Key Areas of Focus

We have designed our program around these core areas of early development:

1. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development

We prioritize the social and emotional well-being of each child, helping them to build positive relationships, understand their feelings, and develop empathy. In a nurturing, inclusive environment, children at The Gan learn the importance of kindness, self-confidence, and respect for others—skills they’ll carry throughout life

2. Physical Development

Our curriculum includes daily activities that support both fine and gross motor skills. Through play, art, outdoor exploration, and movement, we help children grow strong and coordinated, learning to care for their bodies, practice independence, and appreciate the joy of being active.

3. Communication and Language

Language development is at the heart of early learning. We immerse children in a rich language environment, offering activities that stimulate both listening and speaking skills. Inspired by the Reggio approach, we encourage children to express themselves through storytelling, role play, and discussion, which builds confidence and a love for language.

4. Literacy and Numeracy

Our active play learning centers provide early literacy and numeracy activities that are engaging, hands-on, and self-directed. Children interact with letters, numbers, and shapes in a fun and playful way, laying a strong foundation for reading, writing, and mathematical thinking as they grow.

5. Understanding the World

We encourage children to explore the world around them, fostering curiosity about nature, people, and communities. Through storytelling, role-playing, and interactive projects, children learn about Jewish traditions, celebrations, and their connection to Israel in a way that resonates personally and culturally.

6. Expressive Arts and Design

Creativity is a core part of our program, drawing from Reggio principles that encourage self-expression through art, music, and movement. Whether they are painting, building, or dancing, children are free to explore their imagination, which is key to developing both creativity and critical thinking.

 

The following activities will be included in your child’s school’s experience:

  • Activities for fine and gross motor development such as pre-writing skills, practical life Montessori activities, bikes, sports, creative movements, yoga. 

  • Outdoor play

  • Music

  • Language experiences

  • Creative art

  • Dramatic play

  • Playing with friends and learn social skills needed to make friends

  • Fingerplay

  • Puppets

  • Water and sand play

  • Self-selected activities

  • Block play

  • Cooking experiences

  • Scientific experiments 

  • While participating in these activities, your child will learn to:

  • Play alone and with others

  • Share and take turns

  • Explore and expand interest and abilities

  • Listen to others

 

Goals 

Integrated Environment-Judaic and General Studies

  • Exposure to Hebrew and English letters

  • Recognition of English and Hebrew names 

Judaic Studies

  • Hebrew conversation.

  • Directions

  • Colors

  • Body parts

  • Days of the week

  • Numbers 1 through 10

  • Weather

Shabbat Party and focusing on Israel – our land, our people, us.

Shabbat     

  • Teaching children to understand that Shabbat is a special day is an integral part our preschool curriculum. Children enjoy having a Shabbat party every Friday.


 

Brachot (Blessings)

  • Netilat Yadayim-washing hands

  • Hamotzei- blessing on bread

  • Brachot before eating foods

  • Davening-daily prayers

Mitzvot

  • Tzedakah

  • Mitzvah notes

Torah Portion of the Week (Parshat Hashavuah) and Jewish Holiday (Chagim)

  • Stories about Jewish Holidays and the Parsha are dramatized by Morah and Yeladim.

  • We do many craft projects in our classroom. The work the children do is their own and they are very proud of all their efforts.

General Studies

Math

  • Learning from concrete and abstract – sorting, patterning, graphing, shapes

  • Ordinal counting/Cardinal counting- from the context of calendar, stories, activities

  • Calendar

  • Number recognition

  • Math and other manipulatives- counting rods, counting pegs, sorting, scales, flat marbles and so on.

 Reading

  • Letter recognition

  • Letter Puppets

  • Sound/symbol association 

  • Rhyming words

  • Whole language-visual language clues throughout the room and topic of interest

Literacy

  • ABC

  • Mystery reader

  • Library – picture reading

  • Show and tell