Preschool

Sharon Sherry, Director

Olam Tikvah Preschool is a private, cooperative Jewish preschool for children ages two to five. Established in 1973, we provide a wide variety of learning experiences that include structured learning, circle time, music, sensory experiences, stories, and snack time. The curriculum at OT is presented to the children through ongoing topics such as Jewish holidays, positive self-concepts, family relationships, seasons, nutrition, colors, and numbers. To learn more about Olam Tikvah Preschool, contact Teacher/Director Sharon Sherry, (703) 425-1886, or see the OT Preschool web site. Free Shlock Rock Concert, Tuesday, May 6, 5:00pm-6:15pm, followed by optional dinner. OT's Preschool and Religious School will host this freeYom HaAtzmaut concert at Olam Tikvah. Everyone's invited for cool Jewish music and fun (arts and crafts too)!! Check the group out at www.shlockrock.com. Free Lion Tales Puppet Show, Wednesday, May 7, 10:00am. Children’s puppet show for preschoolers. All welcomed.

Preschool News

By MICHELLE PEARLSTEIN, OT Preschool President

It’s April and that can only mean one thing… Pesach! While we grown-ups may prepare for Pesach by poring over recipes, clean- ing, shopping and trying to configure tables to accommodate our guests comfortably, our children are also preparing in very tangible ways. Through an interactive, multi-sensory and fun curriculum, the children of Olam Tikvah Preschool learn the story, the characters, the significance and the rituals associated with the holiday. The story of the Four Sons (or Daughters!) in our Haggadah reminds us that each person learns differently, and our teachers take that to heart. They each teach about Passover through vehicles such as books, music, art, movement and drama so every child is able to connect with the holiday. For example, one child may remember building pyramids, jumping like frogs from “lily pad” to “lily pad,” squeezing in between tables as they cross the Red Sea, and trying to reach the sand paper (the desert) during the Pesach obstacle course. Another child may come home and clean the chametz out of their play kitchen. Still another child may sing Dayenu for weeks!

The Passover Seder is a focal point for everyone, and our preschool community is looking forward to celebrating together during our annual Preschool Seder on April 15. Also, back by popular demand and thanks to funds from our Laura Budiansky Special Programming Fund, we will enjoy a special Pesach performance by The Lion Tales Puppet Theater on April 8.

Each child at OT Preschool creates a “Seder Sack” to bring home filled with all the accoutrements necessary to participate in his or her family’s Seder: Elijah cups, seder plates, matzo covers, pillows for reclining, Afikomen bags, and all essential seder song props. Incorporate this precious Judaica into your Seder and watch your preschooler burst with pride! Chag Sameach!

(from the April 2008 Contemporary)