Laurel Tree Learning Center's Primary Class
Our primary class consists of 35 students in Kindergarten - fourth grade, taught by Josh, Maren, Amber, and Alyse.
During the primary years, our goal is to provide students with a strong academic and social foundation. We believe in meeting children where they are and providing a challenging, engaging curriculum.
Academics
We meet students where they are academically, yet have high expectations for each individual. All students participate in English, science, social studies, math, and physical education. We expect students to try their best every day.
Homework
The primary team believes that it is important for families to spend time together in the evenings. We also believe that homework is instrumental in instilling a sense of responsibility and organization in young students, and it gives families a chance to see what their children have been learning in school. To this end, we have decided to assign a small amount of weekly homework. This includes the reading log and one or two pages of math work. Homework is always due on Mondays.
Classroom Climate
Each year, the entire primary class works together to create and ratify a classroom constitution. Students and teachers decide what makes a positive learning environment, and what each person's responsibilities are in creating this. The constitution hangs in the classroom all year, and students refer to it during our daily Community Meetings.
Community Meetings provide a chance for the primary students to practice their peer mediation skills, discuss any issues that may have arisen during the day, and work to problem solve these issues.
Field Trips
Field trips are an amazing way for our students to see the community. We learn about habitat restoration at the Manila Dunes, salmon ecology at the Mad River, history at Fort Humboldt and the Sumeg Village, and community services at local businesses. Most of our field trips are free, but we rely on parent drivers to get us there!
We take the city bus to HealthSport every week. Students have the opportunity to take swim lessons, break dance, samba, practice yoga, and play basketball with HealthSport instructors.
Volunteering at Laurel Tree
We are always excited when parents want to help. You can set up regular volunteer times, take materials home to prepare, help with office duties, work around the school.... We have a job for anyone who wishes to help, no matter what your talent is.
Laurel Tree has several fundraisers throughout the year. When parents help with these, they are always very successful.
Our primary class consists of 35 students in Kindergarten - fourth grade, taught by Josh, Maren, Amber, and Alyse.
During the primary years, our goal is to provide students with a strong academic and social foundation. We believe in meeting children where they are and providing a challenging, engaging curriculum.
Academics
We meet students where they are academically, yet have high expectations for each individual. All students participate in English, science, social studies, math, and physical education. We expect students to try their best every day.
Homework
The primary team believes that it is important for families to spend time together in the evenings. We also believe that homework is instrumental in instilling a sense of responsibility and organization in young students, and it gives families a chance to see what their children have been learning in school. To this end, we have decided to assign a small amount of weekly homework. This includes the reading log and one or two pages of math work. Homework is always due on Mondays.
Classroom Climate
Each year, the entire primary class works together to create and ratify a classroom constitution. Students and teachers decide what makes a positive learning environment, and what each person's responsibilities are in creating this. The constitution hangs in the classroom all year, and students refer to it during our daily Community Meetings.
Community Meetings provide a chance for the primary students to practice their peer mediation skills, discuss any issues that may have arisen during the day, and work to problem solve these issues.
Field Trips
Field trips are an amazing way for our students to see the community. We learn about habitat restoration at the Manila Dunes, salmon ecology at the Mad River, history at Fort Humboldt and the Sumeg Village, and community services at local businesses. Most of our field trips are free, but we rely on parent drivers to get us there!
We take the city bus to HealthSport every week. Students have the opportunity to take swim lessons, break dance, samba, practice yoga, and play basketball with HealthSport instructors.
Volunteering at Laurel Tree
We are always excited when parents want to help. You can set up regular volunteer times, take materials home to prepare, help with office duties, work around the school.... We have a job for anyone who wishes to help, no matter what your talent is.
Laurel Tree has several fundraisers throughout the year. When parents help with these, they are always very successful.
