• Welcome to the Oak Forest Magnet Program 

    Every Child, Every Chance, Everyday

     

    At Oak Forest Elementary, we believe that every child has unique talents and interests. Our K-5 program is designed to ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and build strong foundational skills in a stimulating and supportive environment. Many of our teachers are trained in Project Zero and Project-Based Learning (PBL), ensuring that learning is not only engaging but impactful. Here's how we make learning extraordinary for our young students:

     

    Encouraging Scholarly Behavior

    • Curiosity: We inspire kids to ask questions and explore their interests. In our classrooms, every question is valued, and learning is a thrilling adventure.
    • Self-Motivation: We celebrate each child's achievements and encourage them to take charge of their own learning journey.
    • Perseverance: Our supportive teachers help students tackle challenges with confidence and resilience.
    • E.M.P.O.W.E.R.(Effort, Motivation, Perservance, Ownership, Wisdom, Empathy, Respect): We introduce the basis of academic integrity, teaching students the importance of respecting others' ideas and working honestly

    Develop High-Level Thinking Skills

    • Critical Thinking: We encourage students to make predictions, ask questions, and think deeply about how things work through simple experiments and activities.
    • Creative Thinking: Children explore their imaginations and invent creative solutions to problems, enhancing their ability to think outside the box.
    • Analytical Thinking: Students learn to sort, classify, and compare, building strong analytical skills through engaging hands-on tasks. https://pz.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/Understanding%20map%20circle%202022.pdf

    Interdisciplinary Studies 

    • Integrated Learning: Combines subjects in thematic units. For example, a unit on "Space" might integrate science (planets), math (measuring distances), language arts (writing a story about space), and art (creating space-themed artwork).
    • Project- Based Learning: involves collaborative projects where students work together on activities that incorporate multiple disciplines, like building a model of a community and discussing its social and environmental aspects. https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl

    Exploring Depth and Complexity

    • Depth: Students dive deep into exciting topics with hands-on activities and engaging projects, making learning both fun and meaningful.
    • Complexity: We simplify complex ideas into age-appropriate lessons, helping children understand and connect different concepts through interactive experiences.

    Advanced Level Products

    • Creative Projects: Students produce work that reflects their understanding, such as illustrated books, PBL projects, or multimedia presentations. These projects are designed to showcase their learning in creative ways.
    • Classroom Exhibitions: Regular opportunities for students to present their work to peers, parents, and teachers, encouraging them to take pride in their accomplishments and communicate their ideas effectively.

    IIM Investigate Method of Research

    • Identify: Students choose topics they're curious about and pose questions they want to answer.
    • Investigate: They gather information through books, activites, and online resources, with guidance from our teachers.
    • Make Connections: Students share their discoveries through creative presentations, connecting new knowledge with what they've already learned

    Join Us at Oak Forest Elementary, where we make learning an exciting and enriching experience for every child. Discover how our program helps young learners grow into confident, creative thinkers ready for future success!

     

    Vanguard Coordinator 

    Carrie Botello

    cbotel1@houstonisd.org

    713-613-2536