After a long summer, but definitely not long enough, it is time to return to responsibilities. As an adult, responsibility never goes away, at least for me. Even on vacation, there are “have-to’s”. This is a term we coined in Pre-K many years ago and for me, it has stuck. There are choices in life, choices in a classroom, choices during play and then there are those activities, those responsibilities, that must be done. 

I say the “end of summer”, but really, when it is still 110 plus, has summer really ended? Of course, for southern Arizona, Chandler in particular, this time of year means the beginning of school. While our summer camp continues to rage on and even our ELC infants, toddlers and preschoolers continue with summer fun until the end of July, our ELC Kindergarten, along with the Chandler Unified School District (and many others) begin this Wednesday, July 19. 

This is a time for new beginnings for the students who will meet new teachers, get used to new routines and embark on a new learning plan to help set them up for success.

In our ELC Kindergarten, it will be a mix of hands-on learning along with electronic learning. Reading from the board, or large computer screen, as our new kindergarten teacher, Tori Sheppard, displays the daily work from her laptop. Using manipulatives to explore, create and eventually adjust their understanding of mathematical concepts, reading skills and so much more.

In the Beginning

Really at the East Valley JCC, this isn’t the beginning of our focus on school-age learning. For many years, we had a kindergarten and with our families’ support, we are beginning again. Our dedicated group of parents and their children will experience kindergarten with a focus on social-emotional development and academics; a recipe for engaged, child-centered learning.  

A Typical Day

Whether it is the daily writing instruction, exploration of mathematical concepts, music with our music specialist, or focus on their individual learning abilities, social/emotional and beyond, our ELC Kindergarten children will have the complete package at their fingertips. 

Having the differentiation to focus on each individual’s learning needs will give the students the opportunity to meet their potential. At the same time, the parents can bring their children to school each day in a safe, secure, educationally sound and emotionally responsive environment. It is a win-win.

The Benefits

Our ELC Kindergarten provides all of the above, with the added bonuses of a value-based learning environment. The students will bake challah each week; celebrate Shabbat with their classmates; engage in reading about Jewish holidays; and truly live the ideal of treating their neighbor as they wish to be treated.

“In the Beginning” provides the perfect theme for this year. We will take our students and families on a journey through an academically rich learning plan; a daily learning experience with their individual needs as a guide. Won’t you join us? 

To learn more about how your child can experience the ELC Kindergarten, please visit evjcc.org/kindergarten/

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