Curriculum

TE-ECEC believes that experiential, hands-on studies provide the richest opportunities for the development of students’ skills, self-confidence, sense of responsibility, and enthusiasm for learning while supporting various learning styles. For this reason, whenever appropriate, the TE-ECEC offers a project-based curriculum. All students participate in a variety of projects over the course of a few weeks or months. Math, science, language arts, social studies, and the arts are integrated into interesting, challenging, learner driven transdisciplinary projects.

The Atelier is a workshop or an environment promoting knowledge and creativity, suggesting questions, and generating evocations. It’s an inspiring place offering a wide variety of natural materials, loose parts, technology, sensory, art and man-made materials where “the hundred languages” are enacted.

Our Judaic specialist introduces Jewish traditions and culture through hands-on experiences and storytelling. We explore Jewish holidays and values through hand-on experiences as well as traditional activities.

Farm to Table inspires children to have a love and appreciation for the natural world around them. 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. 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. Children learn how food is grown from planting seeds in our gardens, to harvesting, then cooking and enjoying the fruits of their labor.

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

Children engage mind, heart and body through a combination of children’s literature and stretching.

This program is designed to increase gross motor coordination, teach cooperative team skills, promote positive self-esteem and introduce children to a variety of skills and sports.

Our Threes, Pre-K and Kindergarten children work in small groups with an Occupational Therapist who focuses on fine motor strength and coordination, and handwriting.

Our Art Specialist brings engaging and Reggio art experiences to the Mini-Tots, Toddlers and Twos age cluster through exposure to a variety of art mediums and techniques.

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Special is provided to children in the Three’s, Pre-K, and Kindergarten clusters. Children will engage in lessons that support problem-solving, inquiry, and critical thinking skills. Children will work on aspects of the scientific method including; forming hypotheses, researching and gathering data.

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 as well as imaginative role play.

Math:
Our Kindergarten program utilizes the comprehensive mathematics program, Math in Focus.

Reading:
We use the Saxon Phonics program for reading curriculum. Small group reading instruction occurs daily with leveled readers and sight words being sent home daily. A reading specialist works with children 3 days a week for those in need of additional support.

Piano:
Children learn how to follow directions, scan written materials, think critically, create solutions, and translate writing into action with our piano teacher.

Chess:
Coaches from The Knight School introduce our Kindergarteners to chess using their developmentally-targeted, infectiously-fun method.

As a school we value and encourage students to think about and do for others. Through school and community service, all Temple Emanu-El Early Childhood Education Center students learn to contribute to a community and experience a sense of commitment, responsibility, and pride. Service responsibilities are designed to provide age appropriate, curriculum-rich experiences.