My Sheva Journey
The practice of gematria, or the spiritual interpretation of numbers, is common in Jewish tradition and is one technique for understanding sacred texts in Judaism. Commonly, we think of the number 18 for its meaning of Chai or “life.” We often gift a new baby, Bar/Bat Mitzvah child or bride and groom $18, $36 or other denomination […] Learn More ›
Chew on This: Strategies for Responding to your Child’s Biting
Getting a call from your child’s teacher, only to learn that they have bitten one of their peers or have been bitten by someone, can be alarming for parents. Not knowing how to react or what to do can often leave you feeling helpless. It is important to understand that biting is a normal developmental […] Learn More ›
The Gift of Giving
The time of year has come when our children are busy in their classrooms learning about the story of Hanukkah. The aroma of latkes fills the hallways, books about brave Macabees take over the library corners, and riveting games of dreidel are in full swing. While gift giving has not always been a tradition of […] Learn More ›
The Salience of Superheroes
“Mommy, I bet The Hulk could pick up the whole world with one finger.” Ah, the morning musings of my four year-old on our drive to school. As an early childhood professional with two young ones of my own, I’m well versed in the world of good guys, bad guys, princesses, superheroes, and the miracle […] Learn More ›
The Wonderful World of Why’s: Providing Answers Beyond “Because I Said So!”
My daughter: Why are the birds so loud? Me: They are chirping. My daughter: Why? Me: Because just like we talk, chirping is how birds communicate and “talk.” My daughter: Why? Me: Their family wants to know where they are and if they need something. My daughter: But why? Me: Because their family cares about […] Learn More ›
It’s Not Just Another Playground. It’s a Real Outdoor Classroom!
Written by by Jackie Baker-Schupbach and Trudi Krames, Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center Teacher and Director We began our journey with CEELI – Chicago Early Engagement Leadership Initiative, in October 2016. CEELI Community of Practice is a groundbreaking initiative in North America by virtue of its scope and outcome measures. CEELI in the Chicago Jewish community, with […] Learn More ›