magazine
L I V E • PLAY • DO
Resale Shopping & Selling in the Time of Covid-19 Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia Education
AUGUST 2020 - DIGITAL EDITION nwkidsmagazine.com
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Editor’s Note August is here and with it comes continued uncertainty about what the 2020-2021 school year will look like. Will instruction be online-only? Will some districts move ahead with staggered in-person instruction? Will we see hybrid models? We shall see! For now, we are pushing through the summer and focusing on our physical and emotional well being, as well as seeing our families and loved ones through all of this. We hope that you are staying well and can’t wait to see you when we’re able. Please continue supporting our wonderful communities in any way that you’re able as businesses, artists, schools and organizations find new ways to stay afloat. The value of our neighbors has never been more evident. With hope,
Mary
Cover photography by OREGON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
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Contents AUGUST 2020 8 Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia Education 14 6 Simple Steps for Resale Shopping & Selling in the COVID-19 Era
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Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editor/Account Manager Mary Brady mary@nwkidsmagazine.com
NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC.
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Listings All Families Surrogacy...................................17 A Renaissance School....................................12 Bamboo International School........................13 Beanstalk........................................................13 Bennett Suzuki...............................................17 Cedarwood ...................................................... 7 Childroots......................................................... 3 Earthquake Tech.............................................18
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Engineering for Kids......................................13 German American Society............................... 7 German International School........................18 Heidi Timmons Photography.........................17 Little Fruit Farm................................................ 7 Micha-el School.............................................11 Montessori School of Beaverton...................11 OES................................................................... 2
Oregon Charter Academy .............................12 Play Fit Fun....................................................... 2 Portland Village School..................................11 Scuola Italiana...............................................17 Tri-County Farms.............................................. 7 Xstream Learning Center...............................13
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Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia Education Choosing your child’s first school experience can be a difficult task. We are lucky in the Portland Metro region to have a ton of choices, but that too can be overwhelming. While we don’t yet know what back-to-school will look like for the 2020-2021 school year, let’s take a look at some of the Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia inspired options in our area.
Waldorf Waldorf education is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. Its pedagogy strives to develop pupils’ intellectual, artistic, and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner. The cultivation of pupils’ imagination and creativity is a central focus.The first Waldorf school opened in 1919[ in Stuttgart, Germany. A century later, it has become the largest independent school movement in the world, with about 1,200 independent Waldorf schools,1,800 kindergartens and 646 centers for special education located in 75 countries.
Cedarwood Waldorf School
Portland Village School
Their early childhood program is playbased and well-rounded, with hands-on artistic & practical activities, social skillbuilding, and loads of time outdoors. Ages Infant-7 years, $1200-$16,500/yr 3030 SW 2nd Ave 503-245-1477 cedarwoodschool.org
Advancing a Waldorf-inspired education, teaching respect & reverence by developing the head, heart & hands of children from all backgrounds & cultures. Grades K-8, free public charter 7654 North Delaware Ave 503-445-0056 portlandvillageschool.org
Micha-el School Waldorf School dedicated to bringing Rudolf Steiner’s intentions and indications into the 21st century. Grades K-8, $6020-$8340/yr 13515A SE Rusk Rd 503-882-3322 micha-elschool.org 8 | NW Kids Magazine
Portland Waldorf School Education for the whole of life. Ages Infant-12th Grade, $5000-$19000/yr 2300 SE Harrison St., Milwaukie 503-654-2200 portlandwaldorf.org
Montessori The Montessori Method of Education, developed by Maria Montessori, is a childcentered educational approach based on scientific observations of children. Montessori’s method has been used for over 100 years in many parts of the world. The Montessori method views the child as the one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It attempts to develop children physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.
CEDARWOOD WALDORF SCHOOL
Little Fruit Farm Celebrating a Love for Learning since 2004. Beautiful Home & Garden School, Classical Montessori Activities year-round. Ages 2-6, $700-$1250/mo 16445 SW Melinda St, Beaverton 503-521-8603 littlefruitfarmmontessori.com
Montessori of Alameda
PORTLAND VILLAGE SCHOOL
They provide a child centered educational environment and bi-lingual Spanish and English Montessori experience for children birth to Kindergarten. Ages 3mo-K, $1,035 to $1,635/mo 4210 NE Going St, 503-335-3321 montessoriofalameda.com
MSB MSB is a renowned Montessori school with a storied tradition, set on an idyllic 6-acre campus in the hills west of Portland. Grades P-6, $9,500 - $12,500/yr 7654 North Delaware Ave 503-439-1597 msb.org
PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN
The Children’s Garden Helping children discover their special qualities, blossom within their uniqueness and learn how to learn in a nurturing environment. Ages infant-K, $948 to $1620/mo Multiple Locations, 503-228-2443 thechildrensgarden.com continued on p. 10
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Reggio Emilia The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education. It is a pedagogy described as student-centered and constructivist that uses self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-driven environments. The program is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery through a self-guided curriculum. At its core is an assumption that children form their own personality during early years of development and are endowed with “a hundred languages”, through which they can express their ideas. The aim of the Reggio approach is to teach how to use these symbolic languages (e.g., painting, sculpting, drama) in everyday life. It was developed after World War II by pedagogist Loris Malaguzzi and parents in the villages around Reggio Emilia, Italy, and derives its name from the city.
