The Preschool at Mishkon Values Page

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The Preschool at Mishkon: Program and Values

Welcome to Our Play-Based Preschool: A Place of Discovery, Connection, and Joy, Where Interests Inspire Meaningful Learning

At the Preschool at Mishkon, we believe learning should be a joyful adventure—full of laughter, exploration, and meaningful connections. Our play-based approach nurtures each child's social and emotional growth, allowing them to flourish in a supportive and engaging environment.

We recognize that every child is a unique individual with their own passions and interests. That’s why our curriculum is designed to empower children by weaving their natural curiosity into every aspect of the learning process.

Our preschool is based on Jewish values of empathy, respect, and kindness to help children of all faiths grow.

No matter your family's background or religion, your child will be welcomed into our preschool that nurtures curiosity, compassion, and connection. Our approach to early childhood education emphasizes belonging, responsibility, and care for others. In our classrooms, children learn how to be thoughtful members of a diverse and caring community. We believe that these foundational values create a strong base for every child to grow with confidence and joy.

Walking Field Trips

Our preschoolers regularly go on walking field trips to explore their community. We visit the BAR Senior Center for Shabbat and the Ocean Park Library to learn about checking out books and taking care of them to return them on time. The preschoolers have also walked to the Main Street Garden, Venice Beach Playground, and the Venice BID (Business Improvement District) headquarters.

Play-Based Approach to Learning and Celebrating Jewish Holidays

Introducing young children to the richness of Jewish culture and tradition through play-based and developmentally appropriate activities is a wonderful way to foster a sense of identity and belonging from an early age. Every Friday, our preschoolers make challah before singing and dancing at Rock Shabbat. Our Rabbi performs our preschoolers' favorite interactive Shabbat songs and leads prayers, to which our preschoolers know every word! Celebrating the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah can become meaningful family experiences by engaging children 18 months to 5 years in activities tailored to their understanding and interests.

For parents, embracing Judaism and bringing its rich traditions and celebrations into our homes are not only beautiful ways to pass down our cultural heritage but also meaningful opportunities to strengthen the bond with our own relationship to Judaism. By engaging our children in play-based and developmentally appropriate activities during the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, we create cherished memories and a sense of belonging for our little ones. These experiences lay the foundation for a lifelong connection to their roots, fostering a deep understanding of our shared history and values. Embracing Judaism in our homes not only enriches the lives of our children but also allows us, as parents, to experience the joy of passing down our traditions and faith to the next generation, creating a legacy that will endure for years to come.

Animal Friends and Nature Exploration

We love animals and believe they bring a special magic to our preschool community. With animal friends always around, children have the opportunity to learn empathy, responsibility, and kindness as they interact with these gentle creatures. Our animal companions create a nurturing and enchanting environment that fosters a deep connection to the natural world.

A Close-Knit Community: More Than Just a School

The Preschool at Mishkon is not just a school; it's a close-knit family. We have an active parent network and a strong synagogue community to help support our preschool how ever they are able. Occasionally, synagogue members visit our students to share their knowledge of Hebrew, challah baking, Jewish music, and more! Our small class sizes allow for personalized attention and meaningful relationships to blossom. Community building is at the heart of what we do, and we provide ample opportunities for families to connect, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that, by fostering a strong sense of belonging, we create an environment where children can thrive both academically and emotionally.

Art, Music, Yoga, Science, Baking, and More!

To support the holistic development of our students, we offer weekly enrichment classes that are thoughtfully tailored to suit children of all ages. These developmentally appropriate sessions enhance their cognitive abilities, promote body awareness, and cultivate a sense of calm and focus. Through rhythmic melodies and mindful practices, children embrace their individuality while developing important self-regulation skills. These programs are led by our teachers and local professionals, such as ARTWELL, Jewish Roots Project, Rock Zen Roll Yoga, Families and Music, and Goofy Gil.