Today, we gathered as a community to celebrate two remarkable events: Yom Ha'atzmaut and our Kindergarten Graduation . The joy and pride on our children’s faces as they performed and looked out at the room filled with parents and grandparents will be a cherished memory for years to come. The ceremony began with delightful performances from each class. Our students sang heartfelt songs, and we even spotted some great dancers there, showcasing their talents and enthusiasm for this special day.. Following these wonderful performances, we proceeded with the graduation ceremony. Each Kindergarten graduate received their certificate, marking a significant milestone in their young lives. The excitement and happiness in the room were palpable as each child was recognized for their hard work and achievements. After the ceremony, we engaged in a meaningful project titled "Wall of Hope." Each child, alongside their parents, colored a "תקווה" (Hope) picture. These beautiful artworks will adorn a wall in our school, symbolizing our collective hope for a better future. Our school is proud to be part of an international initiative, sending some of these paintings to Israel to contribute to a global Wall of Hope. This project is especially significant in these times, reminding us all of the power of unity and shared aspirations for peace. Following the creative session, our children enjoyed a delicious Israeli lunch, featuring falafel, Israeli salad, hummus, tahini, and pita. The smiles and laughter during lunch were a testament to the fun and joy of the day. To our graduating Kindergarteners: We wish you a future filled with endless possibilities and success. Always remember the joy of today and the love that surrounds you. To Israel, on its 76th Yom Ha'atzmaut: We celebrate with hearts full of hope and pride, wishing for continued growth, peace, and prosperity. Enjoy the wonderful pictures from today’s event below. They capture the spirit and happiness that filled our school. Thank you for being part of this special day and for helping us create lasting memories and a hopeful future for our children.

We believe in fostering an environment where our students not only excel academically but also grow into compassionate and well-rounded individuals. As part of our commitment to nurturing cultural awareness and understanding, we observed today Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembrance in Israel, in a meaningful way. We wanted to share with you a special moment that occurred during this observance. Moreh Or took the initiative to impart some knowledge about Israel's history and his personal experiences serving in the military to the Elementary class. The children were captivated by his storytelling and showed a genuine curiosity, asking insightful questions that sparked enlightening discussions. You may wonder why it's important for our young students to be exposed to such topics, especially concerning military service and remembrance. Firstly, understanding the history and culture of Israel helps broaden our children's worldview, fostering empathy and respect for diverse perspectives. Secondly, discussing topics like Yom Hazikaron provides an opportunity to instill values of honor, sacrifice, and remembrance in our students, values that transcend borders and cultures. Moreover, by educating our children about Israel's story, we aim to nurture their love for Israel and empower their Judaism. By connecting them to their heritage and the rich tapestry of Jewish history, we provide them with a strong foundation upon which they can build their identities and values. We want to assure you that the discussion was conducted with sensitivity and age-appropriate language, ensuring that the children felt comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Moreh Or skillfully navigated the conversation, creating a safe space for learning and reflection. As parents, we understand that topics like military service and remembrance can be sensitive. However, we believe that open dialogue and education are essential in shaping informed and compassionate individuals. By engaging our students in discussions about Israel's history and traditions, we empower them to become global citizens who appreciate the importance of honoring the past while striving for a better future.

Embracing the Wonders of Science: A Lesson in Patience In our elementary class, students recently delved into the captivating world of mixtures and the art of separating them, learning an invaluable lesson along the way – patience. Science isn't just about conducting experiments; it's about embracing the process, including the waiting game. As our young scientists mixed compounds and observed reactions, they discovered that sometimes, the most profound discoveries require time. Whether it was waiting for sediments to settle or observing the slow filtration process, they realized that science operates on its own timeline. Through this experience, they learned the importance of patience, a virtue that extends beyond the lab and into all aspects of life. So let's continue to nurture their curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions, explore, and embrace the patience that science demands, as they embark on their journey of scientific discover.

Mazza Ball Soup for the 1st time at school... getting ready for Passover

Passover Seder @ Alef Bet Montessori school

Passover Joy at our school! 🌟

Dr. Angeline Llillard tells the story about Shelby, a curious and imaginative four year old girl she observed in a cozy Montessori classroom. Shelby had a penchant for daydreaming and pondering the world around her. One day, the teacher introduced a lesson on Geometric Solids , displaying various forms of solids and explaining their properties. Shelby listened intently, absorbing every word with wide-eyed fascination. When the lesson concluded, the teacher let her explore the materials independently. Time went by and Shelby remained still. He rolled over the soft carpet, gazing at the shapes scattered across the room, lost in thought. Minutes turned into twenty, and still, Shelby made no move to engage with the materials. The teacher observed her with a gentle smile, understanding that every child had their own unique way of processing information. She recognized Shelby's quiet time as a moment of "False Fatigue," a term coined by Dr. Maria Montessori to describe the reflective pause children sometimes took after a period of learning. After a while, Shelby turned to the teacher with a spark of insight in her eyes. "You know," she said thoughtfully, "our classroom is a Rectangular Prism." Her words echoed with a profound understanding of the lesson, demonstrating his deep internalization of the concept. The teacher nodded in acknowledgment, her heart swelling with pride for Shelby's newfound understanding. She respected her need for quiet contemplation, recognizing it as a valuable part of his learning journey. I love this story by Dr. Angeline Lillard, in her book The Science Behind the Genius. She simplifies our need to learn and to reflect. The need to daydream and internalize information. Process it at our own time. In another situation, the teacher might look to see what specific interests this specific child has, and offer her a new "work", she will often say: Would you like to work on this or that" - giving 2 options, to allow the child to make a choice. And sometimes, she will just let the child be - to allow daydreaming and happy thoughts. Ayelet 'Ellie' Lichtash

Fostering Independence: A Montessori Approach

Check out Jesse Weinberger link below, and be educated about what is going on...that includes phone, Youtube, screens, and more. A wonderful suggestion from Morah Rachli, for a rainy day with your children- check out Zava Zone, Pinstripe, and more gross motor activities (that can replace any online screens). https://www.overnightgeekuniversity.com/parents-what-is-your-child-seeing-online/