Goodbye Kraków… Hello Warsaw.
Today was bittersweet as we had to say goodbye to our wonderful new colleagues in Kraków. We had just spent the last five days with these amazing educators learning about their journey and getting ...
Tag: Frajda JCC Krakow Frajda
Dziękuję – Thank You
I work as a teacher at Frajda JCC Kraków. Today the visit of educators from the USA Lyndall and Mykenzie ended. All teachers, we are very grateful for the few days we spent together. It was honor and ...
Creating Loving Relationships Across Borders
March 4, 2024
Today, Mykenzie and I had a chance to be in classrooms with the dedicated educators mentioned in our last post. We were able to see them in action and were most impressed with the ways ...
Today in Kraków
Kraków, March 3, 2024
Today in Kraków, I can only explain it as… “A magical and educational day”.
Lyndall and I have learned so much about the Polish culture and history ...
Working with a child is a passion
A great two days at a conference organized by SOS International Early Childhood Morim Program. The beginning of September I started with the new knowledge and motivation, which awesome
...
Ritual Items coming home
As your school year is about to begin, I wanted to send you my best wishes for a great year from all of us at SOS. I also wanted you to know about a very special pair of candlesticks that Mara will be bringing to you when you meet in Budapest.
My husband and I recently cleaned out the home that his parents lived in for about 60 years. His mother is no longer alive and his 99 year old father has moved to an assisted living facility. When we were going through some cupboards, we found the candlesticks that were used by my husband’s grandmother. The family decided that we would like them to go to you, our friends at the Krakow JCC, and the children of Frajda.
It is so significant that you will be using a pair of candlesticks that were brought to the United States many years ago and are now on their way back to Europe. It fills us with joy to know that you are educating, supporting and helping families with the rebirth of Jewish life.
Thank you for all you are doing for the families in Krakow. The picture below is of me handing Mara the candlesticks. ~ Fran Pfeffer
Fran giving the candlesticks to Mara for Frajda, Early Childhood Center in Krakow
Gosia, Director of Frajda, Krakow receiving the candlesticks from Mara
Intra European Early Childhood Conference
So exciting to start our first day of the SOS Early Childhood Morim conference. We began the Conference welcoming everyone with a special welcome to our friends from Krakow. Our meeting started with a beautiful D’var Torah ending with the reciting of the shehecheyanu together in Hebrew. English, Hungarian and Polish. Mara’s session on The Image of the Child/The Image of the Teacher was well received. Special thanks to Szonja for organizing lunch which provided opportunities to discuss the morning’s learning. Afternoon sessions were on leadership presented by Shelley and Learning In-Depth Approaches to Reggio Emilia project work by Mara. Although there were many highlights, the one that stands out was the distribution of the Jewish ritual items donated by families in the Washington DC area. Educators were overwhelmed with the generosity of the families and were touched by the meaning gifts. We look forward to learning together tomorrow as we continue to deepen our knowledge and strengthen our relationships.
Continuing across the ocean
Since today was Grandparents Day at the preschool and it was going to be very chaotic, we decided to have our final meeting away from the school. We treated Magda and Marika to a big American breakfast of pancakes. We talked
about the changes that can happen at Frajda with the help and encouragement of SOS International. Marika and Magda are ready to begin the transformation at 7:30am on Monday morning!
After a short stop overlooking the San Francisco Bay for the last time and collecting seeds from Eucalyptus trees, it was time to head to the airport. We all had an emotional goodbye as we parted. Even though we will be apart physically, we are bound together. We look forward to much collaboration and to being together again soon. ~ Fran
Just the tip of the iceberg
The Magical Bridge Playground was our first stop today. This four-year-old area is part of a larger park in Palo Alto. As we walked into the park we saw beautiful green grass and trees. There was a group of people doing tai chi, some 
people strolling around, some heading to the recently renovated library. The Magical Bridge Playground was built to be accessible to all children, with disabilities and without. We loved exploring the different parts of the playground.
