Once Again, UMS Exceeds Canadian Norms

Unionville Montessori continues to excel in language and mathematics in comparison to other schools provincially and nationally. The Canadian Achievement Tests Fourth Edition (CAT-4) is widely recognized as one of the most  accurate assessments of student achievement and because it is used extensively, the national norms are considered very accurate. UMS has consistently performed significantly above the national average and this year is no different. Our student consistently score 2 or more grades above grade level!  At UMS, we want all of our students to achieve to the best of their ability. Our motto, mission statement, and vision statement reflect this. Our motto is, “To Inspire, Guide, and Challenge”. Our mission statement is, “To promote academic excellence within an enriched curriculum by providing positive educational opportunities to children which foster leadership, achievement, and a love of learning.” Our vision statement is, “We educate the whole child, promote intellectual and social growth and weave character development into the fabric of our curriculum. Reaching the child’s fullest potential is an inherent vision in all that we do.” Our success is a result of a team effort among students, parents, and teachers working together for a common goal. We are proud of our results and thank you for your continued support.  

http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/ums-exceeds-canadian-norms

Teaching Thinking Strategies

Habits of mind and forms of intelligence are unique to every student. The essence of direct instruction in critical thinking crystallizes strategies and tools that can then be used deliberately. The ultimate aim is to make critical thinking second nature and automatic for each student. The idea that skill in thinking is developed as the by-product of such subjects as geography and history is no longer tenable. Some thinking skills concerned with the sorting of information can be taught as a by-product of such subjects but these are only part of the broad range of thinking skills required for life. For example, the thinking skills required for action must include consideration of priorities, objectives, other people's views and the like. Descriptive thinking is not enough. Divided into 10 major “Thinking” strategy units, each one comprised of a series of lessons, teachers instruct students on a particular thinking skill/strategy directly. This direct instruction is followed by a application to a specific task or assignment in a specific subject. The APC Program (Alternatives, Possibilities and Choices), is an example of one model for teaching thinking skills. Students consider all options before making an informed choice and developing their explanation. The goal is to equip the students with effective thinking tools and strategies to apply to situations and decisions. Teaching thinking skills is a component addressed by each grade.

http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/teaching-thinking-strategies

Tomorrows Scientist’s Begin Here

Providing unique and relevant learning opportunities to children continues to be an important hallmark at UMS. Children graduating from a Montessori program need a Gr. 1 setting that is not only stimulating, but also personalized to their strengths and focused on their needs. To this end, children in the graduating Montessori year have their learning experiences enriched within an elementary school setting. Senior Casa children attend a fully equipped science lab and are instructed by an Ontario certified science teacher. Geared to the capabilities of the children, the program is an engaging, hands-on learning experience.
http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/tomorrows-scientists-begin

UMS Partners with Markham Public Library

Our library is changing! But it’s more than just our physical library that is undergoing change; it is the whole concept of the library. We are moving from having books available only during school hours, to a Learning Commons with a much greater variety of resources available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! A Learning Commons “expands the learning experience, taking students and educators into virtual spaces beyond the walls of the school.” It is an opportunity for the exploration of ideas and concepts, encouraging inquiry, through the connection of learners to information, to each other and to communities around the world.” “The Learning Commons seeks to expand and integrate the real and virtual choices learners have to share their experiences. Safe, inclusive and welcoming environments throughout a school are imperative to meet the diverse abilities and learning styles of individuals, teams and groups. Virtual learning spaces increase this potential.” (Ontario School Library Association)

We are accomplishing this by moving ahead with our partnership with the Markham Public Library in order to enhance our services to our school community. Our website will soon have a direct link to the Markham Public Libraries. This will enable our students to have 24/7 access to library materials including books, e-books, on-line catalogues and databases. Students and parents will be able to reserve and renew books on their home devices. Teachers will be able to create book lists for students who can also create their own “shelves” of books that they have read. They can then share these with other students and with their teachers.

Students have had the opportunity to apply for a Markham Public Library card that allows access to all branch collections in the Markham Public Library (MPL) system. This includes full access and use of the MPL suite of Databases available on the library website. In addition, MPL will provide direct, customized curriculum support and homework and assignment help via class visits and virtual services (e.g. web-based delivery). Over the summer, library staff will create research units tied to our curriculum. These units will incorporate the many resources available both at the library and on-line.

Here are some sample databases that are available to us 24/7 through MPL:

Kids InfoBits

Little PIM

NoveList Plus K-8

PebbleGo Animals & PebbleGo Earth and Space

Science Power

Social Studies Power

TumbleBook Cloud Jr

Tumble AudioBookCloud

TumbleBook Library

World Book Kids

Click here to visit the City of Markham website, to view the links and descriptions above. Click here to visit the City of Markham website, to view a full list of all available MPL databases. Click here to visit the MPL website.

http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/ums-partners-markham-public-library