The Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School offers a nurturing, play-based curriculum designed for children ages 2 to 5, emphasizing Jewish values, social-emotional development, and early literacy skills. Our program integrates hands-on activities that foster creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning in a warm, inclusive environment.
- Early Childhood Education Fundamentals: Daily circles introduce Hebrew songs, stories from Jewish traditions, and basic concepts like colors, shapes, and numbers through interactive games and puppets.
- Arts and Crafts: Children explore painting, sculpting with playdough, and collage-making to express emotions and develop fine motor skills, often themed around holidays like Hanukkah or Passover.
- Music and Movement: Sessions with rhythm instruments, dancing, and yoga promote gross motor development and body awareness, incorporating multicultural songs to celebrate diversity.
- Science and Nature Exploration: Outdoor play in our garden teaches about seasons, animals, and plant life cycles via sensory bins, bug hunts, and simple experiments like mixing colors with water.
- Social Skills and Shabbat Celebrations: Group activities build sharing, empathy, and friendship, culminating in weekly Shabbat programs with blessings, challah baking, and candle lighting to instill community and tradition.
- Language and Literacy: Storytime with picture books enhances vocabulary and listening skills, while dramatic play areas encourage role-playing and narrative building.
- Physical Development: Gym time includes ball games, obstacle courses, and balance beams to support coordination and confidence.
- Snack and Nutrition: Healthy eating discussions during meals tie into themes like farm-to-table, promoting mindful habits.
Our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach views children as competent learners, with teachers as guides facilitating emergent curriculum based on interests. Parent involvement through workshops and family events strengthens home-school connections. The program runs from September to June, with options for half-day or full-day schedules, ensuring a joyful foundation for lifelong learning rooted in Jewish heritage. Safety protocols, small class sizes (up to 12 children per teacher), and NAEYC accreditation underscore our commitment to excellence. Through these courses, we aim to spark wonder, build resilience, and nurture kind hearts in every child.