On our way back to the car, we stopped by two California Redwood trees to collect seeds that look like tiny pine cones. Magda and Marika will take them back to Frajda for the children to explore and play 
with.
Next we were off to check out the Palo Alto Jr. Museum, a hands on science museum geared to towards preschool-aged children. It is currently in temporary quarters, as the original space is being renovated.
We then arrived at the JCC preschool where we were greeted by many of the staff that have quickly become our friends. Some children were in the garden with Debbie on this beautiful sunny day. We met with a number of preschool educators who generously gave us handouts of information that will be very helpful as we move forward in our learning. As the week draws to a close, Magda and Marika realize that we have only touched the tip of the iceberg of learning together. We spoke about the journey of change and how we must take small steps as we move forward. We talked about their wishes for Frajda and how SOS can help fulfill some of those wishes. We also talked about how we will learn together when they return to Poland, vowing to have regular communication through video conferencing, texts, and emails. Magda and Marika also requested that we regularly send them articles to advance their learning. They are very excited to return to Frajda to share all they have experienced here to the staff and parents. ~ Fran
The most important thing in creating is the creative process itself
We started our day with a morning meeting with teachers from school. We introduced ourselves and told everyone about our kindergarten in Krakow and we showed a film about the reviving Jewish life in Poland. We spent the next hours in different classes – Magda went to classes for 3-4 years, and Marika visited toddlers and 2-year-olds. We saw many things that we will definitely use in our work when we return home. In the afternoon there was a professional development meeting at the school where we talked about the 5 basic materials & loose parts. School groups have prepared presentations on how to use sand, water, clay, paint and blocks. We saw many inspirational things. We can not wait to show our kindergarten friends all the photos and materials we got here. We want to replace some 
plastic blocks and toys with those that come from natural materials. We can use stones, cones, sticks, water for counting, splashing, playing, collecting and many other things that will improve our children’s motor skills. We’ve learned that the most important thing in creating is the creative process itself, not the product we get at the end. We will pay special attention to it. We also want to point out that many of our daily activities are combined with Jewish values that we want to communicate to our children. ~Magda and Marika
It warms my heart to observe the Morim
Our day at the Palo Alto JCC began with a morning meeting for the preschool staff. I spoke to the staff about SOS International: Enriching Jewish Identity, explained the Early Childhood Morim Program, and asked everyone to follow us on Facebook as well as check out our website.
Marika and Magda introduced themselves and told everyone about how they came to be teachers at Frajda. They thanked the JCC staff for our warm welcome. We then watched a couple of you tube videos about Jewish life in Krakow and about Frajda. And Debbie talked a bit about how the J has been supporting Frajda by providing some materials to use with the children.
The children began to arrive for the school day as we made our way to various classrooms. Marika and I spent time in a toddler classroom and Magda and Debbie worked in a 3/4 year old room. The children warmed up to us as we sat and played with them.
In one toddler room, the teacher explained to us that at the beginning of each school year, she asks the parents to shop with their child to pick a small potted plant to keep at school. The child is responsible for taking care of her plant for the year. What a lovely way to teach children the Jewish value of caring for the earth.
We gathered together to preview and discuss the PowerPoint presentation that Mykenzie used at the Professional Development meeting this evening. This gave our Morim time to process the concepts as well as ask questions. We also discussed process art and the benefits of it. A list of natural and recycled materials was shared and we talked about how to collect these materials.
We left the school and headed to the Dollar Tree, where our visitors were given some cash to spend on materials for Frajda, courtesy of the JCC Preschool. Marika and Magda had a great time picking out items to take back. We can’t wait to see pictures of the kids using the new materials.
