Temple Israel

Our classes include:
   Noah's Ark (9 months-36 months)
   Starboard (Age 3 by Feb. 28)
   Pre-K (Age 3 by Sept. 30)
   Jr-K (Age 4 by Sept. 30)
   Kindergarten (Age 5 by Sept. 30)

 

Noah’s ArkThe research-based High/Scope Infant-Toddler Curriculum provides a developmentally appropriate, reliable, and valid process for educating our youngest children.  It is based on anecdotal documentation and assessment which drives instruction.

Areas of development at this level are related and influenced by each other and include:
• sense of self	• social relations	• creative representation	• movement
• communication	• language	• exploration	• early logic

Interactions with adults play an important role in supporting infants’ growing ability to communicate.  Staff members engage in one-on-one conversations with children and are especially attentive to them during everyday routines, explaining what is happening and what will happen next.  By consistently responding to each child’s needs throughout the day, caregivers develop a relationship of trust and security.

Children in Noah’s Ark enjoy playing inside and out, moving and dancing to music, exploring objects and toys, and listening to story books.

Starboard
Starboard is a transitional class for children who turn three years old during October through February.

Starboard classes use the research-based High/Scope Infant-Toddler Curriculum.  This provides a developmentally appropriate, reliable, and valid process for educating our youngest children.

Starboard class children are encouraged to use receptive/expressive language, speak in complex sentences, and engage in classroom conversations.

 

They also have regular opportunities to explore and use art materials, participate in physical education, engage in reciprocal play with other children and adults, listen to stories and music, and join in Shabbat rituals.

Other learning and development areas in Starboard include:
• problem solving skills	• fostering independence	• developing social situations
• responding to directions	• sharing and taking turns

Pre-KPre-K harnesses the enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement these children have into discovery of the world around them.  Using Early Childhood Curriculum and with the Handwriting Without Tears® series, curriculum goals emphasize literacy skills, but also target developmental areas such as, physical movement, social and emotional well-being, language building blocks, cognitive processing, and problem solving.  Expressive language development is essential at this age, and children learn to verbally communicate their needs and feelings.

Activities and experiences in Pre-K include:

      • hands-on art experiences
      • music appreciation
      • clergy-led Shabbat programs
      • health & fitness activities
      • visits to Temple's library
      • Gigglebytes computer lessons

For children at this age, socialization is an important area of development as they learn to interact appropriately with other people.

These Pre-K experiences help them build relationships with their peers and with adults and form genuine friendships.

 

Jr-KChildren in Jr-K are capable of increasing levels of independence and responsibility.  Formal reading and writing instruction begins with Land of the Letter People®.  Using poems, rhymes, literature, songs, math, social studies and science, Letter People lessons teach the alphabet with a cross-curricular approach.

Daily lessons help Jr-K children learn to:
• make appropriate choices	• sustain play with peers	• express feelings
• work on complex projects	• interact with classmates

Jr-K activities include instruction in Clergy-led Shabbat programs, "Torah Alive!" lessons, music, health and fitness activities, hands-on art experiences, visits to the Temple Israel library, and computer lessons with Gigglebytes.

KindergartenThis program is carefully monitored and designed to reflect instruction that will prepare children to integrate into any first grade class in the Memphis and Shelby County area. 

Math concepts are taught through the use of the Everyday Math® curriculum and include concrete manipulatives, abstract thought processing, and critical thinking skills.  The reading series Land of the Letter People® provides a variety of activities specifically designed to engage and develop children’s expressive and receptive language skills. Letter People lessons teach the alphabet with a cross-curricular approach, using poems, rhymes, literature, songs, math, social studies and science.

Kindergartners also study and learn the Hebrew alphabet.  Other regularly-scheduled opportunities include, Clergy-led Shabbat programs, "Torah Alive!" lessons, music appreciation, health and fitness activities, hands-on art experiences, visits to Temple’s library, and computer lessons with Gigglebytes.

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