Classrooms and Programs

Classrooms and Programs

Classrooms

Sojourner students are divided into three cohorts: Primary (kindergarten and first grade), Transitional (second and third grades) and Intermediate (fourth and fifth grades). Each cohort is co-taught by two teachers. 

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Primary

Transitional

Intermediate

Programs

Flow

Based on the work of psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, Flow is the mental state in which a person is fully immersed and engaged in a selected activity. Work in the Flow room allows Sojourner students to participate in student-centered, inquiry-based activities of their own selection in an area that may be a strength or a need according to their intelligence profile.

Our Flow Room regularly needs donations, many of which are common household items. Contact our Flow Teacher, Mindy Hillard, to learn more. You can also check out Flow’s Amazon Wish List.

Violin

Based on the philosophy and teaching methodology of the Suzuki method, Sojourner students begin their music instruction in kindergarten and continue through fifth grade. Violin instruction is a regular feature of the model as a way to access and develop each child’s musical intelligence and to build and develop the character of every child to see and create beauty in the world around them.

Parent volunteers may be needed in the Violin room (no experience needed)! Please contact Sojourner’s Violin Teacher.

Violin Loan Program: Students in grades first through fifth are also able to “check out” a violin to practice at home. To participate in the Violin Loan Program, please return a signed Instrument Loan Agreement to the school.

Orff

Orff Schulwerk, or simply the Orff approach, was conceived by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman as a developmental approach to providing music education to students. While violin instruction provides a focused vehicle for music development, Orff combines music, movement, drama, and speech into lessons that are similar to a child‘s world of play.

Learn more about Orff through the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, or you can contact our Artist-in-Residence, Shera Sinell.

Marimba

Intermediate students (fourth and fifth grades) are also invited to participate in Manhanga, the Sojourner Marimba Program. Managed by the Sojourner Education Foundation, this after-school program is a 25-year tradition at Sojourner Elementary School. They play high-energy music on African-style marimbas. The songs are built on interlocking rhythmic patterns with melodies originating from Zimbabwe and other African countries. 

In the past, we have performed for school events and community events such as farmers markets and Milwaukie First Friday. For more information, read the Marimba policies.

This is a voluntary after-school and recess activity. Students enroll in October and play through June. Students participate by attend one designated after-school practice and one recess practice a week. The after-school sessions take place from 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Orff classroom. Parents are responsible for picking up their student(s) from after-school practice. There is an annual fee associated, which covers staffing, instruction, facility fees, insurance and a marimba T-shirt (scholarships are available). Find more information on how to join, expectations, cost and permission forms here.

Pods

Pods are mixed-age groups that encourage students to explore a common interest in great depth. They are similar to elective classes for students, a feature more common at the secondary level. They are a true highlight for Sojourner students, as they are allowed to select the topic they would like to explore! Subject examples include: guitar, gardening, soccer, jewelry making, origami, chess, sewing and more. Pods are taught by community volunteers and staff to allow mixed-age groups to explore their multiple intelligences.

Schedules and training sessions are announced annually. For the 2025-26 school year, the sessions will be:

  • November 6 – December 19 (11 sessions)
  • January 15 – March 20 (19 sessions)
  • April 9 – May 29 (14 sessions)

Learn more about Pods

Many of us find ourselves in accidental teaching positions more often than we realize — at work, at home or within the community. But when it comes to the idea of teaching a Pod and leading a group of students, we aren’t sure it’s something we’ll be good at. The good news is, it’s easier than you think! And we have some information that will help:

  • Read All About Pods for tips on teaching a pod, specifics on how to describe your pod and step-by-step details on how to get started teaching a pod.
  • Curious about what a pod teaching plan entails? Check out Three Weeks of Pods to review a timeline of what four different pods might accomplish in their first three weeks.
  • Looking for ideas on Pod topics? Ready to share your talents with the incredible students at Sojourner? Please contact Transitional Teacher Mo Wear for more information.