Sequence of Programs
Starboard – children are TWO by August 15
Pre-K – children are THREE by August 15
Jr. K – children are FOUR by August 15
Judaics, Hebrew, & Enrichment
Starboard
In the Starboard class, the curriculum emphasizes the development of autonomy and positive social relationships. The High/Scope curriculum is implemented, with an emphasis on active learning. Children learn skills to help build independence and promote self-regulation. Intellectual development and physical development are also stressed by learning through play and hands-on experiences. Children have opportunities to explore the things in which they are interested whether the topic is bugs, shadows, trains, or floating and sinking. Activities include singing, rhyming, being read to, throwing and catching a ball, coloring, and painting, gardening, patterning, discriminating visually, puzzles, threading beads, building with blocks, technology, and self-help skills. Jewish values are incorporated daily, with the Hebrew language, and include our weekly Shabbat celebration. Potty training is emphasized, with the goal of children toileting independently by age three.
Pre-K
Pre-K is a time of rapid growth and development in young children and social interaction plays a significant role. In Pre-K there is a great range of opportunities for teaching social interaction skills that influence cognitive development. In Pre-K our primary focus is the development of social skills, independent self-help skills, pre-reading and math. The students learn essential expressive language and number skills through play and thoughtfully designed lessons that are hands-on. Pre-reading skills are encouraged through play and the Land of the Letter People curriculum. Also used in Pre-K is Handwriting Without Tears which gives children a tactile way to begin practicing their written language. Pre-K is also full of daily theme-related activities that focus on creative arts, social studies, science, technology, and Judaic topics. Jewish values are incorporated daily, with the Hebrew language, and include our weekly Shabbat celebration.
Jr. K
The Jr-K program is designed to meet the needs of the four to five-year-old learners as they prepare to enter the world of structured classroom learning. We have a curriculum where students participate in a hands-on and engaging play-based approach to learning concepts and skills, as well as, further develop their curiosity, creativity, differing modes of communication, concentration, listening, negotiation, and observation skills. Each child is encouraged to wonder, explore, and discover, using their own unique learning style and interests. Language and early literacy skills, math, and science concepts are incorporated into our weekly thematic units. Multiple methods are used for pre-reading instruction. The focus is on three of the pillars of pre-reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, and reading comprehension. A fun way in which we teach language and literacy is through the Get Set for School Language and Literacy Kit. We also utilize the Get Set for School Numbers and Math Kit. The connection between reading and writing is emphasized and taught with the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum. We approach our lessons with children through Jewish lenses. Our strong love and respect for Judaism are communicated through our actions, celebrations, intergenerational connections, traditions, and learning experiences. Beyond customs, rituals, and holidays, we seek to imbue our classroom with a depth of Jewish values every day. Jewish values are incorporated daily, with the Hebrew language, and include our weekly Shabbat celebration.
Judaics & Hebrew Language
For our preschool, the Judaic curriculum is multi-faceted. Jewish holidays are celebrated with lessons, songs, and the Hebrew language. Jewish values are woven throughout the daily plans. Children also learn about Israel and Israeli customs. Shabbat is celebrated each Friday morning with prayer, songs, and Torah stories with our rabbis. The Hebrew language is introduced with Hebrew Through Movement. Learning a foreign language at an early age increases cognitive abilities such as analytical mathematics, critical thinking, creativity, and flexibility of mind. The Alef-Bet, Hebrew alphabet, is introduced at the kindergarten level.
Enrichment
Starboard, Pre-K, Jr. K, and Kindergarten children attend exceptional enrichment programs on a weekly basis. Enrichment programs include Music and Movement, Jewish Music, Hebrew Through Movement, Yoga and Fitness, Library, and Shabbat with our clergy.
We want to hear from you!
Please contact us with any questions by emailing the BKL ELC front desk at bklfrontdesk@timemphis.org or calling 901.937.2784.