for the children. Students find themselves in a rich environment for literacy development. Through the use of stories, rhymes, signs, conversation, and writing materials they become aware that print is an important means of communication. SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Teachers provide a positive social and emotional climate by their direct interaction with children. By setting clear limits, guiding children’s behaviors, and teaching what is acceptable behavior, children feel safe and learn self-control. Social and emotional skills are attributes that are cultivated and nurtured through the students’ ongoing interactions with their peers and teachers. PHYSICAL As toddlers begin to explore and master the movements of their own bodies, they are provided with activities that introduce basic gross motor skills such as walking on tiptoes, walking backwards, jumping, and pushing and pulling toys while walking. Children also engage in a variety of fine motor skill activities which help develop the dexterity needed to perform basic tasks such as picking up small objects, holding a spoon, turning pages in a book, or using a crayon to draw. Throughout the day, students participate in such activities as placing and removing pegs from pegboard, using crayons and markers, stringing large beads, and building with playdough. JEWISH LEARNING Toddlers begin to develop a sense of Jewish identity as Jewish rituals, songs, foods, roleplay, holiday celebrations, and Hebrew language are integrated into the curriculum each day. Through classroom centered activities and weekly religious services, students learn songs and melodies, basic Hebrew
words, and holiday study. TWO-YEAR-OLDS OVERVIEW OF GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS
Through an integrated curriculum combining academic and developmental skills, the two-year-olds discover a world that is filled with wonder and excitement as they grow from dependent toddlers to independent young children. COGNITIVE/LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT Great emphasis is placed on developing the students’ emerging language and math skills. Teachers employ a multi-pronged approach that integrates both the written and spoken word. Stories, poetry, flannel board, puppets, interactive communication, labels, and alphabet displays reinforce language development, and provide opportunities for writing and creative expression. Math skills are developed with teachers creating real-life situations and experiences allowing the students to acquire a sense of numbers, patterning and problem-solving skills.
EARLY CHILDHOOD | CURRICULUM GUIDE
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