About
Giving Tree Preschool offers early childhood education inspired by the Constructivist approach in Portland's Boise-Elliott neighborhood for children ages 2-6.
Our Philosophy
"The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn." -Maria Montessori
"Play is the work of childhood." -Jean Piaget
Our goal is to guide each child in all areas of their personal development by creating a welcoming and supportive environment that is rich with opportunities for exploration. We believe in connecting our greater community to what we do in the classroom. Additionally we strive to have a strong school-home connection. This consistency provides balance in the child's development as a whole. Areas related to physical, mental, emotional and social development are all given equal attention when preparing a curriculum to fit the needs of each child. Our primary focus is respect and care. Focusing on respect towards oneself, their peers, classroom materials and the natural world, children build the foundation for joyful learning at will. We believe that an environment in which a child will be respected, nurtured and recognized as an individual encourages opportunities for self discovery and independence.
Curriculum
Giving Tree Preschool's curriculum is based on elements of Emergent Curriculum, and the Montessori philosophy through the lens of Constructivism. We strive to integrate these philosophies by taking elements from each. Each individual child has the opportunity to move through the specially designed learning centers with materials of their own interest level and ability. The curriculum focuses on learning basic concepts and skills through hands on experiences and activities. Some materials are designed to develop fine and gross motor skills while others facilitate both creative and critical thinking.
The aim of our school, is to foster competent, responsible, adaptive people who are lifelong learners and problem solvers. Learning occurs in an inquiring, cooperative, nurturing atmosphere. Children increase their own knowledge through self initiated experiences, as well as through conversations with teachers and peers. Learning takes place through the senses. Children learn by manipulating materials and interacting with others. These meaningful experiences are precursors to the abstract understanding of ideas. The individual is considered as a whole. The physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, spiritual and cognitive needs and interests are inseparable and equally important. We encourage children to explore:
Respecting and caring attitudes towards oneself and others.
Age-appropriate social, language, and literacy skills.
Fostering a positive sense of identity and emotional well-being.
Thinking, reasoning, questioning and experimentation.
Exposure to the arts and creative expression.
About Us
Laura Jaffe, Co-Director (She/her/hers)
Teacher Laura has been in early childhood education for twelve years, working in Montessori, Play Based, Emergent Curriculum, and Reggio Emilia classrooms, first in the San Francisco Bay Area and more recently in Portland. She graduated from the Academy of Art University with a Bachelor's degree in Multimedia and went on to study Early Childhood Education at Merritt College in Oakland, CA. She brings her excitement for anti-bias teaching to her work at Giving Tree. She is enjoying her 8th year of teaching at Giving Tree.
Gaea Campe, Co-Director (She/her/hers)
Teacher Gaea has thirteen years of experience as an early childhood educator working in Montessori, Reggio Emilia and RIE classrooms. She graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Humanities and brings her love of literature and the natural world to her teaching. She is enjoying her 8th year of teaching at Giving Tree.
Julia Martinez, Teacher (They/Them/He)
Teacher Julia has ten years of experience working with children's education in local community art centers and Portland Public Schools that reinforce emergent curriculum, Reggio Emilia, and anti-bias philosophies. They graduated from Western Oregon University with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts and share their passion for encouraging youth to express their individuality through creativity. Julia is in their second year of teaching at Giving Tree Preschool.
Annika Brown, Teacher (She/Her)
Annika recently moved to Portland from Idaho and is loving it so far! She is in her first year teaching at Giving Tree Preschool. Her last two years were spent working at a Montessori school in Nampa, ID as a music and art teacher in addition to her assistant teacher role. Annika attended an art school from grades 1st through 12th and have a passion for all-things creative!
*All teachers at Giving Tree are enrolled in PSU's Oregon Registry program, a statewide training and certification step program with focus on ten core knowledge categories of Early Childhood Education.
Our Daily Rhythm
Our daily rhythm varies by the day as we incorporate the weekly topics we learn about, the interests of the children and the weather. One morning may involve a discovery circle with a snake skin brought in from a child's home, or a play written and performed by the children before lunch. Each day is unique and we allow a natural flow to take place between our meal times and outdoor activities. Neighborhood walks are enjoyed on pleasant days and throughout the changing seasons to allow the outdoors to be our second classroom.
8:00-8:55 Early drop off option
8:55-9:00 Arrival and greeting
9:00-11:30 Individual work time (snack as well as Art Room projects are also available choices)
11:35-11:50 Morning circle, social emotional conversation, story time and/or topical learning
11:50-12:15 Lunch time
12:20-2:30 Outdoor play
1:00 Pick up for children scheduled for mornings only and arrival for children scheduled for afternoon session.
1:00 Nap time for children who sleep
2:30-3:00 Quiet rest and book time for non-nappers
2:50-3:00 Afternoon circle
3:00-3:20 Afternoon snack
3:20-4:00 Individual and group free play time
4:00-4:55 Outdoor play
4:55 Yard Clean up
5:00 Children are picked up