Hillsboro Parent Preschool Hillsboro Parent Preschool is cooperative school that inspires children’s creativity, wonder and love of learning using the Reggio Emilia approach. Ages 3-5, $180-$258/mo 168 NE 8th Ave, Hillsboro 503-648-4781 hillsboroparentpreschool.com *Educational approach information from Wikipedia
HILLSBORO PARENT PRESCHOOL LITTLE FRUIT FARM
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MONTESSORI OF ALAMEDA MICHA-EL SCHOOL
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B ette r Than N ew!
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Photography by BEANSTALK
Simple Steps for Resale Shopping & Selling in the COVID-19 Era by CARMEN RIPLEY-WILSON
This is uncharted waters for all of us as parents, teachers, business owners and our entire community. This year, our children are most likely homeschooling for part time if not full time. Kids will need comfy “homeschool” clothing as well as clothes for playing in the Oregon fall weather that greets them as they run and jump outside, ride their bikes and scooters or make lots of arts and crafts. When buying lots of seasonal items at once, finding ways to save is key, especially in these times when our incomes may be drastically different. One fantastic option is shopping at your neighborhood resale store. Portland has a multitude of resale shops, including ones that specialize in children’s clothes. And many of these shops now have online stores to help you safely shop from home! Resale shops hand-select their inventory by considering item quality, seasonal needs and customer favorites. Items for resale are now received with safety in mind:
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Once items are brought in for resale, they are generally quarantined for a set period before being sorted for sale or returned to customers if the shop can’t accept them. Studies are showing that a minimum of 3 days is plenty of time to quarantine all items in order to insure their safety for resale. Resale shop owners are meticulous about wiping all items down properly before placing them on the floor. All shops do ask that clothing come in freshly washed and all items are sale floor ready. It’s never a bad idea to wash and wipe down all items after purchase before introducing them to your home, too. Resale shops are known for their high quality clothing at affordable prices so you can make your budget go further. Consigning and selling your family’s outgrown items is a great way to maximize savings. Here are 6 tips for consigning your kids’ outgrown clothing and finding the best pieces at resale stores this month:
Clean out the closet. As you go through kiddos’ closets and drawers to see what they will need this school year, put all outgrown clothing, shoes and coats into a bin. Make sure all clothing is freshly washed and shoes are cleaned before taking them to a resale shop.
Create a list. Write down the types of clothing you need, how many of each to get and the sizes you’re looking for. Trace each child’s foot on a piece of cardboard and take this with you for easy shoe checks at the store. This is especially helpful right now, as some shops can’t allow little ones in to help maintain safety and social distance.
Make a plan. Check your local children’s resale shops’ websites to find the hours and days they take inventory as well as the hours they have open for shopping. This way, the store staff can go through your consignment items while you shop. continued on p. 16
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Look for items that do double-duty. If possible, look for shirts, pants, shoes, etc. that can work for at least two seasons (fall/winter or spring/summer). Here in the Pacific Northwest, items like rain boots and raincoats are necessary most of the year, so be sure to pick up another set if your kids have outgrown last year’s rain gear.
Spend some time. Resale shops have a wide variety of items. You may need to spend some time weekly cruising for the items your family is needing. Also browse our local children’s resale shops’ online stores and follow their Instagram accounts to shop from home.
Take more than one trip. While getting your fall, winter and spring items in one trip might be convenient, it’s not always practical. Children outgrow their clothing and shoes very quickly – sometimes before the price tags are even removed. Also, resale shops tend to carry seasonal items, and they frequently receive new inventory.
Quick tips for consigning or selling used items: 1. All items need to be freshly washed. 2. All items need to be free of excessive wear, stains and damage. 3. Most shops take 1 tub or 2 bags at a time. 4. If you have large gear to consign, call first to make sure it’s something the shop can take or has room for. 5. Check your local stores’ shopping and consigning policies before heading over. We are all rolling with these times the best we can!
Fall is one of the busiest times of the year for a children’s resale shop. Stores are bustling with parents bringing things in as well as shoppers looking to score those must-haves. When you visit your neighborhood resale shops, not only will you be saving money, you’ll be supporting local businesses. Every little bit helps small business owners in these times. Resale also supports your community, local families and the planet – it creates a true circle of giving!
Carmen is the owner and founder of Beanstalk. She brings years of sustainable thinking and environmental awareness to the local clothing, toy and gear resale business. With her medical background, she truly cares about the well-being of families and their exposure to quality clothing, toys and gear. For more information, visit beanstalkpdx.com.
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