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Academics
Technology - SMART Boards
At SMLS, learning technologies are used to meet the individual needs of all students by addressing multiple learning styles and engages students to be active in creating their own understanding of the material. SMART Board interactive whiteboards allow teachers to present material in a dynamic and flexible way which focuses on student participation. Students can stand up and physically manipulate information, interacting verbally, visually and kinesthetically forming a deeper connection with a concept and one that has personal meaning. It is as much a tool of exploration as one of presentation.
Technology is a part of daily classroom life beginning in Junior Kindergarten. We use laptops whenever possible to enrich our academic programs. All students from Grades 1 through 6 participate in Information Technology classes.
Each classroom is equipped with a SMART Board to support innovative teaching and active learning.
Literacy
At SMLS, we believe that a strong foundation in literacy is the backbone of every student's educational journey.
Our innovative and integrated approach provides girls with a full range of activities, from teacher-supported guided reading to independent work at a literacy learning centre.
Our students become enthusiastic and poised readers, writers, listeners and speakers. They are reflective, critical and independent learners who are comfortable working both inside and outside the box! They are ready for whatever the future may bring.
Mathematics
Mathematics is alive and well in the Junior School. Our program reflects the premise that students learn best when the math program focuses on working from the concrete to the abstract. Our students are encouraged to explore, take risks, innovate and design creative ways to solve mathematical problems.
The "Math Makes Sense" program forms the basis of our mathematics learning experience. The program is based on connecting mathematical concepts and operations to help students develop a mathematical way of thinking.
Our curriculum exceeds the Ontario curriculum, moving in a logical, conceptual and developmental progression following five strands:
- number sense and numeration
- measurement
- geometry and spatial sense
- patterning and algebra
- data management and probability
Science and Social Studies
Students discover our wondrous world through investigation, exploration, observation and experimentation. They are encouraged to apply these concepts to the social, environmental and economic issues of the world they live in.
French
At SMLS, Junior French teachers are experienced and trained to teach using the Accelerated Integrative Method (AIM) gesture approach to second language acquisition. The activities of this method respond to a variety of intelligences, including kinesthetic, linguistic, musical, spatial, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Music and drama are key components which engage visual and auditory learners.
With beginner AIM starting in Junior Kindergarten, students advance to a balance among all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). In this way, the program closely parallels language development in immersion and bilingual classes. Its goal is to help students develop levels of confidence and fluency when speaking.
The Junior Resource Centre
We are very proud of our Junior Resource Centre (JRC), which opened in 2006. The space is bright and is a wonderful area for the girls to explore and learn more about the world.
The Junior Resource Centre has an excellent collection of print and electronic resources that help Junior School students become enthusiastic readers and effective and critical users of information.
Students come to the JRC on a regular basis, in large and small groups and individually, to expand their research and problem-solving skills, to develop technology skills, and to borrow books for pleasure reading. Students can also access age-appropriate online databases and selected websites, and have online access to our library catalogue.
The girls are enthusiastic participants in two innovative programs offered by the Ontario Library Association: the Blue Spruce, Silver Birch Express and Silver Birch Awards. These programs for Kindergarten to Grade 2, Grades 3 & 4, and Grades 5 & 6 respectively, encourage children to read a selection of recently-published Canadian books and vote for their favourites. Millies happily debate the merits of one book over another, even beyond the official voting day! And the burning question after the winners are announced in May - "When can we start reading for next year's Award?"