Activities
Throughout the day, children are engaged in the following activities:
GROUP ATTENDANCE/CALENDAR:
The children gather together at circle time as we greet all our classmates. Our goal is to become a school family as we “check in” with one another. We begin early math readiness skills through our discussions about the day, month and year during calendar time.
FREE PLAY:
Play is a vehicle of growth for the young child. During free play, children learn to interact with each other and play cooperatively. Playtime affords a child the opportunity to share, think and to problem solve. A variety of toys in the classroom encourages children to use their wonderful imaginations and build upon their creative, dramatic play while developing their gross and fine motor skills.
MUSIC AND RHYTHMS WITH NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED KINDERMUSIK:
Music is the universal language in our classrooms! Our classrooms are equipped with musical instruments and opportunities for children to explore rhythm and song. The Early Childhood music selection includes CDs of popular children’s songs, classical music, modern pop, show tunes, instrumental, Hebrew and holiday music. The children often participate in a parade using rhythm instruments as we march through the hallways, community hall, gym and throughout our school! Your children will learn several songs during the course of the year and participate on stage.
ARTS AND CRAFTS:
The children will have an opportunity to explore their creativity using a variety of art media. Paints (including tempera, watercolors and biocolors), markers, crayons, colored pencils, tape, glue, scissors, glitter and felt are a few of the myriad of materials the children will experiment with in the classroom. It is important to remember that it is the process not the finished product that matters! We want your children to feel proud of their creations!
HEBREW LANGUAGE:
Our goal is to comfortably expose children to modern, oral Hebrew language. They will hear and learn Hebrew words relating to the seasons, Jewish holidays and units discussed in their classroom. Hebrew songs and games are incorporated into lessons. Students will also have hands-on experiences learning about Jewish values, and the customs associated with Shabbat and all the Jewish holidays.
SHABBAT HOST/HOSTESS:
Preparing and celebrating Shabbat is a special time within the Early Childhood department. The children welcome Shabbat by singing the blessings over the candles, reciting the Kiddush-blessing over the wine (grape juice) and singing the motzee-prayer for eating bread over the Challah. Every child will have an opportunity to be a Shabbat host/hostess and bring a Kosher treat for the entire class.
Special Activities
Book and Briefcase Project
As part of this project, each week one child has the opportunity to choose his/her favorite book from our school library. The chosen book then goes into the special Gan 
Chabad briefcase. The briefcase is full of age appropriate art materials and a B & B diary.
Parent and child have the opportunity at home to read the book together, and draw or write something in the diary that your child will share with the class.
This project is an effective tool in the healthy literary development of your child.
This project will begin in January after the winer break.
Shabbat Party
To celebrate the coming of Shabbat, each Friday a special Shabbat atmosphere is created. Candles are lit, the Kiddush is recited, Shabbat songs are sung, and each child
will make his/her own challah to take home.
Every week a different boy and girl will be chosen to be the Shabbat Ima (Mommy) and Abba (Daddy). A note will be sent home at the beginning of the week informing you that your child was chosen. The child's family is invited to participate in the Shabbat party that week.
Show 'n Tell
Friday will be Show 'n Tell day. Your children can bring any item they choose from home (with the approval of Mom or Dad first!). They will have the opportunity to show what they brought to their friends during circle time, and share it during free play. This gives the children an opportunity to share their belongings with their friends while boosting their confidence and self-esteem.