This evening we participated in the JCC preschool professional development meeting. These meetings are held approximately once a month to provide training for the staff. Tonight’s meeting was planned with our Morim in mind. The presentation focused on 5 materials that are important to use in preschool classrooms: paint, clay, wood, water and
sand. Teachers in 5 different classrooms set up provocations using these materials to demonstrate possibilities for their use. The exhibits were so inspiring. I could see how excited Marika and Magda were as they saw many examples of simple things that they can use in their teaching at Frajda. Debbie and I debriefed with the Morim over dinner. It warms my heart to observe the Morim as they begin to think about change and about new ways of working with children. ~ Fran
Another day and next observations…
Another day and next observations. We started the day by watching films about the techniques used in the Reggio Emilia method and we saw pictures from kindergartens working in this method in the US. In addition, we tried to 
observe what is on the walls and what message it has for children, parents and all who visit the class. Talks with teachers and their conversations with children allowed us to see how important it is to use Jewish values in every activity. We had the opportunity to know the questions to keep in mind when interpreting pictures of children learning. We are sure that 
it will allow us to introduce these elements of work in our kindergarten. After the observations in the rooms, we exchanged our experiences of the day and we also discussed an article. Tomorrow, we are looking forward to working in classes with the children, which we can not wait for.~ Magda and Marika
So many ideas to take back to Frajda!
It is hard to describe the beauty of Debbie’s farm and surroundings. Eating a farm fresh breakfast with views of miles and miles can’t be beaten.
Today we had the gorgeous California sunshine that we’d hoped for all week. The Oshman Family JCC, Leslie Family Preschool in Palo Alto, CA does not have indoor 
hallways between the classrooms since the mild climate does not require it. It was a pleasure to walk around outside with the sun shining down on us. We spent extended periods of time in a number of classrooms with children of different ages. Marika and Magda especially loved seeing all of the sensory tables and the different things that were in them. One had mud, another had sand, and another one had rocks and other materials. So many ideas to take back to Frajda!
We also watched a couple of videos about preschool environments which sparked lots of ideas of possibilities for the future. We talked about Jewish values that were practiced all around the school. Magda and Marika told us about the Jewish values that have been practiced at Frajda since our SOS visit to Poland in November. We were very happy to hear that our study sessions then had been helpful to them in working with the children on Jewish values.
In our debrief we also discussed an article that I had previously sent to the Morim about Reggio Emilia. They have been very open and excited about embracing these concepts.
This evening, SOS International sponsored a dinner. In attendance were JCC Executive Director, Zach Bodner; JCC COO, Sally Flinchbaugh; incoming preschool director, Lauren Berman; preschool assistant director, Mykenzie Busser; preschool curriculum specialist, Ilana Gelemovich; and our SOS Morim team. It was a lovely evening, full of 
laughter and exchange of information. We finished off the evening with an ice cream cake to celebrate Marika’s birthday, enjoyed by this new group of friends. ~ Fran
Such an inspirational day!
It was such an inspirational day! We started with a welcome from teachers, parents, and employees from the
...
What a great start
We started our day with a warm welcome from JCC staff and preschool parents at a lovely coffee. We were given a tour of the school (14 classrooms!) by Mykenzie (the assistant director of the school) and Ilana (the curriculum specialist). As we went from room to 
room, I was able to point out Judaic content and materials as well as many other things that were great for Marika and Magda to see. We did not spend too long in each classroom this time as we wanted to make sure that they had a good overview of the school.
We joined Debbie in the school garden as a group of 3s and 4s visited. It was great to see the kids exploring worm composting, watering the plants, digging in soil, and tasting the veggies that they grew (broccoli, cauliflower, and peas). We enjoyed some tasting too! We were all impressed with the way the children treated the garden with respect.
At the end of the morning, the 4 of us gathered together to debrief and talk about the challenges that Frajda and the teachers face.
After our debrief session, we went to Half Moon Bay to collect driftwood that Magda and Marika will take home to use in the classroom. We were lucky to be at the beach for a short while as it started pouring so we headed back.
Our evening was spent at the farmhouse, discussing all that was observed and experienced during the day. There are so many things to absorb. We are delighted that our visitors are so open to considering new ways of teaching and providing wonderful experiences to the children of Frajda.~ Fran
What a busy day!
What a busy day! We began with breakfast at the farm made with eggs from the chickens here and spinach that we picked ourselves. Yum! Sitting out on the deck ...
