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Elementary

The Innovative School of Temple Beth Sholom is a progressive Elementary School designed to encourage and develop our understandings and practices within the social-constructivist approach to learning regarding the whole child. We are guided by the Reggio Emilia approach to learning. We foster academic achievement and 21st-century skills including empowering children and fostering a sense of agency.

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LEARN ABOUT OUR CURRICULUM

Learning Concepts and Goals

At The Innovative School of Temple Beth Sholom, our goal is for children to love learning. Our curriculum is anchored in meaningful experiences, providing learning opportunities that promote collaboration, critical thinking, and inquiry. With a child-directed approach always at the forefront, teaching and learning are authentic, and we intentionally design our learning experiences to foster inquiry, communication, and creative expression. Through ongoing observation and assessment of the learning process, our educators mindfully plan curriculum. Learning standards and goals undergird these experiences and processes.

Learner Portrait

Our Elementary Level provides an academically rigorous approach to education that also cultivates the cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing 21st Century. Our Learners are…

Empathetic Citizens

Empowered Learners

Effective Communicators

Creative Problem Solvers

Constructive Collaborators

Innovative Learning

Innovation Lab

Earth Summit

Nefesh Experience

Judaic Studies

Flow of the Day

Morning Meeting

This is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to adapt to the group’s needs, practice listening to and asking and answering questions. We share new thoughts, ideas and possibilities. Work for the day is also discussed.

Literacy Workshop

A balanced literacy curriculum includes: read alouds, word study, a writing workshop and a reading workshop. Reading is gradually acquired over years of instruction and practice that is balanced and addresses all components of reading:

• phonemic awareness
• phonics
• fluency
• comprehension (includes vocabulary and text comprehension)

Snack/Lunch

At The Innovative School of Temple Beth Sholom we recognize the importance of innovation not only within our education but also within our culinary delights. We have a state of the art 1,000 square foot on-site kitchen where our meals are prepared daily. Nutrition is a vital component to our children’s physical development. Our ingredients are always fresh and delicious!

Physical Fitness

Physical Education focuses on helping learners gain strength and mobility and build healthy habits including positive social skills through movement and play. Learners participate in a variety of activities that promote fitness, coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These include skill development in games such as soccer, basketball, kickball, frisbee, jump rope, obstacle courses and volleyball, as well as fun fitness challenges, cooperative games, and lessons on health and wellness. Our goal is to help every child gain confidence, stay active, and learn that exercise can be both enjoyable and rewarding.
 
Recess provides learners with valuable unstructured playtime each day to recharge, use their imagination, and develop social-emotional skills. Here at the Innovative School, we actively encourage inclusive play, fair teamwork, and respectful communication. We believe that both structured PE lessons and free play at recess are essential parts of a well-rounded school day supporting not only physical health but also creativity, problem-solving, and friendship building.

Music

Learners have music twice a week. Learners explore their world through listening, singing, moving, playing instruments, and creating. As they develop basic skills, techniques, and processes in music, they strengthen their music vocabulary and music literacy. Learners remember, focus on, process, play, and create together.

Math Workshop

During the math workshop, learners work as a whole class, independently, in pairs and in small groups. Learners use math in real-world situations. They think logically about math, write about math, and understand numbers through practice, games and manipulatives. Learners engage in meaningful mathematical problem-solving strategies and become critical thinkers.

Science and Social Studies

Project ideas are presented to the learners by the teacher about a social studies or science learning arc and are developed through learners’ interests, questions and discussions. The learners are given the time and space to investigate, analyze, discuss, record, and predict based on their observations and questions to create theories of understanding.Project ideas are presented to the learners by the teacher about a social studies or science learning arc and are developed through learners’ interests, questions and discussions. The learners are given the time and space to investigate, analyze, discuss, record, and predict based on their observations and questions to create theories of understanding.

Tefillah & Shabbat

Tefillah (prayer) is a meaningful time for learners to connect spiritually, reflect, and practice Jewish liturgy. Our Tefillah program emphasizes participation, understanding, and joy, helping learners feel confident and engaged in communal prayer.

Shabbat at our school is a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate community. On Friday mornings, learners engage in rituals, songs, and discussions that bring meaning to the day and connect them to Jewish life at home and school. This weekly practice strengthens social, emotional, and spiritual learning.

• Shabbat blessings for candles, wine, and challah

• Sharing stories and songs

• Torah portion exploration

• Building community and mindfulness

• Connecting traditions to daily life

Judaic Studies

Our Hebrew and Judaic Studies program nurtures both language skills and cultural connection. Learners build a strong foundation in Hebrew reading, writing, and conversation while exploring Jewish texts, traditions, and values. Instruction is interactive, meaningful, and designed to foster lifelong curiosity and identity.

 

• Hebrew reading and writing

•Prayer and liturgy

• Torah and biblical stories

• Jewish history and culture

• Values and ethics

Field Trips

We are proud to be located in the heart of Miami Beach, where so many of the city’s cultural and educational destinations are easily accessible to our school. Beginning in our Elementary Level, learners are able to participate in off-campus experiences that enhance their academic areas of study and bring their classroom learning to life. We believe that meaningful off-campus experiences help learners make real world connections to their coursework while fostering curiosity and agency. Past excursions include visits to Art Basel, the Everglades, the Nu Deco Orchestra and the Jewish Museum. 

 

Read about some of our trips here.

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