Editor’s Note
Happy August! While there is still plenty of summer to enjoy, we also have Back to School on our minds. This month we have a guide to local Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia schools, as well as a brief overview of these learning approaches. We also have a fantastic piece on preschool readiness, written by HeyZeus Oak, the owner of Heart in Hand Preschool. (In case you missed the July issue, it featured a guide to local preschools. Check it out at nwkidsmagazine.com!) BTS resale tips and a roundup of after school activities? We have those too!
We’ll be back next month with our annual Birthday Party Guide and it’s going to be a great one! Also next month, we’ll be hosting our Education & Enrichment Expo at OMSI. Save the date for Saturday, 9/28. Admission to the expo is free and you’ll have the chance to learn about some of the best schools, after school programs and other enrichment options that Portland Metro has to offer. Bring the whole family, check out OMSI’s Playing with Light exhibit, tour the USS Blueback, take in a show at the Empirical Theater or the Kendall Planetarium and make a whole day of it!
We’ll see you around town soon. In the meantime, we hope that your families enjoy every bit of this glorious summer!
Cheers, Mary
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Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia Education
While there are many educational philosophies and styles, not all are the right match for every child.
Let’s take a look at some of the Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia schools in the area and some that are inspired by such approaches.
Waldorf
“Waldorf schools offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. They integrate the arts in all academic disciplines for children from preschool through twelfth grade to enhance and enrich learning. Waldorf education aims to inspire life-long learning in all students and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities.” -AWSNA
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.
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.
Cedarwood Waldorf School
Waldorf
At Cedarwood, families learn, grow, and connect with community. They nurture children’s skills, creativity and inner strength, blending arts, academics and movement. Waldorf and NWAIS accredited.
Parent Child - 8th grade, $8,500 - $21,250/yr
3030 SW 2nd Ave, Portland 503-245-1477
cedarwoodschool.org
Happy Hollow Children’s Center
Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf They are rooted in mentoring young learners to construct their own knowledge through hands-on learning and child-led exploration.
Ages 2.5-12, $360-$1920/mo
Multiple Locations 503-646-3214
happy-hollow.net
Heart in Hand Preschool
Play-based, Waldorf, In-home
Established in 2002, a Waldorf in-home preschool in Portland’s Alberta Arts district fosters creativity, curiosity, and nature connection through crafts, gardening, puppetry, and play-based learning.
Ages 3-5, $8200 - $14750/yr
5405 NE 30th Ave, Portland 503-756-0470
heartinhandpreschool.com
Lakeshore Montessori School
Montessori
Located just minutes from downtown Vancouver, they offer an exceptional Montessori program for wobblers/walkers through age 6. Alongside the esteemed Montessori preschool & kindergarten curriculum, the children also spend a lot of time outdoors - playing, digging, exploring, riding bikes and helping care for the school garden. Wobblers-age 6
$9000-$12000/yr (2023-24 rates)
4803 NE 15th Ave, Vancouver 360-573-4103 lakeshoremontessori.com
Little Fruit Farm
Montessori
Celebrating a Love for Learning since 2004. Beautiful Home & Garden School, Classical Montessori Activities year-round.
Ages 2-6, Contact for tuition details 16445 SW Melinda St, Beaverton 503-521-8603 littlefruitfarmmontessori.com
Montessori of Alameda Montessori
Montessori of Alameda offers a bilingual (Spanish/English) preschool and kindergarten Montessori education for children ages infant to six years of age.
Ages 3 months-6 years, $17,000 - $26,000/yr 4210 NE Going, Portland 503-335-3321 montessoriofalameda.com
Montessori School of Beaverton (MSB) Montessori
MSB is an independent Montessori school located West of Portland. They specialize in child-centered learning & offer ample access to nature on their 6-acre campus.
Ages 3-12, $11,970-$14,530/yr 11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane, Portland 503-439-1597 msb.org
Oregon Episcopal School
Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Inquiry Based Through an inquiry-based curriculum and hands-on exploration, OES instills a lifelong love for learning as students realize their power for good.
