Our Educational Philosophy
We are committed to providing quality programs with an environmental perspective and choices for children. Commitment to a bioregional philosophy has led us to create unique learning opportunities based on self-empowerment of the individuals in our programs. We value simplicity and support local, ecologically sound economies. We respect the integrity of the natural environment in which we live. We strive to connect children to nature and to a diversity of people in their community. We believe that a bioregional focus will give children the tools to work toward a more sustainable and fulfilling society.
Bioregional Education
Bioregional Education is the framework for all of our programming.
The school uses a framework of bioregional education around which knowledge and skill in all subject areas is built. Components of bioregionalism are integrated into a bioregional curriculum and the lifestyle of the Oak and Orca experience. Study of the local bioregion, experiential learning, consensus decision making, participatory democracy, ecological education, field work, nature interpretation, nature awareness, and deep ecology are all bioregionally related concepts integrated into student life at the school.
Child-led Learning
Self-empowerment is created through creative choices and involvement in decision making.
From creating the learning space and the rules that will govern it, children are involved in an age-appropriate way in decisions that affect them. We have found that when children are given a say, they are more likely to be invested in the decisions that are made. This creates an environment of community. Whenever possible, children are provided with a choice of activities or workshops. Additionally, our activities leave room for a child's individual creativity within a framework that allows each to work peacefully and at her/his own pace.
Communication
Compassionate communication informs relationship building and the resolution of conflicts.
Our communication style is based on the compassionate techniques of Nonviolent Communication (Marshall Rosenburg,) Consensus Decision Making and Collaborative Problem Solving (Ross Green.)
Conflict is seen as a normal part of growing relationships, and as such, each situation is considered a learning opportunity. The primary objective is to hear feelings and needs, allowing each child to speak to their experience. Secondarily, only once each individual has been heard, a strategy to meet all the needs can be developed through a consensus process.
In order to meet the many needs, staff must be in tune with the children, the relationships and the situation. This requires experience, regular team meetings and training. Staff are trained in Compassionate Communication and other methods to support the meeting of needs of children and adults alike.
For further information about our philosophies and teaching methods please see the Elementary School section of this website.