Throughout the year we are guided by the principle that children learn best by being actively involved in their environment. We provide many opportunities for the children to interact hands-on with materials, so that they can explore, experiment and discover toward becoming independent and inquisitive learners. The activities we plan, the way we organize the environment, select toys and materials, and talk to children are all designed to accomplish the goals of our curriculum and give your child a successful start in school.
We also ensure that enough time is devoted to social activity and play. Children need experience interacting with other people in order to grow into well-adjusted, responsible adults. Playing is an essential medium through which children explore the world and learn about themselves and others.
Our curriculum is built on an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Subjects such as language arts, fine arts, math, science, social studies and Judaic studies are integrated and emanate from a central concept or theme. We develop our most powerful themes from the Jewish and American holidays, family, community and nature. During the year, additional themes emerge which reflect the interests of the class. We aim to foster growth in the following key areas.
- Eats independently
- Can attend to a short story
- Sings songs (English and Hebrew)
- Speaks clearly enough to be understood 60% of time
- Rote counts (1-5)
- Grasps one-to-one correspondence (1-5)
- Demonstrates empathy for others
- Stands in a line
- Sits at a table
- Washes hands
- Cleans up
- Communicates needs and feelings effectively (verbally or non-verbally)
- Follows simple one-step directions
- Engages in pretend play
- Can take turns
- Can share
- Accepts limits
- Learning to separate without anxiety
- Grasps a writing device (crayon, paintbrush)
- Can use a spoon or a fork
- 60% intelligible
- Names common objects
- Speaks in short telegraphic sentences
- Knows name and age
- Asks for help
- Drinks from a cup
- Transitions with little difficulty from one activity to the next
- Recognizes and names 4-6 colors