Pre-K - 12th Grade, $30,200-43,800/yr (day, pre-K–12th grade)
$75,500/yr (boarding)
6300 SW Nicol Rd, Portland 503-768-3115 oes.edu
Portland Montessori Collaborative (pdxMC)
Montessori pdxMC empowers young minds to flourish with curiosity, discovery, and compassion through a nurturing Montessori environment that cultivates a strong foundation for lifelong success. Ages 3 months - 5 years, $1425-$2060/mo
4817 SW 53rd Ave, Portland 503-972-7100 pdxmc.org
Portland Village School
Waldorf
A public, K-8, Waldorf charter school nurturing and educating the whole child. Tuition-free to serve students from all backgrounds and cultures. Join them in our new S Waterfront location!
K - 8th Grade, Tuition-free
4650 S Macadam Ave, Portland 503-445-0056 portlandvillageschool.org
Portland Waldorf School
Waldorf
Their students are creative thinkers who are passionate about learning and making a difference. They engage the whole child, nurturing intellectual curiosity alongside artistic expression.
Ages 3-18, $10,210 - $22,820/yr
2300 SE Harrison St, Milwaukie 503-654-2200 portlandwaldorf.org
Rosebud Preschool
Play-based, Reggio Emilia
Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, they emphasize art, environment & self-directed learning while integrating elders from Rose Villa’s senior living community.
Ages 2-5, Toddler: $1144 - $1976/mo, Preschool: $676 - $1430/mo (2 or 5 days/wk)
13505 SE River Road, Portland 503-652-3201 rosebudpreschoolpdx.org
Sprout and Spark
Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Forest They strive to spark joy, creativity, resilience and curiosity in each child and delight in helping them grow into responsible, independent, and compassionate lifelong learners.
Ages 2.5-6, $10000-$12000/yr
3430 SW Palatine St, Portland 503-719-4365 sproutandspark.com
Sunstone Montessori School Montessori
At Sunstone Montessori School children cultivate their best selves and develop a life-long love of learning in academically strong, emotionally nurturing, and socially supportive environments.
Ages 16 months - 15 years
$1,510-$2,315/mo
Multiple Locations (Woodstock & Milwaukie) 503-768-3847 sunstonemontessori.org
Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm
Play-based, Waldorf, Outdoor Education
They offer environmental education at their farm property and a rich Waldorf curriculum at their main campus, with robust academics, arts, music, and plenty of movement every day.
Pre-K - 8th Grade, $9,950 - $16,150/yr 460 S Heather St, Cornelius 503-846-0336
swallowtailschool.org
The Children’s Garden Project-Based
TCG uses a balanced approach to help children grow and learn. They follow well-known teaching methods to make sure every child gets the best start.
Ages 6 weeks - 6 years, $14,000-$30,000/yr
2035 NW Front Ave Suite 100, Portland 971-277-5535
thechildrensgarden.com
West Hills Montessori School Montessori
Since 1968, West Hills Montessori School has provided integrative learning experiences that foster empathy, creativity, academic skill-building, and joy in learning. Ages 15 months - 12 years, $1,215$1,985/mo
SW Portland and Lake Oswego 503-246-5495 westhills-montessori.com
Woodhaven School
Play-based, Waldorf
Woodhaven is a nature and play-based Waldorf inspired co-op serving the community for over 30 years. Nestled on a 3-acre fir tree forest property, they play outside everyday regardless of the weather. Ages 0-6, $333.05 - $490.50/mo
8470 SW Oleson Rd, Portland Contact via website woodhavenschool.com
*Montessori and Reggio Emilia educational approach information via Wikipedia
*Please note that Reggio Emilia Approach®️ and Waldorf®️ are registered service marks. While some schools have earned accreditation, others take inspiration from the above approaches. See individual websites for more specific information.
Thrifting is All the Rage!
6 TIPS
TO MAKE IT FUN AND EASY!
by CARMEN RIPLEY-WILSON
Back-to-school shopping is here! With this particular venture of buying a lot of items at once, finding ways to save and be sustainable is key.
One fantastic option is shopping at resale stores, which is an easy “sell” as most kids love to go thrifting! It’s also a wonderful practice to model as part of improving our sustainable footprint and passing this value on to our children.
