Le Petit Gan de Sophie believes that children are simply small citizens of the world, and that the early years are the best years to help them understand all the possibilities open to them. Our emphasis on English French and Hebrew language is one way of achieving this. Another is our focus on helping others and giving back. We do this in part by getting our hands dirty in the garden, where children learn about the earth and grow fruits and vegetables not just for themselves but to be provide to the less fortunate. The circle of life is a small plot of land.
We believe that every child can learn and deserves to learn in a loving environment. We believe the messier the better in the service of learning – we’re not afraid of paint, glue, dirt, glitter, or the complicated questions that young children so often ask. We like getting down to eye level with our little citizens of the world, where we teach them how to treat people with respect and be respected in return. We take a whole child approach, incorporating as many aspects of play as possible into our curriculum.
Who says learning can’t be fun? We believe that learning is important even at such an early age but that loving to learn is even more essential. We want children to leave Le Petit Gan ready for other educational opportunities that await them – academically, emotionally and socially.
Students at Le Petit Gan are consistently exposed to French and Hebrew throughout the school day. They both hear the two languages spoken and are expected to speak them in return, first in single bursts of words, eventually in full sentences. Much of this learning is done organically, through exposure.
We believe children learn best by doing. Activities that promote curiosity and eagerness are the cornerstone of Le Petit Gan’s day. Happily, much of this learning is accomplished outdoors, where Le Petit Gan students plant and harvest their own fruits and vegetables in a hands-on program built on the notion that examples of what is in textbooks are all around us. Turning a mound of dirt makes earth science real. Watching worms at work is an important environmental lesson. The food chain starts with a seed planted by a child. Math is in a measuring cup. The possibilities are endless.