donations to Simcoe Hall Settlement House. They will also tour the facility and volunteer in the food bank. We couldn’t be more proud of our staff and students!

A special thank you goes out to the entire Kendalwood community for participating in the wonderful tradition of the Kendalwood Giving Tree.

Immense Growth through a Tiny Teacher at Kendalwood Montessori

December 4, 2014/in Blog /by Editor

Seeds of Empathy has come to Kendalwood Montessori and we couldn’t be happier to have our Casa B students taking part in this wonderful initiative. The “younger sibling” to the well-known Roots of Empathy program, Seeds of Empathy fosters social and emotional literacy in children three to five years of age. The number of schools able to participate in the program each year is dependent on funding. Kendalwood is thrilled to be one of only twelve centres selected to participate this year. Seeds of Empathy’s mission is to build caring, peaceful, and civil societies through the development of empathy in children and adults. The program has proven to be effective in fostering pro-social behaviour and reducing aggression levels while increasing empathy in young children.

Our Principal and several Kendalwood Staff participated in a weekend conference in Toronto earlier this year to learn all about the program, its components and practice training in order to deliver the program in our school. The distinctive aspect of the Seeds of Empathy program is the special guest educator – a baby.

Seeds of Empathy Begins With Literacy Circles

Students work through relevant themes in three week intervals. Our Literary Coaches – Ms. Logan & Mrs. Marchment – lead a thought-provoking curriculum based on children’s literature. During each program theme, lessons and activities based on the books read to the children help to find the meaning and purpose behind each narrative.

Our Tiny Teacher

At the end of each three week cycle, students enjoy a visit from baby Ronin, our special guest teacher. This interactive, experiential component of the program provides tangible learning opportunities for students which leave an indelible imprint.

Our Principal, Mrs. Koenders, facilitates the family visit sessions. During each visit, she leads a ritual with mom and baby, such as:

Singing hello
Observing baby’s growth and overall changes
Providing opportunities for exploration through the Seeds of Empathy bag of toys
Singing goodbye

Children answer questions based on the actions of the baby aimed at interpreting his behaviour. Understanding is gained by exploring what the baby is trying to communicate, how he may be feeling and what we can do to make him happy. Our students gather to observe the infant teacher for this discussion and actively learn how to empathize with his needs.

“It is equally important for a child to learn to relate as it is to learn to read.”

– Mary Gordon, Seeds of Empathy Founder

Why is Empathy Important?

Teaching empathy, compassion and kindness were part of Maria Montessori’s first classrooms and remain essential aspects of the whole-child Montessori philosophy. Empathy is a life skill which translates to more resilient, fulfilled children and adults. Through Seeds of Empathy, our young students are given hands on opportunities to build social and emotional skills while developing a positive mindset around the needs of others at an early age.

Montessori Accreditation – A Measure of Quality

November 21, 2014/in Blog /by Editor

Maria Montessori’s methodology has been widely used by her followers since she opened the first Casa dei Bambini over a century ago. Her innovative approach to education was never trademarked, a conscious decision made by Montessori before her passing. Over time, many of those who followed her philosophies adapted and modified Montessori’s methods. As a result, the approach found in Montessori ‘inspired’ schools can vary greatly.

In Ontario, the Ministry of Education does not oversee or ensure the quality of education in private schools. As the term Montessori is in the public domain, any organization is free to declare themselves a “Montessori School”, regardless of their regard for genuine Montessori philosophy. The well respected Montessori name, together with the lack of regulation for its use, presents a challenge for parents seeking the best education for their child. Choosing a private school requires careful consideration. How can parents’ best assess and weigh the options?

A Measure of Quality

As a Montessori parent, or as a parent considering Montessori for your child, you may be familiar with the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA). This organization promotes standards of excellence in Montessori education through accreditation. By achieving CCMA accreditation, authentic Montessori schools are able to identify themselves and demonstrate their commitment to the original Montessori principles and the strict standards set by CCMA.

“The primary objective of an accreditation is to make good schools better. “

– Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators

Durham Region’s First Fully Accredited Montessori School

Kendalwood Montessori and Elementary School is very proud to be the first fully Accredited Montessori School in Durham Region, having achieved accreditation in 2011. It was important to us to complete the CCMA accreditation for several reasons:

Accreditation reflects our deep commitment to authentic Montessori education.

Accreditation attracts the best Montessori teachers – those who have received Montessori Teacher training from a MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) certified institution and who want to practice their craft in a school of the highest standards.

Accreditation supports ideal learning environments and outcomes for students.

We encourage parents considering a Montessori education for their child to ensure the selection process includes accreditation. Ask the right questions to gain insight into this key criterion. It’s the only existing safeguard parents have to secure a true Montessori provider.