Portland has many resale shops, including ones that specialize in children’s clothes. These shops hand-select their inventory by considering top-quality items, the season’s needs and customer favorites. You’ll find name brand clothing (and also unique or handmade items) at affordable prices so you can be sure your back-to-school budget goes further. And you can maximize savings even more by going through your kids’ closets with them and reselling their outgrown clothing, shoes, toys and books.
Here are tips for reselling your kids’ outgrown clothing and finding the best pieces at resale stores this month:
Clean out the closet.
As you go through your 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’ll need. Trace each child’s foot on a piece of cardboard for easy shoe checks at the store.
Make a plan.
Check your local children’s resale shops’ websites to find the hours and days they take inventory. This way the store staff can go through your consignment items while you shop.
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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 a new set if your kids have outgrown last year’s rain gear and even a second set if they need one left at school.
Take your time.
Resale shops have a wide variety of items. You may need to spend some time visiting a number of resale shops, having your kids try things on, and pairing outfits to find those resale gems they’ll love.
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 generally receive new inventory daily. Some resale shops even have online stores or use their social media platforms so that’s also a great place to cruise!
Quick tips for consigning and reselling used items:
1. All items must be freshly washed.
2. All items must be free of excessive wear, stains and damage.
3. Most shops take 1 tub or 2 shopping bags at a time.
4. If you have large gear to consign, call first to make sure it’s something the shop can accommodate.
Back to school is one of the busiest times of the year for a children’s resale shop. Shops 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 but you’ll also be supporting a local business, helping other parents, and teaching your kids about sustainable practices that have an impact! It’s easy and really fun!
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.
Raising Brave Kids
Child & Family Therapy
Now Open in NW Portland’s Nob Hill! Specializing in child anxiety, OCD, and phobias, we offer expert in-person therapy, group sessions, and parent support. Our Confident Kids program for K-5th graders develops essential life skills with science-backed tools to thrive. www.raisingbravekids.com
2330 NW Flanders St, Portland clinic@raisingbravekids.com
8 AMAZING AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES!
The 2024-25 school year is fast approaching and we know many families have after school activities on their mind. We’ve rounded up some fantastic options all around the metro area for interests of every type!
Art World School
Their bigger & better new location in the Bethany area, West Union Village, is now enrolling! There is a new After School Program with more schedule options and free pick-up service starting at 12pm, from $30/day, with a first week special. Saturday Camps now offered in addition to M-F camps. Drawing/Painting, Clay, Pottery, Arts & Crafts, Digital Art/ Animation classes offered Mon-Sat and included in the After School Program. Trial Classes offered for new students! artworldschool.com
British Swim School of West Portland Suburbs
Dive into Confidence with British Swim School! Join them for after-school lessons that build a lifetime foundation of water survival skills, swim stroke development, and safety. Boost your confidence and unlock your true potential with their expert instructors. Open 7 days a week across 3 convenient locations in Beaverton and Hillsboro. britishswimschool.com/westportland-suburbs
The Early Music Studio
Embark on a musical adventure with The Early Music Studio in Cedar Mill. Develop a love for and the skills to make music through engaging, age-appropriate activities. Using the Musikgarten curriculum, they playfully guide your child from birth to musical literacy by age 9. They offer after-school programs, Summer/Holiday Camps, family classes and birthday party formats. earlymusicpdx.com
Northwest Children’s Theater
Whether you’re new to theater or you’re ready to enhance your acting, singing, and dancing skills, there’s something for everyone at Northwest Children’s Theater! Weekend classes for ages 4 – 14 are offered at The Judy (NWCT’s home in downtown Portland), NE Portland, and SE Portland. Plus, NWCT partners with schools across the Portland-metro area for afterschool drama clubs! nwcts.org
OMEGA Gymnastics
AT OMEGA, they know learning is a process that needs to be fun, engaging and an inspiring aspect of children’s lives. OMEGA has several programs that keep kids moving including Recreational Gymnastics classes and various Activities (Camps, Birthday Parties, Parent Great Escape Nights). omega-gymnastics.com
