Welcome to kindergarten at Milwaukee Jewish Day School! What a wonderful place for children to discover the joy of learning in a warm, nurturing environment. Our teachers are attentive to each child’s unique qualities and needs, and they guide children through their formative years, inspiring curiosity and encouraging independence. We believe that children learn by doing, and we encourage children to engage in directed and free-play as well as hands-on manipulation of materials. Woven into each child’s day is the joy of Jewish living so that children are able to develop their Jewish identities and learn to value their cultural heritage. This combination encourages the development of the whole child. 

Our knowledgeable teachers use an experiential approach to learning throughout the kindergarten curriculum. Most important, we hope to foster each child’s self-esteem and positive feelings about learning. We encourage children to be happy and confident about who they are and to develop a positive attitude about learning now and in the future. 

General Studies

Whether it’s math, science, social studies or language arts, concepts are made real with hands-on activities. Teachers blend age-appropriate academics with activities and play as they help children make connections between themselves, their classmates, their families and their community. Through exciting curriculum units, children are introduced to the joy of learning. These units, both in general and Jewish studies, are frequently integrated across all disciplines. The development of language arts is on-going through stories, the letter of the week and student journals. Story writing, journaling, self-expression through sharing, poetry and author study also are important parts of a program that encourages children to communicate more effectively. Play centers, art, costumes and blocks are used to develop the child’s imagination.

Hebrew and Jewish Studies

Conversational Hebrew and Jewish rituals and celebrations are a joyous part of each child’s day. Children learn Hebrew through games, songs, skits and dance. In addition, they learn stories from the Torah and participate in daily tefillah (prayer). They learn about mitzvot in class through story and song, including the importance of tzedakah (righteous behavior). Students gain a connection to the land and people of Israel through songs and art projects. In addition, they work with young Israeli students who lead projects that bring our students closer to children living in Israel.

Art, Physical Education and Music 

Art, physical education and music are important parts of our kindergarten program. Art is incorporated into all curricula, secular and Jewish Studies. Physical education focuses on development of movement and coordination. Children are enriched by our music program through singing, listening, playing instruments, musicianship, and movement. We also enjoy a unique partnership with the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music which offers hand-drumming classes to all kindergarteners as part of their school day.

Kindergarten Curriculae

Parents receive hard copies of their child's grade level curriculum along with a parent hand book at the beginning of each school year. However, the curriculum can also be found here. If you have questions, please contact Admissions Director Noach Jubelirer at (414) 967-8314 or njubelirer@mjds.org.

Junior Kindergarten Curriculum

Senior Kindergarten Curriculum