Kindergarten - Gan Yeladim

Michele Pregont, General Studies 
Chana Israel, Judaic Studies

GENERAL STUDIES

The curricular experiences of the kindergarten class are taken from all the various academic areas as well as the creative arts. Multi-sensory experiences are included throughout the content areas.

Language Arts
A whole language approach is used in combination with phonics instruction and based in the Houghton Mifflin reading series. Choral reading, listening and speaking experiences, journal writing, story dictation, group writing experiences, and exposure to all forms of quality children’s literature all build the child’s appreciation of the written word and their ultimate mastery of the skills of reading and writing. As children demonstrate readiness to begin reading independently, they are challenged at their own level.

Mathematics
The kindergarten uses Everyday Math, a program created by the University of Chicago Mathematics Project. This program develops a thorough understanding of the patterns of numbers and provides additional opportunities which incorporate math in the kindergarten day. Concepts are developed through manipulation of materials and daily routines such as calendar and attendance. Recognition of numbers, counting by tens, a basic understanding of place value, and beginning addition and subtraction are all areas that are covered.

Social Studies
The social studies curriculum is taught through integration with a variety of other subjects. Students learn about their role and place in the world through studies of self, family, and most especially, the earth itself. Learning about the world around us is a theme upon which we expand throughout the entire year. Students develop an understanding of their own background so that they can fully participate in the celebration of all national holidays. School-wide celebrations develop a feeling of community with the rest of the school. Field trips and parent visits enhance our learning experience.

Science
Students are invited to engage in many opportunities to observe, examine, and experiment. Activities such as working with magnets, sinking and floating objects, cooking, and woodworking, as well as observing changes in matter, give the young child an opportunity to gather information and sort it in meaningful ways. In the spring, the life cycle of animals becomes a first hand experience as we hatch butterflies from caterpillars and chicks from eggs. Daily care of our environment, as well as experiences with nature, create responsibility and appreciation for the world.

JUDAIC STUDIES

Hebrew Language and Prayer - עברית- תפילה
One of our goals in the kindergarten of Bet Shraga is the introduction of the Hebrew language in as natural and exciting a form as possible. The emphasis at this level is on developing a love of the Hebrew language and sensitizing the child's ear to the sound of Hebrew through the use of oral directions, games, songs, dances, prayers, and blessings. Children begin by hearing the words and phrases frequently repeated until these become familiar. Comprehension follows, and then the children begin to imitate and repeat. Daily t’filot, prayer, is learned and recited by heart with children taking turns as leader. Reading and writing follow in the first grade.
  
Shabbat and Holidays - חגים - שבת
Friday morning marks the beginning of special preparations for Shabbat. During the year, parents are invited as Shabbat guests to share the special Shabbat atmosphere created in the classroom. Havdalah is recited at the beginning of each week. Prior to each holiday, parents receive detailed material including information about the holiday, customs, vocabulary, prayers, blessing, songs and recipes. Holiday preparation in the kindergarten is a multi-sensory experience. Beautiful ritual objects for use during the holidays are fashioned by the children. The kindergarten children join the school community for school-wide holiday celebrations and commemorations.

Torah - תורה
The Biblical narrative, based upon the Torah Alive! program, is presented in a multi-sensory, hands-on fashion through dramatization, role playing, puppetry, art activities, and discussions. When students become the personalities in the lesson, they readily identify and discuss the values taught in the Torah. The lessons from the Torah are reinforced through extensive whole language experiences. Parents are invited to engage in these lessons at home and may use the Torah Alive! Parent Connection.

Israel - ישראל
The State of Israel plays an integral part in our curriculum. Israeli guests frequently visit our class, at which time we exchange songs, games, and information. Celebration of Israel’s Independence Day is the culmination of our study of famous cities, people, and places in Israel. Throughout the year, the children learn folk songs and dances from Israel. Current events affecting the Jewish people are frequently discussed at an age-appropriate level.

Additional Curricular Experiences

Library and Computer
Kindergarten students learn to be comfortable in their library while beginning to learn how to use the library and computer resources. They learn about the rules and procedures, organization of the library, the care of books and computers, and vocabulary to begin learning the parts of a book. Library time is another opportunity for kindergarten children to be exposed to a variety of wonderful books, including folktales, fairy tales, and Judaic stories

In computer class, the kindergarten children learn about the parts of a computer and their use, mouse control and the name and uses of relevant computer keys, computer menus, the tools of drawing programs, printing from the computer, and navigating within selected computer sites.

Physical Education
Bet Shraga is fortunate to have a large, well equipped gymnasium, as well as an extensive outdoor play yard with three playing fields and climbing equipment for the primary aged children. During their twice weekly classes of PE, kindergarten children have opportunities to engage in developmentally appropriate exercises, team sports, gymnastics, and physically challenging games that develop a sense of teamwork.

Art
On a daily basis, the kindergarten teachers provide the children with many opportunities for self-expression through a wide variety of experiences using art and recycled materials.

Music and Dance
The kindergarten music curriculum focuses on singing songs about holidays, Shabbat, and Israel. While learning vocabulary in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish and incorporating creative movement, students learn about the elements of music. Movement and dance experiences are incorporated into the daily curriculum. Children attend bi-weekly Israeli dance instruction, as well as learning dances related to the curriculum to begin building a repertoire.