Pear Tree Summer Camp

“Mirrors, Magic, and Monsters -Sense of Self Matters: A Seeds to Roots Oakland Framework of Learning at Pear Tree Community School”

At Pear Tree Community School, we emphasize the critical impact of brain science, societal elements, and epigenetics on student development. Our framework nurtures cognitive, emotional, and social growth, priming students for future success.

The Framework: Brain Science and Development
We nurture the natural genius in children by fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. During early childhood, synaptic pruning is crucial for cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Societal stressors like erasure, silencing, stereotypical images, and microaggressions can harm brain development and self-confidence, creating a distorted view of self. All children need a mirror thst afffirms their sense of self and that is rooted in their cultural identities. Understanding the epigenetics of historical trauma and the ways stress impacts brain development can help us think intentionally about creating environments that promote a positive sense of self.

Modern Stressors
Confronting distorted or stereotypical images negatively impacts a child's sense of self and brain function. Biases from adults and peers can undermine confidence and cognitive growth. Stress affects brain areas responsible for learning and memory, while a strong sense of self enhances resilience and cognitive abilities. Accurate and positive mirroring of students' identities supports healthy brain development.

The Role of Dopamine
Dopamine, linked to the brain's reward system, plays a crucial role in brain development and learning. Positive self-perception enhances dopamine production, supporting synaptic connections and facilitating learning.

At Pear Tree, our practices support brain healing and development at key stages, ensuring every child is seen, valued, and prepared for success.

Read Full Article Here:
https://medium.com//mirrors-monsters-and-magic-4ed3e5993ab5

Reflecting on the findings from Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, I can personally attest to the profound impact of the hidden “mental tax” faced by “diverse” leaders. As a BIPOC woman leading Pear Tree Community School and the training arm, Seeds to Roots Oakland, the challenges highlighted in this study resonate deeply with my experiences. Our work is pioneering liberatory educational practices, which challenge and move beyond traditional models that have consistently failed BIPOC children.

This groundbreaking approach, while often misunderstood and questioned, is critical for achieving transformative change in education. The dual burden of proving our professional worth while simultaneously dismantling entrenched racial and gender biases cannot be overstated. This is exacerbated as we also strive to overhaul outdated and entrenched models that are harming our children. Our commitment at Pear Tree Community School is to foster environments where transformative perspectives are not merely included but lifted and utilized to create a path forward. This commitment drives us to champion counter-narratives, and imagine new ways of being that center BIPOC youth - in spite of the consistent “tax” our leaders, and teacher- leaders face in moving the work forward!

Neuroscience explains how diverse leaders pay an invisible 'mental tax' Diverse leaders are navigating not only the demands of their work and leadership but also feel pressure to mitigate the stereotypes.

Pear Tree Community School Open House SATURDAY!!

This will be an incredibly fun day where families can meet other parents, engage with Pear Tree teachers, and children can explore learning "Pear Tree Style" with hands-on engaging activities!

🌟 Dates: June 29, 2024 or July 13, 2024 (Please pick a date when you RSVP)

🌟 Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm

🌟 Location: Pear Tree Community School. 6925 Chabot Rd, Oakland 94618

RSVP Today and Embark on a Journey of Discovery and Growth!
RSVP: https://forms.gle/Ya389BaN8w97hpmZ7

A Unique Educational Experience for PreK - Grade 5 Students

🍐 Interactive Activities: Dive into the world of hands-on learning! Our open house features exciting activities in science, math, and the arts, specially designed for children from PreK/TK to Grade 5. It's a perfect chance for your little ones to experience the joy of learning by doing.

Meet Our Teachers: Get to know the passionate educators who are the heart of Pear Tree Community School. Our teachers are eager to share their approaches to integrating social justice principles with the Montessori method, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for every child.

Meet Our Parents: Hear from our amazing parent community and from alumni parents, and ask questions at our Parent Panel.

Pear Tree Open House Join us for our child friendly open house, with hands on activities! Meet our teachers and administrators! Learn about our AMAZING Social Justice, Montessori Model.

Pear Tree Summer Camp for Kids | ActivityHero Pear Tree is a social justice school and camp located in the Oakland hills. Each week we offer a unique theme explored through arts and crafts, cooking, spor...

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Buy tickets here! https://offer.fevo.com/2023-home-game-3-3pwtyr1-fcf7dcb?fevoUri=2023-home-game-3-3pwtyr1-fcf7dcb%2F

ROCKRIDGE Summer Camp!!

Pear Tree Summer Camp is the best of all worlds! Each week is a different theme explored through arts and crafts, culinary, science projects, water play, and structured games! Have your child meet new friends and have a summer to remember! We provide cohorts for ages 4-6, 7-10, and we have a CIT program for ages 11-14.
www.peartreecs.com/summer-camp

BEAUTIFUL NEW LOCATION 6925 Chabot Road in the Rockridge area of Oakland!

Enrolling Now!
[email protected]

ROCKRIDGE Summer Camp!!

Pear Tree Summer Camp is the best of all worlds! Each week is a different theme explored through arts and crafts, culinary, science projects, water play, and structured games! Have your child meet new friends and have a summer to remember! We provide cohorts for ages 4-6, 7-10, and we have a CIT program for ages 11-14.
www.peartreecs.com/summer-camp

BEAUTIFUL NEW LOCATION 6925 Chabot Road in the Rockridge area of Oakland!

Enrolling Now!
[email protected]

Pear Tree Summer Camp for Kids | ActivityHero