Why should you choose Pre-K at Giving Tree?

People sometimes ask us: how does a Reggio-inspired preschool differ from traditional preschools?
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Traditional preschools focus largely on teaching children skills by repetition or through rote memorization. As a Reggio-inspired program, we seek to follow the lead of the children as they make discoveries through play and the manipulation of materials. 

Building nests using loose parts and natural materials.

Playing in the rain and puddles!

We view ourselves as facilitators of learning, sharing in the children's joy, wonder and curiosity. Our classrooms are considered the "third teacher" and focus on natural elements and materials. We use loose parts and a collection of open-ended materials to help each child to express themselves creatively. We provide access to mediums of self-expression including music, movement and art. We believe children must be allowed to explore, create and innovate to maximize their potential and become confident learners and critical thinkers.

Our Ganon classroom (pre-K) is rated Paths to QUALITY Level 3 ensuring that your child has access to the 10 learning centers (art, music, sensory, writing, literacy, mathematics, science, blocks, dramatic play and manipulatives), a developmentally appropriate child-led curriculum and qualified early childhood educators. Our small class sizes allow for individual and small group instruction to support differentiated learning within the classroom so that your child can continue to develop along their own unique growth trajectory. Provocations and invitations to play promote discovery and wonder within your child to foster a life-long love of learning. 

360 degree Ganon classroom tour

Additionally, the Ganon children experience the culture and values of Judaism through a play-based exploration of the holidays and traditions. Each week the students participate in a Shabbat party and share in the hagim (holidays) as they occur throughout the year. 

Shabbat Party

10 plagues I Spy sensory bin for Passover

Creating the megillah for Purim by re-enacting the story.

Eating matzah made fresh with Rabbi Schusterman

A highlight of the Ganon classroom is the annual production of Jan Brett's, The Mitten. Each child receives a role in the story as either a person or animal. Next each child completes a research project on his/her character. Books, videos and photographs are utilized by the students to collect information on each character in the story. He or she will then decide how to share the information. Some students choose to create books, posters and drawings, while others prefer to work with clay or wire to sculpt their animals. The study concludes with a full production of the story. The students create the backdrops, tickets, concession stand sales and even money for the audience to use! This year, Mrs. Mahern will reprise her role as director leading this year's production to new heights as the students perform in the Cultural Arts Center auditorium. 

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Join us on Sunday, March 6th to learn more about the program. RSVP is required. Click HERE to register.