TODDLER, CASA, JUNIOR AND SENIOR KINDERGARTEN

Our curriculum encompasses five main areas of learning: Practical Life, Language, Mathematics, Sensorial and Cultural Studies. Music, Art and French instruction are also introduced and incorporated into our program. Our program is organized based on curriculum areas and developmental needs. Basic readiness skills and concepts necessary for reading, writing and math are developed in a sensorially rich program that integrates hands-on experiences with science, geography and cultural studies.

By introducing the young to great literature, drama, music and the excitement of great science they are exposed to the endless possibilities that lie within the human spirit, thus enabling them to see visions and dream dreams.

• Practical Life: These exercises allow the child to practice every day life tasks to provide a foundation for the development of independence, self-confidence, motor perception, perfection of movement and power of concentration
• Language: While focusing on reading, writing, oral and visual communication skills, our language program is phonetically based using sandpaper letters, movable alphabet, phonic workbooks and readers.
• Mathematics: Using concrete materials, the children learn to sensorially manipulate basic mathematical concepts. Materials are systematically used to build upon concepts from basic concrete materials.
• Sensorial: These concrete materials educate the senses and allow the child to understand what he/she perceives. When the hand is busy, it will assist the child in learning.
• Cultural: The child’s exploration of cultural subjects that consist of science, geography and history, help to satisfy a child’s natural curiosity of the world. These experiences are enhanced through experiments, literature, field trips and films.
• French: The younger the mind the easier it is to absorb another language more perfectly and effortlessly. As a part of the daily activities all children are exposed to the French language. Children begin to learn basic French words, such as colours, numbers and days of the week through age appropriate activities and songs. As they develop the French language children will begin to develop conversational French skills basic reading.
• Music: Children develop an appreciation for music through singing, instruments, movement and listening. Children will have the opportunity to explore many instruments and develop musical theory.
• Art: Classroom activities allow the children to develop their own artistic skills. Art appreciation skills are enhanced by weekly art instruction.
• Library: Pathways Academy has a complete library on site. Children develop library and research skills through class activities.
• Physical Education: Pathways has a gymnasium on site. Through physical activity and cooperative games, children set a foundation for healthy lifestyle as well as gain problem solving, decision making, goal setting and interpersonal skills.

LOWER ELEMENTARY – GRADES 1 – 3

The curriculum for grades 1 through 3 continue to be a blend of Montessori and traditional teaching methods with the emphasis on individualized learning. The curriculum meets and exceeds the requirements laid down by the Ministry of Education of Ontario.

Our students develop independance and experience the love of learning. Our small classes and low teacher-to- student ratios enable our staff to really get to know each child and help them build upon their education based on their indivual needs.

• Practical Life: These exercises allow the child to continue to practice every day life tasks to provide a foundation for the development of independence, self-confidence, motor perception, perfection of movement and power of concentration. Activities such as cooking and sewing are introduced
• Language:  Our language program is organized into four strands of language: oral communication reading, writing and media literacy.  Our language program is treated with the utmost importance. Our teachers start with a phonics-based approach to learning phonetically based sounds (using sandpaper letters, movable alphabet, phonic workbooks and readers), sight words and sounding out sentences through consistent practice. In the lower elementary years, our students are heavily focused on grammar and basic parts of speech (adjective, article, noun, verb, adverb, preposition and conjunctions).
• Mathematics: Is organized into the five strands of math: number sense and numeration, measurement, geometry and spatial sense, patterning and algebra, data management and probability. Montessori math in early years prepares a child for logical and critical thinking, not for memorizing mathematical facts. The program is designed to build a solid foundation in mathematics which includes understanding a range of mathematical concepts, learning and practicing a range of mathematical procedures and applying mathematics in complex real world situations. Materials are multi-sensory and manipulative in nature. Concrete materials educate the senses and allow children to understand what they perceives.
• Science & Technology: The curriculum is organized into five components: life systems, matter and materials, energy and control, structures and mechanism, and each and pace systems. Activities and assignments encourage the learning of basic concepts of science and technology with the emphasis on how science and technology relate to themselves.
• Social Studies / Cultural: Social studies curriculum is organized into two main components: Heritage and Citizenship, and Canada and World connections. Social studies aides the children in examining and understanding our communities and the various heritages and the nature of citizenship within these, both locally and globally. Students will learn about change, culture, environment, power and the dynamics of the marketplace. Students will apply these skills to develop and understand the Canadian identity and democratic values, to evaluate different points of view and to examine information critically in order to solve problems to make decisions on issues that are relevant to their lives. A child’s exploration of cultural subjects, help to satisfy a child’s natural curiosity of the world. These experiences are enhanced through experiments, literature, field trips and films.
• French: ontinuing from the earlier years, the program builds on the basic foundation of the French language with a concentration on basic vocabulary, phonetic sounds and grammar in conversational phrases.
• Music: Children develop an appreciation for music through singing, instruments, movement and listening. Children will have the opportunity to explore many instruments and develop musical theory. Introduction to note reading and playing instruments such as the glockenspiel, xylophone, piano, guitar, and drums.
• Arts: The Arts curriculum is organized into three main components: music, visual arts and drama and dance. The students will develop critical and analytical skills in the study of the arts and the ability to communicate in a variety of ways. This area of the curriculum assists the students in developing their ability to think creatively and critically while allowing them to express themselves in verbal and non-verbal ways. Activities allow the children to develop their own artistic skills. Art appreciation skills are enhanced by weekly art instruction.
• Library: Building on library skills learned in the earlier years, the students develop skills that include finding books in the reference and non-reference sections, research skills including the use of contents and index sections, skimming and scanning techniques and the use of the library bibliography.
• Physical Education: Pathways has a gymnasium on site. The Heath and Physical Education curriculum is organized into three main components: healthy living, fundamental movement skills ad active participation. Physical and health education helps children relate fitness activities to a healthy productive lives while it teaches cooperation and interpersonal skills.Through physical activity and cooperative games, children set a foundation for healthy lifestyle as well as gain problem solving, decision making, goal setting and interpersonal skills.

Benefits of Pathways Academy

Pathways Academy offers unique educational experiences that foster our students in becoming well-rounded, engaged, and respectful students who find joy and fulfillment in learning.
Developmentally Appropriate Practices (IEP’s)

At Pathways Academy and Early Learning Centre, we respect the emerging abilities of each child without imposing inappropriate expectations. An individualized appropriate program will allow adequate time for children’s various pursuits, and provide a variety of hands-on experiences at their current level.

Developing a Love of Learning 
​Pathways Academy provides a positive learning environment that will enhance our students’ level of development focusing on their self-confidence, independence, decision-making, intrinsic motivation, and love of learning. Our aim is expressed in our school motto, “Help me believe that I can”. Mistakes in the learning process are celebrated, as we identify them as markers of children extending themselves to try something new.

Independence

​Children become leaders within their peer group through the acquisition of critical thinking skills while building confidence, focus, and independence. Supporting this process are teachings that guide in all areas of development while providing a prepared environment with the needs of the children in mind.

Connectedness 

Children are guided in developing positive attitudes and relationships with honesty, integrity, grace, resilience, and empathy through mutual co-operation and consideration of others. Staff and students build close relationships which foster emotional intelligence and teaching the children the value of emotional connectedness.

A Sense of Belonging Our school fosters an environment that helps identify the student’s role within the family, classroom, and community. Our teachers model respect, love, kindness, and a belief in peaceful conflict resolution.

Pathways allow for the freedom and support to question, probe deeply, and to make connections. Our students become confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners. They are able to think critically and work collaboratively, skill sets necessary for success in the 21st century.