Shabbat is here, Shabbat is here
At our morning meeting with the Frajda staff, we went over a few of the items that we had discussed this week. We agreed that the top thing to do going forward is to frame things that are done in the classroom through a lens of Jewish values. The staff is very enthusiastic about doing this and began by describing the recycling boxes the 
children made today as “tikun olam”, taking care of the world. The children made one box for the school and one for the JCC. The children will teach the adults about this important Jewish value! We look forward to getting photos from the Frajda staff showing the Jewish values that the children are practicing.
A special time of the day was when Rabbi Avi came to celebrate Shabbat with the children. To make this time a bit more special, the table was covered with a white tablecloth and a centerpiece of a few fresh flowers was used. Another new tradition was started as we dimmed the lights for the lighting of the candles.
After blessing the wine and enjoying the challah we made yesterday, Rabbi Avi helped the children hang mezuzot in the different rooms. They were placed at eye level for the children so that they can touch and admire the mezuzah when they pass through the doorway.
Soon it was time for us to say goodbye. We are so thankful to have had this wonderful experience of collaboration and learning. We hope to meet again in the near future.
Recycle it!
What was to be a lesson for the Frajda staff about recycling turned into a wonderful period of learning while doing. The children were so excited when Marika arrived with cardboard boxes. They could not wait to get their hands on them and soon were busy cutting, taping, and planning. When the adults stepped away, the magic began as the children talked about ways to accomplish their goals. Even the youngest wanted to be part of the action!
After making a box for recycling, a few boxes were put into the middle of one of the rooms. The children folded, flattened, and climbed. One box became a car for two. Another provided a hiding place for one child as the others searched for her. What an exciting time for all!
As the children ate their snack I was able to spend some time with Gosia, Magda, and Marika, talking about what makes a good toy. We had a worthwhile discussion and then examined some of the toys in the classroom. We talked about using open-ended and natural materials, as they open up so many possibilities for imaginary and sensory play. We closed our discussion with the charge for the staff to look at their toys and materials to decide what things will stimulate the children.
The ch
ildren then went upstairs where they made challah with Olga. They were excited and proud of the loaves that they will take home to their families.
Debbie and I met with Rabbi Avi to learn what he does when he meets with the Frajda children and to teach him a bit about SOS and our goals for the EC Morim Program.
Our day ended at a challah baking events for members of the JCC. Rabbi Avi shared his family recipe and taught to make a braided challah with 4 strands. ~ Fran
We can do it together
The day began with the Frajda staff and SOS team reflecting on yesterday’s classroom observations. Together we discussed many possibilities to enrich the learning environment.
Debbie Togliatti shared the gifts she brought from the Oshman Family JCC Preschool. The Frajda staff enjoyed learning about how the materials can enhance their curriculum.
The SOS team met with Olga Danek to discuss the Judaic Program, and with Sebastian Rudol and Anna Gulinska to discuss some big ideas for future collaboration. At the end of the day, we met with Jonathan Ornstein, JCC Executive Director, who offered his enthusiastic support of our future work together. It was an amazing, full and productive day.
We learn by observing
Our day began when we met with the Frajda staff. We talked about the day ahead of us. SOS Team members offered suggestions to the teachers for enhancing their work with the children. The Frajda staff taught us a lot about their program and their government requirements. We talked about ways that we can be helpful to them. 
We were thrilled when the children arrived at school. We learned a lot by observing and we are now ready to work together with Frajda to begin to strengthen their program. We look forward to our continued work tomorrow.
-
JCC Krakow Frajda
Dziękuję – Thank You
I work as a teacher at Frajda JCC Kraków. Today the visit of educators from the USA Lyndall and Mykenzie ended. All teachers, we are very grateful for the few days we spent together. It was honor and ...
Creating Loving Relationships Across Borders
March 4, 2024
Today, Mykenzie and I had a chance to be in classrooms with the dedicated educators mentioned in our last post. We were able to see them in action and were most impressed with the ways ...
