Elementary Program (Grades 1 to 6)

What you can do at home to support your child’s success at school:

Often parents are concerned with developing their child's academic skills at home. In fact, research indicates that there is no benefit to homework during a child's elementary years. Just as adults benefit from leaving work behind and taking the evening to enjoy family time, pursue leisure and extra curricular activites, so too do children. 

This being said, there are so many ways in which parents can enrich and support what their children are learning at school. It needs to be recongnized that most of the activities you regularly engage in at home with your child contribute strongly to their academic success, and are actually a better support than academic homework.

 The following are research-backed, strongest correlates of student success:

• Reading to and with your child every day is the most important way you can support his or her education. Reading will help your child develop a good vocabulary, but more importantly, a love of reading will develop critical thinking and open the world of independent learning up to your child.
• Eating meals together and engaging in family discussions is vitally important to children’s emotional well-being and social/verbal development.
• Talking to your child at night before they go to sleep – This is a good time to ask your child questions about their feelings. Children who feel emotionally supported and secure are able to devote their brains to learning rather than to anxiety. Ask questions, validate emotions no matter what they are, and remember that it is not necessary to solve their problems – only to acknowledge your child’s grappling with the circumstances of life. You can ask your child if he or she has any ideas on how to deal with something. This conveys trust in your child’s emotional capacity.
• Playing in nature supports the development of attention skills, emotional resources and grounding, as well as gross motor skills. This is particularly true when there are trees, rocks to climb, and trails to hike. Nature is a much stronger supporter of this development than playground structures, but any daily outside play is better than none.
• Having your child assume responsibility for particular chores is vitally important at all ages: tasks could include watering plants, care of an animal, shovelling snow, lining up boots, setting the table, doing dishes, vacuuming, dusting, preparing a meal, etc. Research shows that children who feel like they contribute to their family in some way are much happier beings and less likely to develop depression later in life.
• Lots of unstructured play time develops creativity and emotional development.
• Having strong limits around screen time is critical. This is about giving a child what they need rather than what they want. You will need to monitor what your child is being exposed to and draw boundaries. Children are highly susceptible to developing addictions around electronics and television. We need to be their supports around this until they are able to monitor themselves. More and more research is emerging on the negative impacts of electronic use on children’s emotional, physical and mental well-being.
• Involvement in sports or other physical activities promotes physical and social development, both important for health and brain development.
• Healthy nutrition is fundamental: Avoid sugar, artificial sweeteners and colours, preservatives, fast foods and a lot of white flour products. Ensure that your child is getting a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, as well as good fats and proteins through whole foods.
• Plenty of sleep is critical and often the source of unrecognized stress in a child’s life is a lack of sleep. In a time of so much electronic stimulation sleep needs to be protected. Electronics should be discontinued a minimum of an hour prior to sleep as the direct light can affect a child’s ability to fall asleep. If your child wakes up easily and on his own in the morning, you know he is getting enough sleep.
• Your own participation in school activities as well as interest in what your child is learning are strong supports for home-school integration and deeply benefit your child.

Other activities you can do at home to promote your child’s development and support school success include:

Doing things together with your child in any capacity support self-confidence and esteem: e.g. building a deck, baking, gardening, creating art, camping, hiking, biking etc.

Cutting and colouring support early writing and fine motor development.

Cooking and baking support math development and fine motor development.

Learning to make purchases and make change supports mathematical understanding.

Learning an instrument has been associated with mathematical development and development of perseverance.

Please note that routine assignment of homework is not given as a matter of course at our school. We feel that, for the most part, children work very hard at school and benefit from engaging in other activities after school. The exception is if an Upper Elementary or Middle School child has not completed his work due to distraction or lack of effort. In such a case, it is a natural consequence to have to complete this at home. Another exception is the occasional project that is more home-based. We do recommend that caution be exercised with doing schoolwork at home, because it is important that children feel refreshed and ready to learn when at school. In particular, we find that children who have ‘worked’ in the morning before school seldom wish to work at school. Additionally, much of our instruction requires the use of Montessori materials and it may be a source of confusion to work at home without the materials.

