PRE-SCHOOL | CURRICULUM

Curriculum

Judaic Orientation
The Judaic component of our school is all-encompassing. The school has a value system built upon the tenets of Judaism as practiced at Temple Emanu-El, a Reform Jewish institution. Shabbat religious holidays, concepts of God, Torah, nature, love and concern for each other are all observed. Our general theme is "To See the World through Jewish Eyes." We welcome the community, as well as our Temple membership to share in our school. Rabbi David Stern, Rabbi Debra Robbins, Rabbi Oren Hayon, Rabbi Asher Knight, Rabbi Adam Allenberg, and Cantor Richard Cohn, participate in the Pre-School and we are grateful for their continuing interest in our children.

Gan Shalom – Garden of Peace.
Gardening provides a tremendous opportunity for children to understand and explore the natural world, as well as learn first-hand the benefits of growing, harvesting, and eating healthy foods. It's called the ‘people-plant connection’, and every child deserves an opportunity to have access to this relationship. No activity better links young people to food and nature than gardening. The garden experience bonds children to the cycles of life and teaches them to understand where their food comes from. Is there any greater satisfaction – or “greener” activity – a child can experience than smelling a flower from his or her own garden, plucking a carrot from the ground, or digging new potatoes from warm soil? What can make parents happier than hearing their child tell them they want bell peppers for dinner?

Life Science
Exploration, questioning and discovering are very much part of a child’s life. In a Life Science Program, children explore the fascinating habitats of a variety of living creatures and plants. Children investigate how to recycle organic waste and cultivate soil by composting worms. They also study the life cycles of a variety of insects and mammals.

Drama
Children ages 3 and 4 participate in a creative dramatics program. Drama encourages self-concept enhancement through imaginative role play in children and is lots of fun!

Art
Children experience the process of creating art using a variety of materials. Children are provided with opportunities to mould(mold?) and build with clay, create 3-D sculptures, and study an array of artists. This is an enriching and rewarding special class that boosts self-confidence and enhances the child's creative skills.

Music
Our music program introduces children to rhythm, movement, various musical instruments, and song. Each week children learn Pre-School songs as well as songs for Shabbat and Jewish holidays.

Library
Library time for our children begins to build a foundation for a love of literature! Each week children will check out a book of their choice. Stories are brought to life with the use of puppets and children also learn to create their own stories.

Physical Education/Gross Motor Skills
This program is designed to increase gross motor coordination, teach cooperative team skills and promote positive self-esteem, and introduce children to a variety ofd sports.

Second Step
Children learn vital social skills such as empathy, emotion management, problem solving, and cooperation taught by our school counselor.