Today in Kraków
Kraków, March 3, 2024
Today in Kraków, I can only explain it as… “A magical and educational day”.
Lyndall and I have learned so much about the Polish culture and history ...
Working with a child is a passion
A great two days at a conference organized by SOS International Early Childhood Morim Program. The beginning of September I started with the new knowledge and motivation, which awesome
...
Ritual Items coming home
As your school year is about to begin, I wanted to send you my best wishes for a great year from all of us at SOS. I also wanted you to know about a very special pair of candlesticks that Mara will be bringing to you when you meet in Budapest.
My husband and I recently cleaned out the home that his parents lived in for about 60 years. His mother is no longer alive and his 99 year old father has moved to an assisted living facility. When we were going through some cupboards, we found the candlesticks that were used by my husband’s grandmother. The family decided that we would like them to go to you, our friends at the Krakow JCC, and the children of Frajda.
It is so significant that you will be using a pair of candlesticks that were brought to the United States many years ago and are now on their way back to Europe. It fills us with joy to know that you are educating, supporting and helping families with the rebirth of Jewish life.
Thank you for all you are doing for the families in Krakow. The picture below is of me handing Mara the candlesticks. ~ Fran Pfeffer
Fran giving the candlesticks to Mara for Frajda, Early Childhood Center in Krakow
Gosia, Director of Frajda, Krakow receiving the candlesticks from Mara
Intra European Early Childhood Conference
So exciting to start our first day of the SOS Early Childhood Morim conference. We began the Conference welcoming everyone with a special welcome to our friends from Krakow. Our meeting started with a beautiful D’var Torah ending with the reciting of the shehecheyanu together in Hebrew. English, Hungarian and Polish. Mara’s session on The Image of the Child/The Image of the Teacher was well received. Special thanks to Szonja for organizing lunch which provided opportunities to discuss the morning’s learning. Afternoon sessions were on leadership presented by Shelley and Learning In-Depth Approaches to Reggio Emilia project work by Mara. Although there were many highlights, the one that stands out was the distribution of the Jewish ritual items donated by families in the Washington DC area. Educators were overwhelmed with the generosity of the families and were touched by the meaning gifts. We look forward to learning together tomorrow as we continue to deepen our knowledge and strengthen our relationships.
Continuing across the ocean
Since today was Grandparents Day at the preschool and it was going to be very chaotic, we decided to have our final meeting away from the school. We treated Magda and Marika to a big American breakfast of pancakes. We talked about the changes that can happen at Frajda with the help and encouragement of SOS International. Marika and Magda are ready to begin the transformation at 7:30am on Monday morning!
After a short stop overlooking the San Francisco Bay for the last time and collecting seeds from Eucalyptus trees, it was time to head to the airport. We all had an emotional goodbye as we parted. Even though we will be apart physically, we are bound together. We look forward to much collaboration and to being together again soon. ~ Fran
Just the tip of the iceberg
The Magical Bridge Playground was our first stop today. This four-year-old area is part of a larger park in Palo Alto. As we walked into the park we saw beautiful green grass and trees. There was a group of people doing tai chi, some people strolling around, some heading to the recently renovated library. The Magical Bridge Playground was built to be accessible to all children, with disabilities and without. We loved exploring the different parts of the playground.
people strolling around, some heading to the recently renovated library. The Magical Bridge Playground was built to be accessible to all children, with disabilities and without. We loved exploring the different parts of the playground.
On our way back to the car, we stopped by two California Redwood trees to collect seeds that look like tiny pine cones. Magda and Marika will take them back to Frajda for the children to explore and play with.
Next we were off to check out the Palo Alto Jr. Museum, a hands on science museum geared to towards preschool-aged children. It is currently in temporary quarters, as the original space is being renovated.