Montessori classrooms always include children of mixed ages. This is equally beneficial both for the development of the younger and the older students in the group. The younger children are naturally drawn to learn what their older cohorts are learning. They observe and emulate the older ones, in the process activating and consolidating their own learning. Confidence, self esteem and mastery learning arise in the older ones who can offer mentoring and assistance to their younger classmates. 

The other aspect of a mixed age classroom is that students are less likely to compare themselves with others. Students understand that everyone is at a different place in their learning. They are more likely to help one another and true collaboration is the result.

Our Elementary program is based on the teachings of Maria Montessori, now being used by tens of thousands of schools around the world. The curriculum is rich and varied, and includes the following:

Core subjects - English, Mathematics, Science, Geography and History - taught in an integrative way using innovative hands on learning materials

French - Daily instruction for all age levels 

Music - weekly class includes vocal and instrumental

Art - weekly 

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program - weekly 

Outdoor Education - weekly as well as outdoor education centre program

Physical Education and Health 

Drama and public speaking

Computers: keyboarding, word processing, research, coding and robotics

 

 

Social and emotional learning supports children in developing the skills they need to understand themselves, relate well to others, and navigate social situations with confidence and care. These skills include recognizing and managing emotions, showing empathy and concern for others, building positive relationships, communicating effectively, making responsible decisions, and responding constructively to challenges.

At Headwater Hills Montessori School, we believe social and emotional development is just as important as academic learning and must be intentionally integrated into the curriculum. Just as children are guided step by step when learning math or language, social and emotional skills also require teaching, practice, and ongoing support.

In addition to a weekly social and emotional learning program, our educators make use of real-life moments throughout the day — such as conflicts between children or times of strong emotion — as opportunities for learning and growth. Through guidance, reflection, and practice, children develop self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication skills.

The result is emotionally resilient children who are able to express themselves clearly, build healthy relationships, and approach challenges with confidence.

At Headwater Hills Montessori School, we are fortunate to be located on several acres of naturalized land, including nature trails, wooded areas, meadowland, a seasonal marsh, and a sand pit. These diverse outdoor spaces allow children to engage meaningfully with the natural world as part of their learning.

On designated days, students spend extended periods of time outdoors participating in nature-based learning. Elementary students take part in Forest Friday, a weekly outdoor education experience that is an integral part of the curriculum. Activities may include shelter building, creating bird feeders, nature walks and scavenger hunts, nature-based art, campfires, and other hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Students are outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions, and being appropriately dressed to stay warm and dry is essential to ensuring these experiences are positive and enjoyable. Learning to be prepared for outdoor conditions is part of developing independence and resilience.

Regular access to semi-wild natural spaces offers significant developmental benefits. Over time, children strengthen both fine and gross motor skills, develop self-regulation and thoughtful risk assessment, and engage deeply in cognitive processes such as observation, experimentation, cause and effect, and mindfulness. These experiences also support social development, as children collaborate, communicate, and build relationships in a shared outdoor environment. Learning outdoors enriches classroom work and supports the growth of the whole child.

 

Special Events

Throughout the school year, Headwater Hills Montessori School offers a variety of special events that enrich student learning and strengthen our sense of community. Most evening events are held on Thursday nights and begin early, allowing children to participate while still maintaining healthy routines. Please refer to the school calendar on our website for specific dates and times: www.headwaterhills.org/calendar

 

Community & Seasonal Events

• Welcome Back Orientation and Potluck (September)
  An opportunity for families to connect, welcome new members of the community, and learn more about the year ahead.

• Photo Day (Fall Term)
  Class and individual photos are taken during the school day. Families are under no obligation to purchase photos, and each family receives a complimentary class photo.

