An effective Kindergarten program provides children an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and to expand their foundation of knowledge through exploration and experimentation. Its emphasis is on inquiry, discovery, problem solving and decision-making. It is structured, yet flexible, and it is based on the characteristics, interests, needs and accomplishments of the children in the class.

Our Kindergarten is a place where children can learn through playing, cooking, observing, listening, acting, and reading or pretend reading and writing. It is a place where children learn that reading provides both enjoyment and information, and they develop the desire to learn to read and to write. Literature, poetry, song, chants, puppetry, storytelling, phonics, phonemic awareness, and alphabetic principle all play a part in planting the seeds of early literacy. Daily work experiences provide for activities which draw from each curriculum area: language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, Judaic Studies, Hebrew Language, physical education art and music. This integrated curriculum focuses on the whole child: his social, emotional, physical and intellectual development.

In Kindergarten, the Judaics program includes Tefilah (prayer), Chagim (holidays), Parsha (Torah portions), Brachot (blessings), and Shabbat. We instill the importance of thanking Hashem every day and a love of the holidays. Children learn laws and customs through a multi-sensory approach using song, art, and projects. Torah stories are enjoyed, and the lessons and values we can learn from them. We introduce the proper Brachot (blessings) for different foods, and demonstrate the various aspects of Shabbat including Kiddush, HaMotzi, and the blessings for the candles.

Students are introduced to the names and sounds of the Hebrew Alphabet. They develop visual and auditory discrimination skills, and letter-sound associations.

A segment of each day’s lesson uses Benzi, the talking turtle puppet to facilitate learning through story books, illustrations, music and games. A fascinating and inviting learning environment is created which engages all the senses, stimulates the child’s imagination and fosters a love of the Hebrew language. It also serves as a window to the land and children of Israel. What is most amazing is that these lessons enable and encourage the children to interact with each other, in Hebrew.

The Lower School Science curriculum exposes students to the wonders and joys of science as it is found all around them. Materials are presented in a “hands-on” interactive format. Students are encouraged to become involved in activities and to ask questions. The scientific process is stressed as a way to solve practical problems, explore observations and curiosities.

Kindergarten students explore insects and bees, classifying, light and shadows, the solar system, life cycles and plants.

The goal of the Computer Technology program in the Lower School is to provide students with skills to design, create, communicate, and solve problems by using computer technology.  Coding skills are used to reinforce concepts in computational thinking, logical reasoning and sequencing skills, as well as language arts, math, and other curricular areas. Utilizing the computer lab and a class set of iPads, students gain confidence using desktop computers and tablets. They use a variety of applications to create a wide array of projects and build skills that enhance and strengthen the General and Judaic Studies curricula. Digital citizenship, including safeguarding privacy, proper care of hardware and software, cyberbullying, safe and effective searching, and respecting intellectual property are introduced in an age-appropriate manner.

Students develop self-confidence and gain an appreciation for the arts through a program that integrates art history and elements of design with practical, age-appropriate art projects exploring a wide range of techniques and materials.

Lively discussions based on artist exemplars and cultural imagery generate momentum and encourage unbridled creativity towards each project. Themes in this program often integrate with curricular topics in both General and Judaic studies. Students will experience the creative process through drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, ceramics and printmaking.

Throughout the Lower School years, students develop core skills in vocal music utilizing the concepts of rhythm, melody, harmony, form, expression, vocabulary and listening skills. By performing, creating and describing music, each student will learn to appreciate Jewish, and American music. Classes meet with a music specialist once per week and also meet weekly for a Kabbalat Shabbat sing-a-long. In addition, contemporary and traditional Jewish songs are taught, along with liturgy, Shabbat songs, and American songs. 

In early grades, students learn a growing repertoire of Jewish music in both Hebrew and English. The students prepare for such specific performance opportunities as the First Grade Siddur Ceremony, the Second Grade Chumash and Third Grade Midot Presentations. Additional highlights include performances by the Fourth Grade Choir, a Lower School Production, Synagogue performances, Grandparent’s Day Presentation and performances for community events.

The physical education program is an integral part of the development of the “total” child. It provides a wholesome experience that develops children physically, socially, mentally, and emotionally. Through participation in physical education, a student can learn confidence, discipline, honesty, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. In the lower grades, the emphasis is placed on an active movement education program that includes activities that emphasize cardiovascular fitness. Ball skills and modified sport skills are gradually integrated into the program to prepare the students for more complex activities to be taught in future years. As skills are taught, the knowledge of proper technique is emphasized, thus stimulating intellectual development as well as physical endurance. A key element of each class is a high level of active participation by each student. Overall, the physical education curriculum works to develop children who are physically active, mentally alert, and socially well-adjusted.