Our Promise to Our Students

We will teach you according to the Montessori ideals created and developed by Maria Montessori. We will be your aid to life. We will help to ignite the fire for a lifelong love of learning.

Discover the Kendalwood difference. Book your personal tour or check our school calendar for our next open house.

Montessori: Through the Eyes of a Toddler

November 14, 2014/in Blog /by Editor

Each school day, an affectionate hello and handshake start the day for our Kendalwood toddlers as they arrive in the sun filled classroom. The morning handshake is a traditional Montessori practice, which is particularly endearing with our youngest students, and while adorable, it also plays an important role in setting the tone for the school day ahead. The ritual of greeting one another at the beginning of each day marks the transition into the work day and takes the time to ensure each student feels welcomed and valued as a member of the classroom.

Shaking hands with our students is not the only unique characteristic of the Kendalwood toddler experience. The Montessori mantra of “help me to do it alone” guides the careful preparation of our classrooms. The environment reflects a child’s size and perspective to reinforce independence and self-motivation at every opportunity. The Toddler classroom provides opportunities for movement and exploration while simultaneously developing the child’s a sense of order and concentration. This all sounds quite serious, but rest assured our toddlers truly delight in the Montessori method of developing these foundational skills. The goal is to encourage an early enjoyment of learning and our inquisitive toddlers take great joy in the process!

Help me to do it alone.

– These words from Maria Montessori are a daily reminder for all Kendalwood staff, with particular emphasis for our toddler community.

As our young students complete their morning arrival routines and settle into the classroom, work periods begin. Play and work are synonymous for toddlers and the children are able to select materials to work with from the classroom, which has been prepared with their educational needs in mind. A cycle of independent work begins. On other days, toddlers may begin the day with a teacher-led lesson or a hands-on experience. We also have lots of fun through experiential learning, which often includes baking or art during the morning work period.

It wouldn’t be a Kendalwood morning without Music with Mr. Linderman who joins the Toddler classroom with his guitar in tow as the children happily and excitedly gather for circle time to sing songs. Following music, the children head outside to run and play! Outdoor time is unstructured recreation, but occasionally includes outdoor lessons or seasonal activities such as raking leaves in the fall or planting in the spring.

After burning off some energy , students return inside where each child takes an active role in setting their place at the table for lunch. They arrange their own place mat, plate, cup and cutlery at the communal table to enjoy a meal with their friends. At the end of the meal, the children once again participate in clean up by removing dishes to be washed and discarding any leftover food from their plate.

It’s time for a rest! Our toddlers settle for their afternoon nap while their Teachers tidy up, make notes for parents and plan future lessons. After naps and more snacks, Mme. Borges greets the children for daily French during which they happily dance along to songs, gather for a story, and learn many new things each and every day.

Our youngest students have been doing important work as they establish new bonds outside of the home with their teachers and classmates. They are ready to go home!As parents arrive to pickup their children, our toddlers end the day just as it began – with a handshake!

Hands On Learning at Kendalwood’s 1st Annual Food Day

October 24, 2014/in Blog /by Editor

Today is Food Day, a celebration and movement for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. Originally launched by Jamie Oliver‘s Food Foundation, Food Day is aimed at bringing awareness, celebration and enjoyment back to real food via schools. Kendalwood Montessori and Elementary is tremendously proud to be the first school in Canada to participate in the Food Day movement. We are joining many other organizations and institutions across North America as they take part in Food Day on Oct 24th, 2014, encouraging everyone to eat real!

Essential Montessori

Learning about food and cooking has always been an important element of a Kendalwood education. Practical life activities, such as food preparation, cultivate independence and self-esteem while developing purposeful self-care skills. Food Day expands on this foundation to further educate our students and parents on the benefits of shopping and eating locally grown food.

This week, our students have been participating in a number of activities in preparation for our Food Day celebration. Upper Elementary students visited a local farmers market to purchase fresh local foods while our Casa and Elementary classrooms worked to prepare those locally purchased foods. Project work has focused on the importance of choosing healthy foods and plenty of interesting discussions around healthy food and the broader issues have taken place.

The week culminates with today’s Food Day events. Our campus is bustling with excitement as we prepare for our special lunch of foods prepared by the students. Each class is wearing a specific colour to represent the different food groups and we have several guest speakers with us. A dairy farmer is sharing the process of “Moo to Milk” and a personal trainer will be here to highlight the connection between fitness and food while leading an activity with students.

At Kendalwood, we believe in helping our students learn about the world around them in applied, experiential ways. As we strive to develop leadership skills, students are provided with opportunities to practice becoming good stewards of their community to create positive impact. Food Day has been such a wonderful addition to our curriculum and we plan to make it an annual tradition!