Category: Blog

The goal of any program for early education is to provide quality learning experiences for children. Since we can all agree that the first five years of a child’s life are key to their development, it is important to understand the differences between the approaches of each program. Traditional kindergarten classrooms in Ontario focus on play-based learning, which underscores the benefits and importance of play in setting the stage for child development. Through teacher-led activities designed for exploration and investigation, students develop a foundation of learning. In Montessori classes, children work within a prepared environment. The curriculum is divided into five subject areas: Language, Mathematics, Culture, Practical Life, and Sensorial, with materials supporting the learning. This prepared environment is designed to facilitate each child’s unique development, with activities ranging from simple to complex, concrete to abstract. The prepared environment in the Montessori classroom fosters independent learning and exploration, with guidance from the directress. Another notable difference is that in the Montessori environment, the learning is student-directed instead of curriculum-driven in a traditional kindergarten setting. In a Montessori Casa class, every child is learning at their own pace. Instead of a singular pathway, often associated with the traditional kindergarten program, each Montessori student works at their own individual level, thereby allowing students the opportunity to take the time they need todevelop their own skills, and continue learning without limits. Age is also a factor of consideration. Traditional kindergarten classes are divided by age. At four years old, children enter Junior Kindergarten, and progress to Senior Kindergarten at five. The Montessori environment instead offers mixed-age groupings within the Casa classes. In addition to providing peer learning opportunities, children are also given the chance to develop leadership skills by acting as mentors. The Montessori environment provides the ideal opportunity for children to take responsibility and become role models for their peers. While both learning styles are quite different, understanding those differences is an important first step for parents deciding between a traditional kindergarten or a Montessori school.

From the moment they are born, children take in a large amount of information. With every new experience comes growth, and their perception and thought processes of their surroundings evolve. The early life of children is a crucial period of their development, and as a parent, you’d want to navigate it the best way possible!

Couples making the transition to parenthood often describe it as being one of the most joyous, exciting, and life-changing experiences of their lives. While that is true, it can also be one of the most challenging and nerve-wracking experiences as well. As parents quickly learn, the health and safety of their children become their number one priority. It is therefore not surprising that tracking a child’s growth and development becomes a topic of concern. All parents, whether it’s their first child or not, experience this to an extent. It usually starts from the early moments a couple’s pregnancy is confirmed, increases the moment the baby is born, and it continues for years to come. In this guide, the development timeline of a child’s first 3 years of life will be examined, as well as what you can do as a parent to help your child through these stages. The main aspects of development can be summed up in 4 categories: · Emotional and social development · Language and communication · Cognitive (learning, thinking, and problem-solving) · Movement and physical development 2 MONTHS Emotional/Social: Smiling at people, sucking on their fingers or toes to calm themselves down, and eying for their parents are the early signs of their social/emotional abilities. Language and Communication: They turn their heads towards the direction of sounds, and they vocally react by cooing or making gurgling sounds which is an indicator of their language skills developing. Cognitive: They also start to pay attention to faces, recognizing people, and follow with their eyes. These are signs that your baby is cognitively growing. Movement and physical development: They can hold up their head or push themselves up when they’re down on their belly and you will generally notice smoother, more controlled movements. Tips to help your child’s development at this stage: · Engaging with them verbally and emotionally, through playing, talking, and cuddling. Make sure to use clear language and be more animated when your baby reacts with excitement. · Creating a daily routine of sleeping, feeding, and playing times · Observing and understanding your baby’s likes and dislikes. This will help both the baby and the parent in being more comfortable and confident. · Have mirrors around at a safe distance so your baby can look at herself. 4 MONTHS Emotional/Social: At this stage, your baby’s existing skills continue to develop, and you will notice a lot more engagement and curiosity. They smile at people and like to play with them, and they being to copy the movement and facial expressions. Language and Communication: They also become more vocally expressive. They begin to babble often, and you will notice they have different cries that reflect different emotions such as hunger, pain, or being sleepy. Cognitive: Your baby’s cognitive development in this stage will present itself in their physical and emotional response to people and objects in close proximity. They follow people and sounds with their eyes and they start to reach for and visually analyze objects around them. You will also notice that your baby starts to recognize people at this stage which is an extremely exciting transition for those close to the baby but not the parents. Movement and physical development: At this stage, your baby’s ability to control their movement also increases. They have a steadier hold of their head, they start to roll over, get up on their elbows, hold, shake, and swing objects, and push down their feet when on a hard surface. Tips to help your child’s development at this stage: · Continue talking to your baby and keep up the animated and cheerful dialogue. Copy your baby’s sounds and sing to them. · Continue the routine that you set earlier, make adjustments as needed but make sure to keep a daily routine of sleep, eating, and playing. · Play with your baby as much as you can. You can play simple games like peek a boo or use toys and colorful objects. You can place toys in your baby’s close proximity and encourage them to reach them. · Make sure to have some quiet time and connect with your baby. Sing or talk to them in a peaceful tone. You should also start teaching your baby to stand up. You can put them upright on a hard surface and talk or sing to them as they stand with your support. This is a great bonding moment 6 MONTHS Emotional/Social: At this stage, babies start to recognize themselves in the mirror and will distinguish between familiar faces and strangers. They love to play with others and often respond to other people’s emotions with happiness. Language and Communication: They respond to sounds by making sounds, they try to speak, mainly in vowel language (ah, oh, eh) as well as consonant sounds (m, b, da). They also know their name at this stage and will react to you calling them. Cognitive: Sight, touch, and taste become very prominent at this stage. They look at objects around with curiosity, reach, grab/touch, and taste what’s accessible. Movement and physical development: Their movement and physical development at this stage will allow your baby to roll over in both directions, bounce if you stand them up, and sit without support. Tips to help your child’s development at this stage: · Play with your kids on the floor and read books to them on a daily basis. Books are the best “toys” to help your child’s development. Especially colorful ones. · Be more sensitive to emotions you read such as happiness and discomfort. Continue doing what makes your baby happy, reciprocate by copying their smile and sounds that reflect their pleasure and satisfaction, and take a break to soothe your baby when they when show discomfort. · Talk to your baby about things they notice such as toys, objects, tv, doorbell, etc., and point out things and name them. · Encourage your baby to move and roll over by placing toys and colorful objects in close proximity. Hold