We then arrived at the JCC preschool where we were greeted by many of the staff that have quickly become our friends. Some children were in the garden with Debbie on this beautiful sunny day. We met with a number of preschool educators who generously gave us handouts of information that will be very helpful as we move forward in our learning. As the week draws to a close, Magda and Marika realize that we have only touched the tip of the iceberg of learning together. We spoke about the journey of change and how we must take small steps as we move forward. We talked about their wishes for Frajda and how SOS can help fulfill some of those wishes. We also talked about how we will learn together when they return to Poland, vowing to have regular communication through video conferencing, texts, and emails. Magda and Marika also requested that we regularly send them articles to advance their learning. They are very excited to return to Frajda to share all they have experienced here to the staff and parents. ~ Fran
The most important thing in creating is the creative process itself
We started our day with a morning meeting with teachers from school. We introduced ourselves and told everyone about our kindergarten in Krakow and we showed a film about the reviving Jewish life in Poland. We spent the next hours in different classes – Magda went to classes for 3-4 years, and Marika visited toddlers and 2-year-olds. We saw many things that we will definitely use in our work when we return home. In the afternoon there was a professional development meeting at the school where we talked about the 5 basic materials & loose parts. School groups have prepared presentations on how to use sand, water, clay, paint and blocks. We saw many inspirational things. We can not wait to show our kindergarten friends all the photos and materials we got here. We want to replace some plastic blocks and toys with those that come from natural materials. We can use stones, cones, sticks, water for counting, splashing, playing, collecting and many other things that will improve our children’s motor skills. We’ve learned that the most important thing in creating is the creative process itself, not the product we get at the end. We will pay special attention to it. We also want to point out that many of our daily activities are combined with Jewish values that we want to communicate to our children. ~Magda and Marika
plastic blocks and toys with those that come from natural materials. We can use stones, cones, sticks, water for counting, splashing, playing, collecting and many other things that will improve our children’s motor skills. We’ve learned that the most important thing in creating is the creative process itself, not the product we get at the end. We will pay special attention to it. We also want to point out that many of our daily activities are combined with Jewish values that we want to communicate to our children. ~Magda and Marika
It warms my heart to observe the Morim
Our day at the Palo Alto JCC began with a morning meeting for the preschool staff. I spoke to the staff about SOS International: Enriching Jewish Identity, explained the Early Childhood Morim Program, and asked everyone to follow us on Facebook as well as check out our website.
Marika and Magda introduced themselves and told everyone about how they came to be teachers at Frajda. They thanked the JCC staff for our warm welcome. We then watched a couple of you tube videos about Jewish life in Krakow and about Frajda. And Debbie talked a bit about how the J has been supporting Frajda by providing some materials to use with the children.
The children began to arrive for the school day as we made our way to various classrooms. Marika and I spent time in a toddler classroom and Magda and Debbie worked in a 3/4 year old room. The children warmed up to us as we sat and played with them.
In one toddler room, the teacher explained to us that at the beginning of each school year, she asks the parents to shop with their child to pick a small potted plant to keep at school. The child is responsible for taking care of her plant for the year. What a lovely way to teach children the Jewish value of caring for the earth.
We gathered together to preview and discuss the PowerPoint presentation that Mykenzie used at the Professional Development meeting this evening. This gave our Morim time to process the concepts as well as ask questions. We also discussed process art and the benefits of it. A list of natural and recycled materials was shared and we talked about how to collect these materials.
We left the school and headed to the Dollar Tree, where our visitors were given some cash to spend on materials for Frajda, courtesy of the JCC Preschool. Marika and Magda had a great time picking out items to take back. We can’t wait to see pictures of the kids using the new materials.
