Blog
Becoming Miss Barnett
Teachers have always had a great impact on me, but there is one teacher in particular who has had the most profound influence on my life. That teacher is Mrs. Barnett, a preschool teacher from JCC Chicago Early Childhood at Am Shalom – and she just happens to also be my mom. I grew up getting […] Learn More ›
What Happens When Two Dads Go On A Playdate
Who knew that a playdate between two JCC Chicago preschool classmates would be the beginning of a burgeoning toy company? That’s what happened when Tyler and Reed and their fathers met at Flick Park in April of 2019. Their moms (both named Lauren and both nurses!) already had a lunch date planned and were anxious […] Learn More ›
The Nora Project Comes to JCC Chicago
Imagine this scenario taking place in your child’s preschool classroom: One teacher, Shari, asked a child to join her in front of the class in her morning meeting. She brought Legos to build with this child, together. Another teacher, Annie, came over and asked if she could join in. Shari turned her back to her, […] Learn More ›
Just Because: Not Just A Tale of Two Siblings
As February is Jewish Disability, Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM,) it is being highlighted at JCC Chicago ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Early Childhood in a special way. Educators, Robin Bright and Juliet Ziak, designed a Book of the Month Club for their four-year-old classes as part of JCC Chicago’s Small Grants Program. This specific award […] Learn More ›
8 Tips to Move Gratitude from Attitude to Action
As Thanksgiving approaches, we turn our attention to the concept of gratitude, its importance as a Jewish value and ways to nurture it in our families on an ongoing basis. The Hebrew term for gratitude is hakarat hatov, which literally means, “recognizing the good.” This concept evokes the popular notion of an “attitude of gratitude,” […] Learn More ›
Dear beloved children, I am your teacher, and you are mine.
Dear beloved children, Our journey began here where I sat amongst the floating papers, scattered staples, the books and the toys. I looked around the room with great intention and immense joy. I pictured where the new friendships would bud, where your inquisitive questions might be inspired and where in this space you might reach […] Learn More ›