One River School of Arts & Design Lake Oswego
Founded in 2012 in Englewood, NJ, “one river” west of New York City, One River School has embarked on a mission to “transform art education”®️ in America. The company has developed a unique method for teaching art and digital design classes to people of all ages. One River’s students have more fun, learn faster and produce more compelling creative outcomes. Their original lesson plans allow them to facilitate an educational experience that is differentiated from anyone else. lakeoswego.oneriverschool.com/classes
Oregon Repertory Singers
Youth Choir
ORS Youth Choir is a caring community committed to music education and performance for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, providing enjoyable, enriching, and musically excellent experiences to singers in the greater Portland and SW Washington area. orsingers.org/youth-choir
Yoga Playgrounds
Yoga Playgrounds brings the calm to kids ages 2 and up in more than 50 Portland area schools with its focused stretching and mindfulness activities. Classes are a wonderful mix of poses and movement, breathing exercises, mindfulness games, character development lessons and creative relaxation. Registration periods starting in fall, winter, spring and summer. If they are not at your child’s school, contact them to start a program there. yogaplaygrounds.com
Getting Ready for Preschool
by HEYZEUS OAK
INSIGHTS FROM PARENTS
Just like a baby’s first step, first word, and first tooth, going to preschool is a highly anticipated milestone! Many parents wonder if their child is ready and how to make the transition smooth. Here are some valuable insights from conversations with parents at Heart in Hand over the past years.
TEACHING PATIENCE AND SHARING
“One thing that really helped me was realizing that my child would soon be part of a group of eight, which is very different from being an only child at home. Skills like waiting for a turn, sharing toys, and sharing the teacher’s attention would be new for my child. To teach patience, I started delaying gratification for my child’s requests. I would say, ‘Yes, I will play that game with you after I finish preparing our meal’.”
GRADUAL SEPARATION
“I noticed my child had never spent time away from me or my spouse. Leaving her with another adult could be traumatic, so I began setting up times during the day when a babysitter would be with her. Once she was comfortable, I arranged playdates with another child
and eventually left her with that child’s parents. Slowly, her confidence grew, and she knew she would be safe with other grownups.”
ESTABLISHING A ROUTINE
“Our schedule was always chaotic, and we did activities on impulse. I thought getting used to the school routine might be awkward, so we started having meals at regular times over the summer, followed by regular bedtimes, etc. This brought a nice rhythm to our lives, and there was still plenty of time for spontaneous fun. We noticed fewer tantrums, which we attributed to our newfound routine.”
ENCOURAGING IMAGINATIVE PLAY
“We know that in Waldorf Education, the child’s imagination is central. My husband
and I realized that our child was playing many media-inspired scenarios, unlike the free outdoor play we remembered from our childhood. We wanted our daughter to engage in more innocent play, so we started spending more time outside, building forts, and away from the TV. By the time school started, she was back to imaginative play and didn’t ask for the TV at all. Now, the TV is in our basement, and the grownups watch it in the evening.”
ENSURING ADEQUATE SLEEP
“When we learned that children aged 3 to 5 need 12 hours of sleep, we realized our little one was sleep-deprived and wondered if his rebellious behavior was due to tiredness. Slowly, we inched his bedtime towards 7 pm, which took all summer. We also invested in blackout
curtains to keep the summer sun out. He no longer seems interested in napping, but we still have an hour of quiet time after lunch for reading or drawing in his room. This balances our active summer schedule.”
POTTY TRAINING
“Potty training was a struggle, and we worried our son might be made fun of at preschool. We were advised to relax and start having a ‘potty try’ before every snack or meal. It became part of his routine. Sometimes he succeeded, and other times he didn’t, but progress was made. It also helped to let him run around naked in the summer. By the time school started, he was almost fully potty trained. After a few weeks of seeing his peers use the bathroom, he followed their example.”
HeyZeus Oak is the owner of Heart in Hand Preschool in NE Portland. With a background in Early Childhood Waldorf education and a deep reverence for nature, he is dedicated to guiding children on journeys of discovery. Learn more at heartinhandpreschool.com