• Halloween Parade (October)
  Held during regular school hours. Children may wear simple costumes and change into regular clothing before outdoor play.

• Remembrance Day (November, when applicable)
  A short student assembly recognizing the significance of the day. Students receive a poppy and are invited to bring a small donation.

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Celebrations of Learning & the Arts

• Literary Tea (November)
  An afternoon gathering where students share poems, stories, and speeches with parents, grandparents, and friends. Students prepare baked treats, and tea is served.

• Celebration of Light (December)
  Held on the Thursday evening before the winter break, this cherished tradition reflects our commitment to inclusivity and respect for all cultures and traditions. Through song and student-created skits, we celebrate our shared humanity and the spirit of our community.

• Children’s Demonstration Evening (Before March Break)
  An opportunity for students to share their favourite Montessori materials and lessons with their families. Elementary students also present to Casa families, offering a glimpse into future learning, and French learning is highlighted.

• Spring Soirée
  A special tradition where students present plays in both French and English. 

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Cultural, Academic, and Athletic Events

• Terry Fox Run (Late September)
  A school-wide trail run held on our property that promotes fitness, perseverance, and community involvement. Parent volunteers are welcome to help.

• International Day (Winter)
  A student-focused daytime event exploring the food, art, and culture of a different continent each year.

• Science Fair
  Elementary and Middle School students present science experiments and demonstrations for families.

• Overnight Field Trips
  Elementary and Middle School students typically participate in an overnight educational trip, such as a field centre visit, camping excursion, or city experience.

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Milestones & Year-End Traditions

• Graduation
  We celebrate students transitioning from Casa to Elementary, as well as those leaving our school for high school, through presentations involving the whole school community.

• Last Day of School
  A fun and celebratory day filled with games and shared activities for students.

Physical Education and Movement

We offer students a rich and varied physical education program that encourages strength, coordination, confidence, and a lifelong enjoyment of movement. In a world where children spend increasing amounts of time seated, we believe it is essential to help students develop a positive relationship with their bodies and experience the joy of moving with confidence and competence.

Many of our physical education activities take place within the broader community, allowing students to learn from expert instructors and access specialized facilities. Depending on the year, students may participate in activities such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, downhill and cross-country skiing, tennis, pickleball, fitness training, yoga, bouldering, rock climbing, curling, hiking, cycling, cross-country running, gymnastics, and dance. 

Through this varied and active program, students develop physical skills, resilience, teamwork, and a genuine love of movement that supports their overall well-being.

Field Trips and Outings

A fundamental part of the Montessori philosophy is that children learn best through hands-on experience and active engagement. Classroom learning is thoughtfully extended through school trips that allow students to deepen their understanding by experiencing concepts in real and meaningful ways.

Over the past few years, students have enjoyed a wide range of educational outings, including visits to Treetop Trekking, the Royal Ontario Museum, Elmvale Zoo, local farms such as Downey's and Rockcliffe Farm, Ripley’s Aquarium, Black Creek Pioneer Village, McMichael Gallery, and the local SPCA, among others. These experiences help bring classroom learning to life while fostering curiosity, connection, and real-world understanding.

Each year, students also participate in a two-day overnight trip to an outdoor educational field centre e.g. Mansfield Outdoor Ed Centre or Teen Ranch. This experience includes outdoor education, cooperative games, and shared challenges that support independence, collaboration, and confidence in a supportive setting.

 

Computers

In the Upper Elementary years, students learn to use technology as a practical and purposeful tool. Research skills are developed first and foremost through books, reference materials, and primary sources, helping children build strong reading, note-taking, and critical-thinking skills. Computers are then introduced to support and extend this work through word processing, typing, and additional research when appropriate.

Students are introduced to coding as a support to logical thinking, problem-solving, and an understanding of cause and effect. Technology is used thoughtfully and intentionally, complementing hands-on, material-based learning rather than replacing it.