Elementary Grades at Polaris
The holistic approach at Polaris focuses on the whole child, head, heart and hands. Our educators aim to create experiences for the students, through the use of stories, hands-on activities, movement, art, drama, the practical arts and music. All academic subjects are brought to life by a multi-sensory approach, creating an environment where students with various learning styles can flourish. Being active participants in their learning, students embark on a wondrous journey which sparks within them a joy of learning that will follow them through life.
The holistic approach at Polaris focuses on the whole child, head, heart and hands. Our educators aim to create experiences for the students, through the use of stories, hands-on activities, movement, art, drama, the practical arts and music. All academic subjects are brought to life by a multi-sensory approach, creating an environment where students with various learning styles can flourish. Being active participants in their learning, students embark on a wondrous journey which sparks within them a joy of learning that will follow them through life.
“The heart of the Waldorf method is that education is an art – it must speak to the child’s experience. To educate the whole child, his heart and his will must be reached as well as the mind. “– Rudolf Steiner
Our academic program challenges students, but our approach ensures that students do not feel overly anxious or stressed. It is understood that each child develops at their own pace. Through the art of observation and working with parents, teachers are able to truly see students and give them the time needed to allow their gifts to unfold naturally and provide them with the support needed to meet their challenges to help them reach their full potential.
“Being personally acquainted with a number of Waldorf students, I can say that they come closer to realizing their own potential than practically anyone I know.” - Joseph Weizenbaum, Professor Emeritus MIT
Teachers at Polaris strive to help students become confident, creative and independent thinkers ready to face the future, with the tools needed to meet an ever-changing world. Our goal is to help students find their path to happiness, fulfilment and satisfaction in their lives, knowing that each path will be different and uniquely rewarding.
“We understood that this [Polaris] was an environment that was going to approach our son’s learning, not just from the perspective of his academic growth but his spiritual, creative and personal growth”. ~ Parent
What sets Polaris apart from other schools?
Movement: It is normal to see students clapping, skipping, and moving during their classes. Our teachers recognize the importance of movement and incorporate it into their lessons. Educational research has begun to explore and recognize the link between movement and physical activity with children’s ability to concentrate and be more focused, leading to better educational outcomes and improved mental health.
Movement: It is normal to see students clapping, skipping, and moving during their classes. Our teachers recognize the importance of movement and incorporate it into their lessons. Educational research has begun to explore and recognize the link between movement and physical activity with children’s ability to concentrate and be more focused, leading to better educational outcomes and improved mental health.
“Movement enhances learning and memory. The typical classroom setting in which students “sit and get” was challenged by research findings showing that the brain is more active when learners are moving around. Movement brings additional fuel-carrying blood to the brain. It also allows the brain to access more long-term memory areas (an ancient survival strategy), thereby helping students make greater connections between new and prior learning (Scholey, Moss, Neave, & Wesnes, 1999).” David A Sousa in the book; Mind, Brain and Education: Neuroscience Implications for the Classroom.
“We have noticed that encouraged physical exploration has translated into even more intellectual curiosity”. ~ Parent, Polaris School & Centre
Academics and the Arts: Current neuroscience research into the benefit of the arts does not come as a surprise to our teachers as integrating art, music, drama, handwork and movement into academic subjects is fundamental to our approach. The arts are viewed as more than just supplemental subjects and are interwoven into main lesson blocks/academic subjects such as math, science, language arts, etc. The interdisciplinary approach to mastering subject areas across the academic spectrum encourages students to make deep and meaningful connections to their learning.
“Research studies are revealing how exposure to the arts can increase one’s attention, spatial skills, and creativity…Although too many people still regard the arts as frill subjects, brain research is showing that they are important contributors to the development of cognitive processing.” Mind, Brain and Education: The Impact of Educational Neuroscience on the Science of Teaching by David A. Sousa
A recently published report on Neuroeducation calls for the use of music and the arts, not as a means of enrichment, but as a means of building cortical circuits critical for success in writing, reading and mathematics (Hardiman, Magsamen, McKhann, & Eilber, 2009)
“We wanted to release our son from this feeling that his learning journey is only about his academic abilities." ~ Parent, Polaris School & Centre
School Community and Class Size: We are a small school with class sizes ranging from 10 to 16 students. Our small class sizes provide teachers with the opportunity to work closely with your child, to see them for who they are, their strengths and challenges and support them as needed during their time at Polaris.
In the Grade School, it is common to have a teacher stay with the students until grade 8. Teachers have the opportunity to cultivate a deep awareness or understanding of each student’s interests, learning styles and experiences. They are invested in the children and the class, and actively work to create a class environment where children feel safe and welcome, setting a solid foundation for learning.
In the Grade School, it is common to have a teacher stay with the students until grade 8. Teachers have the opportunity to cultivate a deep awareness or understanding of each student’s interests, learning styles and experiences. They are invested in the children and the class, and actively work to create a class environment where children feel safe and welcome, setting a solid foundation for learning.
“There’s a sense of feeling safe to be fully themselves and a huge part of that is what the teachers create as a space of freedom, of inner work, and curiosity”. ~ Parent, Polaris School & Centre
Teachers also take the time to foster relationships with parents as we see this partnership as an essential piece to ensure your child’s success. Parent and Teacher interviews and class meetings are held throughout the year and teachers are always available to discuss questions and issues as they arise.
Our small class sizes also create a real sense of class community, fostering a sense of trust among the students and teachers. At Polaris, not only your child, but your family will find a place where they belong, a sense of connection to other families and a place where we can all learn and grow as a community.
Our small class sizes also create a real sense of class community, fostering a sense of trust among the students and teachers. At Polaris, not only your child, but your family will find a place where they belong, a sense of connection to other families and a place where we can all learn and grow as a community.
“Because the class sizes are so small they have been able to build these really tender, intimate relationships with their friends”.~ Parent, Polaris School and Centre
Connection to Nature: Polaris offers a unique urban outdoor nature program which is woven into the students' weekly rhythm and complements the curriculum. The program instils a sense of reverence for Nature, a respect for the environment, within a natural setting that fosters resilience, teamwork, confidence and hands on skills.
At Polaris your child will;
- find a place where children are celebrated for their unique contributions and individual gifts and where they can unfold at their own pace.
- be surrounded by experienced teachers who take their time to truly see them, and are invested in their success. This devoted group of teachers will explore how to best support them on their journey so they can develop their full potential and become well rounded individuals.
- have extended time outdoors, so they are physically active and able to appreciate nature and the seasons and all types of weather.
- come to have an appreciation for Art, Nature, Music and Drama.
- acquire a Love of Learning.
- be academically challenged in innovative ways that allow them to learn without feeling rushed or anxious.
- find a sense of belonging.
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