Early Childhood Curriculum

General Studies:

• Our Pre-K children are exposed to letter and sound recognition.
• Students in Pre-K begin their mathematics school experiences in the areas of number recognition, basic patterning, and number sense through the use of manipulatives.
• The study of science begins in Pre-K where the study of the five senses through hands-on activities begins. Other units include classification skills, plants, and the world around them.
• Our Pre-K children begin their study of social studies with a development of a sense of school and community. The social studies curriculum revolves around projects and activities completed by the children.
• Art activity and instruction are very frequently integrated with other aspects of the Providence Hebrew Day School curriculum. The most obvious opportunity for integration is the creation of artwork related to holidays and holiday seasons. Artwork is also utilized in social studies (particularly history) lessons, and even in coordination with math and science lessons.

Judaic Studies:

• Students are introduced to the Alef-Bais in our three-year-old PreK program in a general way. This preliminary study continues in the four-year-old program.
• The study of Chumash (The Five Books of Moses) begins in our Early Childhood Department with Parshas Hashavua (the “Portion of the Week”). This is studied through song, story, projects, and role playing.
• The study of Dinim (laws) and Chagim (holidays) offer our students a special way to appreciate our Jewish holidays. This study begins in Pre-K with felt boards, role-playing, projects, songs, books, and discussion.
• In Pre-K, students have a Shabbos party each Friday with candle lighting, the recitation of Kiddush, and special treats. This role-playing is a special way to end the week.
• Each Rosh Chodesh (beginning of the Jewish month) is celebrated with a project and a treat.
• Children give Tzedakah (charity) every day following Tefillos (morning prayers).
• Students are encouraged to bring in Mitzvah notes (delineating good deeds that they did) on a daily basis. These notes are read and displayed in the classrooms.
• The education of proper values and moral behavior is an integral part of the curriculum at Providence Hebrew Day School. We believe that Derech Eretz (proper respect) is a prerequisite for all learning.
• Our teachers utilize stories of our great Sages and Rabbis to emphasize the development of good Midos (charachter traits) and values.
• Lessons about acts of Chesed (kindness) begin in our Early Childhood program with such units as Hachnasas Orchim (welcoming guests) and Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick).