Experiential Learning

In the Lower School, experiential learning includes both service learning and outdoor education. Service learning is integrated into core classroom instruction, specialist classes, “Buddy” groups of mixed ages, and X-Care. Specific projects and activities are determined by the curriculum and by the interests of  students and teachers. Students have cleaned Lake Merritt, collected food for the food bank, sewn baby quilts, and worked to expand recycling and composting on campus. And through our Growing Up G.R.E.E.N. program, every time students plant a seed for the RDS garden, they plant another that, once a seedling, will be donated to community gardens in Oakland.

Each spring, K-5 students participate in Good Cents for Oakland. Students learn about community and historic helpers, discuss/vote on the issue to support, and organize a Penny Round-up. Third- to fifth-grade students on the Student Roundtable coordinate student elections, research the issues, and interview potential non-profit recipients of funds.

Beginning in 4th grade and continuing throughout Middle School, our students embark on Outdoor Education for 3-6 days each year. These trips bring our students into environments they might not otherwise be exposed to, deepen their appreciation for others, and enrich their understanding of the environment and of themselves.

4th grade: Mosaic Outdoor School helps students celebrate diversity, become aware of stereotypes and prejudices, learn to respect themselves and others, and develop skills in communication and nonviolent conflict resolution.

5th grade: The Marin County Outdoor School at Walker Creek Ranch inspires and motivates students to appreciate the natural world. Using principles of thematic instruction, the Outdoor School enhances students’ critical thinking, processing, and socialization skills.