This is Camas Ridge’s 14th year of existence. One of the foundational pieces of our school is a belief in the academic and social value of multi-aged learning. One way we manifest this belief is through Community Time (CT), a K- 5 class centered on social/emotional education.
Students stay with the same CT for their whole time at Camas. It becomes akin to family, where we grow together- be it in age, traditions or experiences. For our youngest scholars, this journey will span half a decade or more. Many will travel to a new classroom, with a new teacher and a new set of classmates from various grade levels.
CT Q & A Session with Camas Teachers.
What Happens During CT?
While each class has its own identity, the content is universal: we teach Camas’ triangle of values. Depending on the classroom, the learning may look different, but the end result is unified in purpose. The work we do is focused on social/emotional learning, but is accomplished in myriad forms and through various academic disciplines. From group projects, to art, to writing, to games, to reading, to read alouds, to experiments, to public service projects, every child reinforces and (perhaps) expands upon their knowledge of a given subject. They do this through the lens of achieving an understanding of community at Camas Ridge and its manifestation in the “real” world.
How Often is CT?
For now, we will meet every Wedensday for 30 minutes. Throughout Camas’ history, CT was a 30-minute class occurring 3-4 days a week. However, after the effects Covid had on institutional knowledge, we are going to rebuild it slowly, allowing new participants to get their feet wet before we build more.
How will Students Transition?
Our plan is to have a “delivery train” for our youngest students. Primary teachers will bring their kiddos to their respected CT class. A 4th or 5th grade student gets assigned to each primary student during our first class. They are tasked with escorting their “buddy” safely back to their class. From then on, the older “buddy” will pick up and drop off the younger “buddy.” Staff will be in hallways, positioned between buildings and in the cafeteria to help anyone in need.