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Gan
(Kindergarten) Curriculum
Language Arts
Our goal is for students to love reading, to enjoy the experience
of hearing language, to understand and appreciate the value
of reading and to acquire readiness skills for becoming competent
readers. A thematic approach is used so that reading activities
are integrated into each curricular area, and revolve around
a central topic. Students read books, create their own books,
read poems and other language-based projects centered on a
unit. Sample units include Circus, Famous Artists/Musicians,
All About Me, Birds and many more.
The children are exposed to different authors to help develop
their own literary tastes. Phonemic awareness is approached
through rhythm, rhyme and repetitive texts. An important part
of the whole language approach involves creative writing where
the children see their own ideas beginning to take form in
words and sentences. The reading goals are met through shared
reading experiences to the students, by the students and with
the students, sustained silent reading, whole class reading
activities with peer authored books, reading commercial Big
Books, language experience stories and exposure to multi-sensory
experiences with letters. In kindergarten many projects are
done to enhance small muscle development, which help in writing
skills.
Math
We want to create eager, curious, and confident math students
who are aware that math is an integral part of every day life
experiences. We provide a varied and exciting learning environment
in which children receive a solid understanding of numbers
and their relationships. Students are given opportunities for
exploration and self-expression. They use math manipulatives
to understand concepts and explore abstract math sense. An
important aspect of our program is the development of the language
associated with math in order to explain a solution to an activity
or problem. We integrate math into thematic units using literature,
science, social studies, music and art. For example, a unit
on the family would include counting the number of people in
your family and comparing the members by size or age. We also
integrate math into both our Jewish and General Studies curriculum
wherever possible. For example, we may count the candles for
each day of Chanukah or measure ingredients for baking a holiday
food. Sample math units include: Geometric Shapes, Mathematical
Patterns, Classification, Graphing, Measurement, Time, Money,
Temperature, Estimation, and Mathematical Operations
Science
We strive to develop a sense of curiosity in a hands-on
environment that encourages questions and discovery. We emphasize
an inquiry-based
approach to learning science. We continuously modify, replace
or add individual components to reflect new ideas of best practice
in science education. Sample units may include Five Senses,
Color, Seasons, Shapes/Structures, Trees and Water. Science
activities are frequently used to supplement the social studies
and math curriculum.
Social Studies
Students learn about themselves and their relationships
to others and their community. A multi-disciplinary thematic
approach
is used in our Social Studies curriculum. Units are developed
at an age appropriate level. Sample units may include America,
Australia/France/Japan, Where We Are, All About Me and My Family,
American Holidays, The Orchestra, Impressionist Art, Animal
Life; etc.
Hebrew Language
In Kindergarten our students thrive in a Hebrew-speaking
environment. They are taught almost entirely in Hebrew and
quickly learn
to respond in this language. They begin to acquire a speaking
vocabulary that fosters a love and appreciation for the language.
Students learn Hebrew through stories, songs, recitations,
plays and other experiential activities. The curriculum emphasizes
the acquisition of Jewish concepts and values. This approach
to Hebrew language and literature creates a visual and aural
environment in the classroom that is continued throughout the
grades. Sample units may include: Jewish holidays, seasons,
colors, clothing, weather, family members, and animals.
Jewish
History, Israel, Jewish Life and Observances
Jewish History is integrated throughout the Jewish Studies
and General Studies curriculum. In the Gan religious life revolves
around the rhythm and harmony of the Jewish calendar, such
as Shabbat, holidays, prayers, Israeli holidays and other traditions.
Our students have the opportunity to practice the mitzvot,
which they are taught. Ritual observance is lived each day
through Torah (study), Avodah (prayer and ritual), and G'milut
Hasadim (acts of loving kindness).
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