Day 5

Visiting the Gan (Nursery School) at Kibbutz Reishit
By Melanie Shipon and Jerry Abelow

It has been a magical time in Israel so far--bonding, laughing, sharing, eating, shopping and visiting a variety of inspiring Jewish sites and geological wonders.  We know we have all been inspired by the Western Wall, the Chagall windows at the Hadassah Hospital, and the history of the streets surrounding us. But this is not an ordinary group of tourists; we are in our hearts educators! 

After our host Raffi greeted us and told us the inspiring history of the urban Kibbutz Reishit in Jerusalem, our eyes lit up when we were invited to visit the children of the Gan. They immediately welcomed us into their play, a group of complete strangers who did not all share their language. The depth and creativity in their play was remarkable given the fact that there were 30 preschool children in the room. We were amazed at how this large group managed to stop their play and transition to circle time with no issues! In fact, one child even helped a friend get settled in the chair next to him! They seem to really foster independence in a social setting.

So this experience challenged our belief that smaller class sizes are best practice. We saw a caring community of children and teachers in action and not at all what what our pre-conceived notion would have led us to believe. What else will challenge us about early childhood education as we visit schools in Haifa? We can't wait to find out!

Melanie and Jerry

The children attending the Gan (Nursery School) of Kibbutz Reishit are encouraged to plant seeds and care for them to watch them grow 

Visiting the Menorah in front of the Knesset

Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital

Here we are in front of the Kotel (Western Wall)

Putting written prayers into the Kotel Wall 

Scenes from Machane Yehuda, the Shuk (Market)

Dried Fruit for sale at the open air market Machane Yehuda

Baklava for sale at Machane Yehuda