Educational Philosophy |
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Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, and guided by Jewish values, Temple Ohav Shalom Center for Early Learning creates a welcoming and inclusive community that celebrates the uniqueness of all families and develops a life-long love of learning. |
A Commitment to Excellence
Our early childhood program reflects the influence of Jewish values and teachings, the educational philosophy underlying the Reggio Emilia approach, and the standards and guidelines set forth by NAEYC, professional early childhood organization. Our goal is to provide for the children an environment that is rich and engaging, and a curriculum that encourages children to question, to investigate, and to develop the skills necessary for future success. We are a school guided by Jewish values, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, and a community that celebrates the diversity of our families.
In August, 2011, our Center was selected as one of three Jewish early childhood programs in the greater Pittsburgh area to participate in the Pittsburgh JECEI* program, a comprehensive program designed to bring into our classrooms the acclaimed early childhood philosophy of Reggio Emilia as viewed through the lens of Jewish values and teachings. Our goal is to provide for the children an environment that is rich and engaging, and a curriculum that builds upon their interests and encourages them to question, to investigate, and to develop the skills necessary for future success. We are a school guided by Jewish values, inspired by Reggio Emilia, and a community that celebrates the diversity of our families.
* The Pittsburgh Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative (PJECEI) is a program supported by the Centennial Fund for the Jewish Future, an endowment within the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Foundation and the Agency for Jewish Learning.
In August, 2011, our Center was selected as one of three Jewish early childhood programs in the greater Pittsburgh area to participate in the Pittsburgh JECEI* program, a comprehensive program designed to bring into our classrooms the acclaimed early childhood philosophy of Reggio Emilia as viewed through the lens of Jewish values and teachings. Our goal is to provide for the children an environment that is rich and engaging, and a curriculum that builds upon their interests and encourages them to question, to investigate, and to develop the skills necessary for future success. We are a school guided by Jewish values, inspired by Reggio Emilia, and a community that celebrates the diversity of our families.
* The Pittsburgh Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative (PJECEI) is a program supported by the Centennial Fund for the Jewish Future, an endowment within the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Foundation and the Agency for Jewish Learning.
Inspired by the Principles of Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia Approach® is an educational philosophy based on the image of a child with strong potential for development and a subject with rights, who learns through the hundred languages belonging to all human beings and grows in relations with others.
Notable among the many features of the Reggio Emilia approach include:
o A deep respect for the potential of all young children.
o Communication and collaboration among the three partners of education: children, parents, and educators.
o Amiable, rich environments that are engaging, welcoming, organized, beautiful, and supportive of the work of children and educators.
o Voices of children, parents, and educators are made visible through various forms of documentation (reflections, panels, binders, etc.).
o Relationships are considered essential for the well-being and learning of children and adults.
o Children and educators construct knowledge together through exploration and problem-solving.
o Emergent curriculum and small group work based on the negotiation between children's and educators' interests.
o The use of many expressive "languages" to represent ideas, questions, and learning, such as clay, paint, wire, drama, play, music, graphic arts materials, and many more
Notable among the many features of the Reggio Emilia approach include:
o A deep respect for the potential of all young children.
o Communication and collaboration among the three partners of education: children, parents, and educators.
o Amiable, rich environments that are engaging, welcoming, organized, beautiful, and supportive of the work of children and educators.
o Voices of children, parents, and educators are made visible through various forms of documentation (reflections, panels, binders, etc.).
o Relationships are considered essential for the well-being and learning of children and adults.
o Children and educators construct knowledge together through exploration and problem-solving.
o Emergent curriculum and small group work based on the negotiation between children's and educators' interests.
o The use of many expressive "languages" to represent ideas, questions, and learning, such as clay, paint, wire, drama, play, music, graphic arts materials, and many more
the image of the childAll children have a curiosity about their world and the potential to construct an understanding of their environment. Children are seen as important and contributing members of their school community.
the environmentReggio Emilia classrooms are typically comfortable, welcoming, home-like spaces where softer colors, natural materials, and aesthetically beautiful surroundings replace the more vibrant, commercial materials of the usual preschool classroom. The environment is often called the” third teacher” because a carefully planned environment provokes interest and curiosity, and contributes to the development of curriculum.
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an emergent & negotiated curriculumOpen-ended materials encourage imagination and creativity, and longer, uninterrupted periods of time allow the children to engage in long-term projects that may span days or weeks. The curriculum is developed by the educators through careful observation of the children’s interactions with materials and the experiences which are planned to challenge and provoke investigation.
the educatorThe teacher is a co-learner and collaborator with the child and not just an instructor. The educator prepares the environment and materials, documents the children’s experiences, and collaborates with other educators and parents to plan further learning opportunities.
the parentsParents are equal partners with educators and children in their child’s learning. Collaboration between teachers and parents is seen as essential to providing the best possible learning environment for the children.
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Guided by Jewish Teachings and Values
The foundational ideas and values about Jewish life are expressed in what we call “the Jewish Lenses.” These lenses are a way to view and experience our lives and the world, while engaging families in Jewish life and learning. Independent of one’s upbringing, denomination, beliefs or practices, the philosophy of this model is built upon the values which help us nurture our children, families, preschool community, and the community at large.
Masa/Journey (Reflection, Return, Renewal)
This lens focuses on how we look at the history of our people and our “story” (the Torah) to teach us life lessons. While we grow, we learn as much through the experience as we do by reaching our goals.
In our preschool we document the stories and journeys within the classroom and learn together with the children by revisiting these stories and planning for new experiences.
B'tzelem Elohim/Divine Image (Dignity and Potential)
This is a lens of responsibility, compassion and self-esteem. One of the most famous teachings of the Torah is that all people are created in the image of God (B’tzelem Elohim). This lens helps us understand that we all are part of humankind but all are unique as well, deserving of value and respect.
In our preschool we respect the unique nature of each child and family, and yet come together to celebrate the divinity that unites us all.
Tikkun Olam/Repair of the World (Responsibility)
This lens helps guide us as partners in creating harmony and unity in the world. The actions we focus on range from every day kindnesses to large impact social justice causes relating to the environment and to human relations. We know that what we do matters to us not only today but to generations to come.
In our preschool our goal is to teach children responsibility for their own words and actions, for the care of our environment, and for the well-being of others.
Masa/Journey (Reflection, Return, Renewal)
This lens focuses on how we look at the history of our people and our “story” (the Torah) to teach us life lessons. While we grow, we learn as much through the experience as we do by reaching our goals.
In our preschool we document the stories and journeys within the classroom and learn together with the children by revisiting these stories and planning for new experiences.
B'tzelem Elohim/Divine Image (Dignity and Potential)
This is a lens of responsibility, compassion and self-esteem. One of the most famous teachings of the Torah is that all people are created in the image of God (B’tzelem Elohim). This lens helps us understand that we all are part of humankind but all are unique as well, deserving of value and respect.
In our preschool we respect the unique nature of each child and family, and yet come together to celebrate the divinity that unites us all.
Tikkun Olam/Repair of the World (Responsibility)
This lens helps guide us as partners in creating harmony and unity in the world. The actions we focus on range from every day kindnesses to large impact social justice causes relating to the environment and to human relations. We know that what we do matters to us not only today but to generations to come.
In our preschool our goal is to teach children responsibility for their own words and actions, for the care of our environment, and for the well-being of others.