CURRICULUM
The objectives of a good nursery program is to create a warm, healthy and happy environment where small children can grow and developemotionally and cognitively as well as physically.
At GanShalom Pre-Nursery School we strive to do this in a most professional and caring manner. Additionally, we endeavour to impart a love and flair for the beauty of our religion and culture, as well asnurture and develop faith and trust in G-d. We hope to inculcate a love for Israel, all things Jewish and an involvement in the performance of the Mitzvot. Ivrit - Hebrew language is used in both formal and informal instruction and becomes apart of the daily routine, as well as holiday fun and games.
In early childhood, the seeds of learning, Jewish identity, curiosityand caring are planted. Our program spans a period of intense personal, socialand academic growth. Young children develop at different paces.
Our teachers are sensitive to the wide range of abilities anddevelopmental levels within this age group. They offer creative activities that fit into the broad developmental continuum represented by the students.
Teachers guide the children and promote active learning, problem-solving, discovery of friendship and exploration of their new, expandedlearning world. The classroom is a community in which Jewish values are modeledand reinforced and Hebrew language is introduced through songs, games, and simple conversation. The curriculum combines structured and unstructured activities that encourage young children's most important work-creative play. Every day is filled with art, music, stories, language, Jewish living, and hands-on exploration.
Our classrooms are all well-outfitted with state-of-the-art preschool furnishings.
GOALS
At Gan Shalom we endeavor to
- Encourage your child to make choices, with respect towards him/herself, others and his/her surroundings. This helps develop your child's self esteem, self-efficacy and belief in him/herself.
- Nourish your child’s heart and mind, as we develop cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills, so that your child will be a well-rounded person capable of solving problems and adapting to new situations.
- Educate your child in a creative, supportive, and warm Jewish environment, so that your child will not only learn about life as a Jew, but will learn to love it too!
Gan Shalom seeks to create a stimulating and enriching educational environment for each and every child. The school is devoted to helping children learn socialization skills, building theirself-confidence and teaching them the preliminary skills to explore andexperience the world independently. In addition, we seek to ignite a spark in each child to lay claim to his Jewish heritage and commit him or her to a lifetime passion for learning.
FACILITY
Gan Shalom will be located at 157 Falkirk St. at the corner of Brooke Ave. & Falkirk St. The site is sunny, modern and equipped with all the requisite amenities of a first-class Preschool including indoor play areas and an outdoor playground.
PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is one of nurturing, growth and development, relationships and understanding - all in the goal of establishing a love for learning, a fascination with holidays and life cycles events, and a passion for approaching the world in a Jewish way.
Children are treasured for their uniqueness and individuality, and are encouraged in self-expression.
The basic philosophy behind our curriculum is that children learn best by doing. The program activities are therefore designed to help children learn more about the world, their heritage and their values through hands-on activities and active involvement.
We believe …
- that the home is the most important factor in a child's development. We will always strive to support and complement the family in order to promote healthy development of children and parents.
- that loving, trusting, and respecting each child makes that child capable of loving, trusting and respecting others.
- that each child should be guided and encouraged to have a positive self-image.
- that children need a nurturing, safe and happy environment which promotes their natural curiosity and desire to learn.
- that play is the work of children and through it children explore the world around them by using their senses.
- that children deserve to have teachers whose values enable them to be excellent role models.
At Gan Shalom. we see each child as a unique and precious gift entrusted into our care. This concept is what governs our school's educational approach. At Gan Shalom, emphasis is placed on the individual child and on encouraging each child's innate inquisitiveness and thirst for knowledge..
PRIORITIES
Priority groups include low income families, indigenous families and other racialized children.