This evening we participated in the JCC preschool professional development meeting. These meetings are held approximately once a month to provide training for the staff. Tonight’s meeting was planned with our Morim in mind. The presentation focused on 5 materials that are important to use in preschool classrooms: paint, clay, wood, water and sand. Teachers in 5 different classrooms set up provocations using these materials to demonstrate possibilities for their use. The exhibits were so inspiring. I could see how excited Marika and Magda were as they saw many examples of simple things that they can use in their teaching at Frajda. Debbie and I debriefed with the Morim over dinner. It warms my heart to observe the Morim as they begin to think about change and about new ways of working with children. ~ Fran
Another day and next observations…
Another day and next observations. We started the day by watching films about the techniques used in the Reggio Emilia method and we saw pictures from kindergartens working in this method in the US. In addition, we tried to observe what is on the walls and what message it has for children, parents and all who visit the class. Talks with teachers and their conversations with children allowed us to see how important it is to use Jewish values in every activity. We had the opportunity to know the questions to keep in mind when interpreting pictures of children learning. We are sure that it will allow us to introduce these elements of work in our kindergarten. After the observations in the rooms, we exchanged our experiences of the day and we also discussed an article. Tomorrow, we are looking forward to working in classes with the children, which we can not wait for.~ Magda and Marika
observe what is on the walls and what message it has for children, parents and all who visit the class. Talks with teachers and their conversations with children allowed us to see how important it is to use Jewish values in every activity. We had the opportunity to know the questions to keep in mind when interpreting pictures of children learning. We are sure that it will allow us to introduce these elements of work in our kindergarten. After the observations in the rooms, we exchanged our experiences of the day and we also discussed an article. Tomorrow, we are looking forward to working in classes with the children, which we can not wait for.~ Magda and Marika
So many ideas to take back to Frajda!
It is hard to describe the beauty of Debbie’s farm and surroundings. Eating a farm fresh breakfast with views of miles and miles can’t be beaten.
Today we had the gorgeous California sunshine that we’d hoped for all week. The Oshman Family JCC, Leslie Family Preschool in Palo Alto, CA does not have indoor hallways between the classrooms since the mild climate does not require it. It was a pleasure to walk around outside with the sun shining down on us. We spent extended periods of time in a number of classrooms with children of different ages. Marika and Magda especially loved seeing all of the sensory tables and the different things that were in them. One had mud, another had sand, and another one had rocks and other materials. So many ideas to take back to Frajda!
We also watched a couple of videos about preschool environments which sparked lots of ideas of possibilities for the future. We talked about Jewish values that were practiced all around the school. Magda and Marika told us about the Jewish values that have been practiced at Frajda since our SOS visit to Poland in November. We were very happy to hear that our study sessions then had been helpful to them in working with the children on Jewish values.
In our debrief we also discussed an article that I had previously sent to the Morim about Reggio Emilia. They have been very open and excited about embracing these concepts.
This evening, SOS International sponsored a dinner. In attendance were JCC Executive Director, Zach Bodner; JCC COO, Sally Flinchbaugh; incoming preschool director, Lauren Berman; preschool assistant director, Mykenzie Busser; preschool curriculum specialist, Ilana Gelemovich; and our SOS Morim team. It was a lovely evening, full of laughter and exchange of information. We finished off the evening with an ice cream cake to celebrate Marika’s birthday, enjoyed by this new group of friends. ~ Fran
Such an inspirational day!
It was such an inspirational day! We started with a welcome from teachers, parents, and employees from the
...
What a great start
We started our day with a warm welcome from JCC staff and preschool parents at a lovely coffee. We were given a tour of the school (14 classrooms!) by Mykenzie (the assistant director of the school) and Ilana (the curriculum specialist). As we went from room to room, I was able to point out Judaic content and materials as well as many other things that were great for Marika and Magda to see. We did not spend too long in each classroom this time as we wanted to make sure that they had a good overview of the school.
We joined Debbie in the school garden as a group of 3s and 4s visited. It was great to see the kids exploring worm composting, watering the plants, digging in soil, and tasting the veggies that they grew (broccoli, cauliflower, and peas). We enjoyed some tasting too! We were all impressed with the way the children treated the garden with respect.
At the end of the morning, the 4 of us gathered together to debrief and talk about the challenges that Frajda and the teachers face.
After our debrief session, we went to Half Moon Bay to collect driftwood that Magda and Marika will take home to use in the classroom. We were lucky to be at the beach for a short while as it started pouring so we headed back.