OUR UNIQUE GOVERNMENT Canada is globally known as a strong and free country that has inherited the oldest continuous constitutional monarchy in the world. This has given Canadians a certain sense of pride in their unique identity. The birth of Canada as we know it was on July 1, 1867, and is also known as Confederation. The men who established Canada are called the Fathers of Confederation. The head of government in Canada is the Prime Minister who is elected by Canadians through a fair and free election. The Prime Minister directs the governing of the country. Sir John Alexander Macdonald, a Father of Confederation, became Canada’s first Prime Minister. As a constitutional monarchy we have a Head of State who is a Sovereign (Queen or King), who reigns in accordance with the Constitution: the rule of law. The Sovereign is a non-partisan part of Parliament and mainly serves as a symbol of our citizenship and allegiance and our constitutional freedom. The Sovereign is represented in Canada by the Governor General. In each province, the Premier directs the governing of the province. A role similar to that of the Prime Minister in the federal government. In the three territories, the Commissioner plays a ceremonial role in representing the federal government. Our three branches of government — the Executive, Legislative and Judicial — work together in helping secure the rights and freedoms of Canadians. Modern day Canada is home to millions of migrants from all over the world who can enter our country through a variety of different immigration options. Canada is structured to be open and welcoming to immigrants and to present migrants with good quality of life, opportunities to grow, and a pathway to citizenship. RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES OF EVERY CANADIAN CITIZEN As Canadian citizens we carry responsibilities and rights that are secured by Canadian laws and that reflect our shared traditions, identity, and values. Our tradition of liberty which is also known as the Great Charter of Freedom gives every Canadian citizen the following rights: Freedom of conscience and religion Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of speech and of the press Freedom of peaceful assembly Freedom of association These rights come with responsibilities. Our responsibilities as Canadian citizens include the following: Obeying the law: One of Canada’s founding principles is the rule of law. No person or group is above the law. Taking responsibility for oneself and one’s family financially. Canadians take pride in contributing to Canada’s prosperity by working hard and keeping alive the Canadian work values, personal dignity, and self-respect. Serving on a jury: You are legally required to serve the judiciary system when asked to do so. This is a privilege that makes the justice system work equally and in fairness to everyone. Responsibility to vote: Our voting responsibility comes from our right to vote in the first place. Canadians are responsible to vote in federal, provincial or territorial and local elections. You are responsible to vote if you are: a Canadian citizen; and at least 18 years old on voting day; and on the voters’ list Being a helping member of the community: Volunteer to freely donate your time to help others in need. There are many ways to serve your community. From volunteering at your child’s school to volunteering at your local charity or shelter or encouraging newcomers to integrate. This is also an excellent way to develop social skills and make friends and contacts. Protecting our heritage and environment: Canadian citizens all play a crucial role in protecting Canada’s natural, cultural, and architectural heritage. Every Canadian is responsible to minimize waste and pollution. It is important for every Canadian to recognize their privileges that allow them to live in a healthy, safe, and free society. It is also important for us all to follow and fulfill our responsibilities as Canadians so we can ensure that next generations also get the same quality of life in a safe and free society.

