My first intro to the school was another parent. I had toured several schools in Paradise and had even met with the school district, when I requested a 504 and was told I didn't need one.
Blue Oak had small tears forming as I toured it. Children are engaged, happy, and valued. I \wanted an experience for my child. I didn't want her to be a number. At Blue Oak, she is a valued community member. She has special needs and the school has handled those needs very well. Her 504 is in place.
The developmental model they follow lays the groundwork for an effective education, one that engenders a love of learning and participation. They use the Nurtured Heart strategies for behavior. They don't bow to Common Core as an excuse for terrible homework assignments. They meet each child at his/her level and build on strengths. I saw nothing like it on any other tour. They review their testing results and are adamant in refusing to be persuaded by test results and instead base their education on study results. They let kids develop as they naturally do instead of attempting to fast-track skills by rote learning. They don't take shortcuts to get test results. They teach the children, trusting their innate abilities. And wait. They wait for each child to blossom on their own schedule. And that faith is not misplaced. Test results reveal that most of their students equal if not surpass other schools once they reach second grade.
My fellow parents represent a great cross-section of the community. Like at other schools, we are all trying to do our best. Parent involvement at this school is welcomed and encouraged. I love that the school philosophy embraces parents and their role as primary instructors of their children. I love that we are not made to feel as outsiders in our children's education. It has made Kindergarten so much easier for me as a parent. I feel very comfortable with my daughter's surroundings while I can't be with her. I suppose I could stay, but my independent daughter prefers I go.
And my daughter is learning. It is the second week. She is learning the songs, the routine, and so much more. She used to use our musical instruments at home as noisemakers. Now, although she has not received any formal instruction, she pulls out instruments and actually experiments with sound. It is melodious. And she seems to be expressing her emotions through the sounds she is making. What a connection for a 5 year old!
Some of the school policies aren't for everyone. Their request for a hiatus of media and television through the school week takes a great deal of change in a family. I have to say it has been fantastic for our family. I love a Saturday afternoon movie now. And the kids do, too. But I love even more how active and busy my children are without the TV on during the week. I love hearing them play and the ideas they have. And how excited they are to implement those ideas outside. They get along so much better. I am really enjoying this more than I expected.
I love that the teaching methods match the physical needs of children as kinesthetic learners. I love the amount of time spent outdoors. I love that everywhere is their classroom. I love that movement and art and nature and seasons and people are all incorporated into learning. This is the kind of learning my daughter wants and enjoys.
Really, isn't that the kind of class I remember from college? And isn't that where I did the most growing? I am so glad my daughter gets this opportunity. read more
