 |
 |
|
 |
||
| |||||
|
|
What Is So Special About Olympia Community School? Our curriculum is child-centered, teacher-directed and, when appropriate, theme-based. Most subjects are taught in an integrated context making the learning more meaningful to the children than a standardized, test-driven curriculum.
For example, many children love to learn about animals. Using their ideas, the teachers might develop a study of animal habitats to help children understand the importance of the environment to all living things. If any of the class are interested in beavers, they might:
In the context of this study, with teacher guidance, individual children would have opportunities to pursue their own interests - by focusing on animals or plants of their choice and by concentrating more in certain academic areas, such as science or art. This flexibility also allows children’s different learning styles to be taken into account. We maintain small class sizes. The ratio of teachers to children does not exceed 1:14. Because of this, our teachers have the time to form close relationships with the students and to get to know their interests and abilities. In smaller classes, teachers can give more time and attention to helping each child progress in learning. Each child also has more opportunity to initiate projects and act as a leader and/or to express their ideas more often and more fully. We are a multi-grade school. Children grow and learn at different rates and have diverse skill levels in the various curriculum areas. All children thrive best within a curriculum carefully crafted to suit their particular developmental needs. Our multi-grade classes provide the flexibility to allow children to progress at their own rate in noncompetitive surroundings. In a multi-grade classroom children learn from other children at various skill levels and can come to a deeper understanding of what they have learned by helping to teach others.
“The World is Our Classroom.” The woods and beaches that surround the
school provide a real world laboratory and a daily experience of beauty. Whether adding up bugs, learning the structure of different kinds of leaves, painting or writing about something discovered on the beach, students have ample opportunities for hands-on learning. The nature preserve inspires students and teachers alike and is invaluable in teaching awareness and respect for the environment. We avail ourselves of the rich and varied educational resources in the Olympia community to broaden and enhance the children’s learning experiences. We have regular fieldtrips, some inspired by children and parents. In recent years trips have included hiking and quiet observations at a salmon run, creative dance classes at Waves Studio, a walk at Wolf Haven International, a hands-on experience at an organic farm, a trip to see children’s theater, a tour of an ice cream factory. We also have special activities on campus, as the teachers may invite parents and other Olympia community members -- from doctors and scientists to authors and artists -- to share their particular experiences and talents.
With greater flexibility than traditional schools, we value and make time for creativity and the arts. Art, music, drama, and play are often treated as occasional extra-curricular activities in other school settings. At OCS, these activities are integral parts of our curriculum. They are considered an essential part of children’s learning and also help us teach more academic subjects in engaging, enjoyable ways. We encourage children’s individual voices and independent thinking. Children graduate from OCS with the confidence and ability to express themselves in a variety of dimensions - orally, in writing, graphically, through drama or music, etc. While at OCS they are invited to express opinions, reflect aloud and in writing about what they learn, and to work out conflicts between themselves (with teacher help when needed.) A respect for children’s ideas and opinions, as well as ample opportunities for individual and group exploration, encourages independent thinking. Though there is some direct teacher instruction when appropriate, we do not follow a desks-in-a-straight-line, worksheet laden, test-driven approach to teaching. We develop children’s ability to assess their own progress. We encourage children to regularly reflect on and evaluate their own work. They learn to value the effort they put into their studies, honor their own and other students’ strengths and unique learning styles without negative comparisons, trust their own evaluations of themselves, and celebrate their successes. We embrace an appreciation of diversity and the development of self-respect.
We actively teach cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution skills. OCS children are taught the interpersonal skills to work out conflicts cooperatively. They learn to do this independently, with teacher assistance, and with the help of their peers in class meetings. OCS teachers provide models of cooperative problem-solving, mutual negotiation, and peaceful conflict resolution. Our children learn these specific social skills and are also given many opportunities to practice them in a supportive environment. We offer many opportunities for parents to be involved in their child’s education. Studies show that parent participation in their child’s education is a key factor in leading children to a love of learning and to success in school. Parents at OCS have many opportunities to participate in their child’s education: accompanying students on field trips, helping in the classroom, serving on the Board, organizing community service projects and other activities, fundraising. While parents may be asked to help at school when there is a specific need, they are also encouraged to work with the volunteer coordinator to find ways to contribute that are satisfying to them. We are active in the Olympia community and beyond, and teach our children generosity and kindness through public service. OCS participates in community events: Art Walk, Procession of the Species, Earth Day, etc. We prepare a generous Holiday box for a family in need through the Shelton Head Start Center. Other projects in past years have included the following:
|
|
"Child-centered" means that the
children help choose what they will study and how they will learn about their
choices. Their natural curiosity helps drive the curriculum and they are
motivated to acquire basic skills (math, reading, writing, scientific
principles) because they discover that they need these skills to understand what
they have chosen to learn.
parent-musicians who have come in weekly to play their instruments, lead
singing, and foster musical understanding and appreciation
In addition to learning about
other cultures, the children learn about each other’s heritage, beliefs, and
families. Children at OCS have time to talk with each other and find out how
different they are and what they have in common. They are encouraged to engage
in respectful relations with each other, and to discuss and resolve differences
peacefully. At this early age, they are taught to value love,
tolerance, and respect as the best ways to interact with people. This early
learning of these values provides a successful model for how to continue to
treat people as they mature. And in being treated with respect, love and
tolerance, they also learn self-respect.