The choice between private school and public school has gained considerable attention over the years. Since the decision weighs heavily on parents, it’s important to understand what both have to offer. There are many variables between the two education systems to consider, however, there are some general similarities and differences. Listed below are some pros and cons of both private and public schools. Pros of private schools: Smaller classes This is a huge advantage! In smaller classes, teachers are able to interact with students and personalize their learning. Students get individual attention, and teachers can observe students closely to monitor their progress and implement strategies to help each student thrive. This increased interaction may lead to students being more interested and ultimately, more engaged in lessons, creating a positive learning environment. More advancement in curriculum and assessments Private Schools are not limited to provincial or federal mandates on what can be taught and how students are tested. Opportunities for enriched curriculums play a large role in the benefits of private school education. In addition to standard subjects, private schools tend to offer more curriculum options in areas ranging from STEAM education to foreign language and even character development. Meals Most private schools offer meal options unavailable in public schools. Some have food catered, others have on-site kitchens with staff offering hot meals prepared fresh daily. In addition, it is common for most private schools to place special emphasis on the quality of food and the nutritional value of the meals served. Variety of Instructional Models Private schools design their instructional delivery around the needs of every student, their personality, and learning style. Most private schools put special emphasis on science, technology, and hands-on skills, as well as social and emotional education, nature studies, and advanced character development. Parents who pursue a private education are very interested in an educational model found in most private schools since most strive to create enriched learning environments for students. Cons of a private school: Expense Tuition makes private schools a financially challenging choice for families with lower income or multiple children. However, some families opt to cut out other expenses or pursue financial aid or grants for their child’s private education. Most private schools offer payment plans to parents who require financing options. Transportation services limitations Private schools do not have to offer additional services for transportation. In some cases, however, they work with and recommend independent transportation companies. Pros of public school: Cost Almost always, public schools are free in the sense that they do not charge tuition. Parents still pay for a number of costs such as meals, field trips, yearbooks, fundraisers, and other additional expenses. However, it is an advantage in that those costs are significantly less than tuition at a private school. Transportation services Public schools must provide transportation for all children as long as the household is within the geographical area that falls into the school’s territory. Cons of public school: Larger classes Most public-school classrooms have class sizes of up to 30 or more students. While that does not mean the learning environment is always unruly, it is more difficult to give students individual attention. Teachers who bear responsibility for 30 or more students experience many challenges in ensuring their students get the attention they deserve. The learning environment is quite obviously affected, as larger class sizes also have a direct impact on student engagement. Mandates Public schools are both funded by and bound to federal, provincial, and regional mandates. If the province or region requires all schools to take a certain type of year-end exam, then all schools must comply. Sometimes the mandates do not make sense and that is a common source of frustration among public school educators. Less flexibility in curriculum and assessments Public schools do not have much flexibility when it comes to curriculum choices. Teachers can slightly adjust how they teach, but they don’t have any control over what they teach. This is a common complaint among public school teachers because the amount of material to cover in a short amount of time leaves little room for creativity. Public schools also have the disadvantage of many more required forms of assessment and accountability measures than in the private schools, which are able to adapt and modify assessments based on student needs. Minor consequences for disorderly conduct Public schools cannot deny enrollment to any student. Students who misbehave continually in the public-school setting face consequences, but only in the most severe circumstances are students expelled. This can compromise a safe learning environment. In summary, there are definite advantages and disadvantages for both systems. Understanding the differences is key in making the right decision for your child. Taking everything under consideration, be sure to visit the schools you are canvassing, ask questions, and meet the staff and students. By experiencing the environment in person, along with assessing your overall needs and how they will be met, you will have a much easier time deciding which school system is appropriate for your child’s growth and success.

In her studies of educational philosophies, Dr. Maria Montessori focused on the development of the child – the importance of the early years and the way in which children, at a very young age, begin to absorb everything around them. In observing child development, she recognized the significance of the ability of the child to learn unconsciously from his environment, and defined this as “The Absorbent Mind”. The absorbent mind is the capacity for children to learn language from their environment, without rules, instructions, or direct teaching. Every child learns their mother tongue simply by being exposed to it on a daily basis. Up to the age of 6, a child is able to effortlessly acquire language by absorbing words and their meaning through the social constructs created within their environment. Children unconsciously absorb social constructs and develop their personalities during these formative years. While some things are consciously taught, a great deal of what a child learns is achieved through the observations of their own surroundings. It is often said that the mind of a child is like a camera, observing everything in its environment, and forms a clear picture of a fixed record. Dr. Montessori’s understanding of this sensitive period is significant, as it frames our understanding of the development of the child. During this stage of life, the young child, when given the opportunity to experience the wonders of the world, is capable of acquiring significant knowledge. Her work illustrates the importance of creating a prepared environment from which they can absorb and learn with ease. It is in this manner then, that the Montessori Early Childhood Method of Education remains an ideal program to introduce children to a world of discovery. Children are introduced to activities in language, mathematics, science, history, geography, art, and music. Practical life skills are honed through activities that replicate everyday tasks that are completed in their own environment. Shelves within the classroom are filled with materials that provide children the opportunity for purposeful activity. An environment that promotes learning during this sensitive period when the absorbent mind is developing is ideal, and the Montessori classroom does just that. A young child’s capacity to absorb knowledge is limitless, and within a carefully prepared environment, can provide them with remarkable opportunities.