Educational Therapy Taproot School is emergent curriculum driven, with the backbone of core standards being met in a project based way. I know why! I know how!
We spend much of our time in the world doing, since we are also an experiential based school and because it is through experiences that we truly learn. The main philosophy of Taproot is based on trust in the
kids. Kids know what they need and when we are nurturing, attentive and caring, we can see clearly exactly what they are reaching for and then help them find the tools to make it happen. This
trust also extends to the Taproot community. When we trust in what we already know, what we’ve experienced together so far, and if we trust in each other to be the most positive, most flexible, most supportive community we can be for each other, we will only continue to grow. Focusing on the work we’ve come here to do; we care, learn, dig, dream, gather, explore, invite. We read together, measure each other’s wing span and help each other spell words we are just learning. We argue, push, shove, talk it out, understand. We be still together, be sad together, make meaning together and laugh and laugh. We rethink choices, challenge the kids to change the adults minds, challenge bias, create a culture of empathy, understanding and forgiveness. Our kids are driven to learn, read, write, calculate, experiment, beat drums, run as fast and as far as they can and then come up for air and say; “I found it! I want to know more! Let’s go!” That is exactly the feeling inside this little school of ours. We could not do it any other way. As I’ve said so many times before, “We make the road by walking.” Come take a walk with us. It is a magnificent trip.
10/14/2024
Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day!
Honoring and celebrating Indigenous peoples’ rich histories, cultures, and contributions. Let us recognize their enduring strength and resilience while committing to justice and respect for Indigenous rights.
10/14/2024
Today we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day created to honor Indigenous American peoples and commemorate their various histories and cultures both past and present.
Seattle is a city built on Native land with strong historical and modern ties to the Coast Salish peoples. Coast Salish makes up the indigenous people living in the Pacific Northwest Coast from the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon to the Bute Inlet in British Columbia.
Archaeological evidence indicates that Coast Salish regions have been inhabited since 9000 BC and today there are an estimated 56,000 Coast Salish peoples living in the US and Canada.
07/05/2024
I was honored to be her teacher for six years. It has been my deepest pleasure be able to pass on the torch of social justice to such a wise and generous human!
👏🎓 Congratulations to Hannah Lindell-Smith, a 2024 Summit Atlas Graduate! In its eleventh year, the Stim Bullitt Civic Courage Scholarship honors Stimson Bullitt’s legacy by challenging students to write about courageous Washingtonians who advanced community issues despite great risks.
Our social groups are so warm and friendly. Winter baking is a favorite.
01/03/2024
For the New Year, I opened up a few new slots. This gives me a few afternoon openings. Please reach out if your child or family is in need of educational therapy services. I look forward to meeting you. www.taprootschool.org
Did you know Autistic people are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ individuals?
Hats off to the Loyal Heights Elementary PTA and UW Autism Center for hosting this virtual discussion for families living in this intersectional space - and the allies who want to support them.
The link to register is in the downloadable flier.