At Academies @ GBDS’ early childhood department, Jewish values and traditions are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum through developmentally appropriate activities involving play, songs, cooking, beginning tefillot (Modeh Ani, Shema etc.) and exploration of the weekly Torah portion. The programs vary according to grade level. Through these meaningful, touching programs each child at Academies @ GBDS builds a foundation for Jewish life and learning.
The Pre-K Modeh Ani program is the first in the series of specially planned Early Childhood Judaic milestone events at Academies @ GBDS. This inaugural program will take place in the school’s sukkah on October 18, and will feature a book reading by children’s author and proud Academies @ GBDS parent, Shiri Sher. Shiri will share her book, “The King’s Secret Mission: The Story of Modeh Ani,” which addresses the concept of spirituality and answers questions children may have, such as What is a soul? Where does it go when you are asleep? How and why does it come back in the morning? Susan Scher, early childhood director of Academies @ GBDS, has encouraged Shiri to bring her book to schools in order to foster the desire to learn and appreciate this special morning prayer in Pre-K aged students.
“We are hosting a community-wide event to bring this unique program to our Jewish community,” said Lina Shuster, executive director of Academies @ GBDS. “Modeh Ani is a powerful and positive prayer to recite. It creates an opportunity for young children to express gratitude from the very first moment they awake.”
On Sunday, October 27, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Academies @ GBDS middle school students are hosting the annual Pancake Breakfast, which will also feature a segment by Shiri Sher. The morning begins with Shiri reading “The King’s Secret Mission: The Story of Modeh Ani.” Children will then participate in a craft and the special character from the book, BIM, will make an appearance. Following that segment is the delicious pancake breakfast and more surprises! To RSVP for the event please visit www.ssnj.org/breakfast.�
For more information, please call 201-337-1111 or visit www.ssnj.org. Academies @ GBDS is located at 45 Spruce Street, Oakland, NJ 07436.