Our evening was spent at the farmhouse, discussing all that was observed and experienced during the day. There are so many things to absorb. We are delighted that our visitors are so open to considering new ways of teaching and providing wonderful experiences to the children of Frajda.~ Fran
What a busy day!
What a busy day! We began with breakfast at the farm made with eggs from the chickens here and spinach that we picked ourselves. Yum! Sitting out on the deck ...
Shabbat is here, Shabbat is here
At our morning meeting with the Frajda staff, we went over a few of the items that we had discussed this week. We agreed that the top thing to do going forward is to frame things that are done in the classroom through a lens of Jewish values. The staff is very enthusiastic about doing this and began by describing the recycling boxes the children made today as “tikun olam”, taking care of the world. The children made one box for the school and one for the JCC. The children will teach the adults about this important Jewish value! We look forward to getting photos from the Frajda staff showing the Jewish values that the children are practicing.
children made today as “tikun olam”, taking care of the world. The children made one box for the school and one for the JCC. The children will teach the adults about this important Jewish value! We look forward to getting photos from the Frajda staff showing the Jewish values that the children are practicing.
A special time of the day was when Rabbi Avi came to celebrate Shabbat with the children. To make this time a bit more special, the table was covered with a white tablecloth and a centerpiece of a few fresh flowers was used. Another new tradition was started as we dimmed the lights for the lighting of the candles.
After blessing the wine and enjoying the challah we made yesterday, Rabbi Avi helped the children hang mezuzot in the different rooms. They were placed at eye level for the children so that they can touch and admire the mezuzah when they pass through the doorway.
Soon it was time for us to say goodbye. We are so thankful to have had this wonderful experience of collaboration and learning. We hope to meet again in the near future.
Recycle it!
What was to be a lesson for the Frajda staff about recycling turned into a wonderful period of learning while doing. The children were so excited when Marika arrived with cardboard boxes. They could not wait to get their hands on them and soon were busy cutting, taping, and planning. When the adults stepped away, the magic began as the children talked about ways to accomplish their goals. Even the youngest wanted to be part of the action!
After making a box for recycling, a few boxes were put into the middle of one of the rooms. The children folded, flattened, and climbed. One box became a car for two. Another provided a hiding place for one child as the others searched for her. What an exciting time for all!
As the children ate their snack I was able to spend some time with Gosia, Magda, and Marika, talking about what makes a good toy. We had a worthwhile discussion and then examined some of the toys in the classroom. We talked about using open-ended and natural materials, as they open up so many possibilities for imaginary and sensory play. We closed our discussion with the charge for the staff to look at their toys and materials to decide what things will stimulate the children.
The children then went upstairs where they made challah with Olga. They were excited and proud of the loaves that they will take home to their families.
Debbie and I met with Rabbi Avi to learn what he does when he meets with the Frajda children and to teach him a bit about SOS and our goals for the EC Morim Program.
Our day ended at a challah baking events for members of the JCC. Rabbi Avi shared his family recipe and taught to make a braided challah with 4 strands. ~ Fran
We can do it together
The day began with the Frajda staff and SOS team reflecting on yesterday’s classroom observations. Together we discussed many possibilities to enrich the learning environment.
Debbie Togliatti shared the gifts she brought from the Oshman Family JCC Preschool. The Frajda staff enjoyed learning about how the materials can enhance their curriculum.
The SOS team met with Olga Danek to discuss the Judaic Program, and with Sebastian Rudol and Anna Gulinska to discuss some big ideas for future collaboration. At the end of the day, we met with Jonathan Ornstein, JCC Executive Director, who offered his enthusiastic support of our future work together. It was an amazing, full and productive day.
We learn by observing
Our day began when we met with the Frajda staff. We talked about the day ahead of us. SOS Team members offered suggestions to the teachers for enhancing their work with the children. The Frajda staff taught us a lot about their program and their government requirements. We talked about ways that we can be helpful to them.
We were thrilled when the children arrived at school. We learned a lot by observing and we are now ready to work together with Frajda to begin to strengthen their program. We look forward to our continued work tomorrow.