Every class at Maple Crest offers the space, tools, and support necessary to inspire and engage each student. We have a low student to teacher ratio and are able to spend one on one time with each student. Each classroom has plenty of physical space for students to spread out, expand their learning and to think BIG. Our students are immersed in a calm, soothing environment and supported by kind, and engaged teachers. Our school is technology free, allowing for more time to socialize, put real life skills into practice and to just enjoy each other and the environment. Every student at Maple Crest enjoys freshly cooked, nutritious meals daily. The space at our school is truly unique and our possibilities are endless.
Pre-school
Preschoolers have a strong desire to explore and learn. They are beginning to understand their own thoughts and feelings and love to participate in a variety of experiences. Our preschool class is busy laying the important groundwork that will set the stage for learning throughout the rest of their childhood. Children have a busy and engaging day at Maple Crest. Teachers prepare their classroom and activities thoughtfully, providing opportunities for development in every area. Social development always comes first and foremost in all our classrooms. Preschoolers are learning how to get along, share, work and play alongside others and to communicate their needs. Their independence grows as they learn to dress and undress themselves, take care of themselves in the washroom, put toys away, take care of their belongings and learn to follow rules and routines. Our preschoolers are treated as capable, competent individuals who have unique thoughts and feelings.
Kindergarten
Children continue to build on skills they learned during their preschool years when they reach kindergarten. They are given time and space to learn how to think more complexly about themselves and the larger world around them. They are beginning to build deeper friendships as they explore the rules and boundaries of relationships. Children in our kindergarten class are given frequent opportunities to think for themselves and are continually practicing being problem solvers. They are learning to clean up after themselves and take care of their surroundings and each other. They are building their attention span, self-control and are more capable of taking on bigger and longer projects. They are able to work and focus for longer periods, finding self-satisfaction in a job well done. They’re learning about who they are as a person and are starting to see themselves as a small part of something bigger. They contribute their thoughts and ideas, and their empathy grows as they begin to understand the thoughts and feelings of others. The solidification of these important social skills sets the stage for deeper and more meaningful learning when it comes to academic skills. Being treated as capable and competent results in our kindergarten students taking charge of their learning and absolutely soaring.
Grade 1-2
In grade 1 & 2, our students are putting the skills they learned in kindergarten into practice. They are beginning to build their stamina as they work on longer and more complex projects. Executive functioning skills develop rapidly now as our students practice things such as following instructions with multiple steps, displaying more self-control, planning, and thinking ahead, trying to remember and prepare for important days and events. They understand others and are practicing tolerance and patience for those who are different from themselves. They are learning to work together as a whole, completing group challenges, and building their sense of camaraderie. They are taking on much more responsibility for completing their work, and are expected to conduct themselves in a kind, thoughtful and respectful manner. They are beginning to take on a leadership role in the school and are able to assist younger students in the school when needed. They are practicing managing their time, their work, and their relationships. As children get to know themselves and their peers better, negotiation skills become more important as they practice problem solving amongst friends. Their academic foundation is strong now and they are able to apply and build on their knowledge as they take on their first take-home projects and presentations.
Grade 3 -4
Our oldest students are ready to soar as the leaders of the school. They are strong, independent thinkers who confidently tackle new and bigger challenges. Their increased competence enables them to plan and act in a way that makes them excellent students, citizens, and friends. They show newfound maturity as they observe and appreciate the diverse world around them. Students now manage the classroom and themselves; their teacher steps back and places trust in them as they navigate their work and their relationships. Students take responsibility as a group to keep the classroom operating smoothly, completing weekly rotating tasks such as cleaning, preparing food, taking care of their outdoor environment, and planning special experiences and events for their peers and their younger school mates. They independently return to work not completed, carefully self-critique their work, making independent improvements as they go. They are able to conduct themselves competently and kindly within a group and are able to distinguish and respect roles within that group. They are putting their strong social skills into practice, stepping in to help younger students problem solve and manage emotions. They are attentive to instructions and can see a project through to the end with little to no assistance. They’re aware of their actions and strive to set a positive example for others around them.
