Hebrew Academy

Tiny Hands, Big Achievements: How Play Shapes Futures at Hebrew Academy

Rochie Popack | Hebrew Academy

As a young mom, I remember the ritual well: the scramble to pack healthy snacks that my children would eat, the search for that second shoe always hiding, and the herculean effort to leave the house quickly before the baby needed feeding again. Playgrounds were my lifeline, islands of relative peace where I could momentarily catch my breath while my toddlers exhausted their boundless energy.

A simple after-school pick-up became an enriching community experience at the Hebrew Academy Preschool playground. This space was more than just an array of play equipment; it was the heart of our school community. Here, while our children delved into imaginative play, we parents found ourselves drawn into impromptu playdates. These moments became a cherished part of our routine, where sharing stories and parenting tips came as naturally as watching our children’s games. Friendships flourished in this communal space, paralleling the bonds our children formed at school, fostering a sense of belonging and a shared journey within the school community.

Each visit to the playground became a window into the vast potential of play. It was here that I witnessed my daughter's first triumphant climb across the monkey bars, each grasp rung a testament to her growing resilience and courage. Watching my son collaborate with his friends to build elaborate sandcastles, I saw the seeds of teamwork and leadership. These were not mere games but pivotal experiences shaping their young minds and characters.

These experiences as a parent were just one facet of the Hebrew Academy playground. The depth of this playground’s impact became apparent under the guidance of Morah Chanie, the preschool director. With nearly thirty years of leadership, she has transformed this playground into a dynamic canvas of learning and community. Her innovative vision is evident in every corner, from the sensory-rich bike path to the daily outdoor activities that captivate the children’s curiosity. “Our playground is where independence blossoms.” shares Morah Chanie, “We encourage our children to explore, discover, and engage with their environment. This freedom is so important in nurturing confident, curious learners.”

As I walk through the now-familiar grounds of the Hebrew Academy playground, memories flood back – of tiny hands gripping the slide in an attempt to climb instead of sliding down, of laughter echoing against the backdrop of imaginative play, and of parents sharing stories and support. This playground, a haven of childhood memories, has evolved, like my children, mirroring their growth and our community's aspirations.

The tinkling music fills the air from one corner of the playground, with children clustering around xylophones and drums. It is more than a symphony of sounds; it is the Hebrew Academy’s commitment to nurturing creative expression. In the STEM area, young minds are filled with curiosity and wonder as they experiment and explore, turning abstract concepts like gravity, force, and inertia into tangible, playful learning experiences.

The playhouses dotting the playground are bustling hubs of imaginative play, allowing children to take on roles as shopkeepers, chefs, or explorers, learning valuable social skills and the power of imagination. These structures provide a canvas for our children to weave their narratives, developing language skills and emotional intelligence as they play.

The infant care area is a specially designed, safe space where our youngest learners can explore independently. This area ensures that even the smallest community members have a place to play and grow, surrounded by age-appropriate challenges and stimuli.

Jewish festivals bring a unique dimension to our beloved playground. As the wooden bride transforms into the Red Sea during Pesach, or when our playhouses become sukkahs for Sukkot, the playground becomes a thoughtful transformation, blending tradition with imaginative play and becoming integral to our children's cultural and emotional development.

As we strive for excellence in education at the Hebrew Academy, to announce a fundraiser to upgrade this beloved playground and the other play areas on our campus. Enhancing these spaces will allow us to provide even more enriching experiences for our children, fostering their growth in an environment that reflects our commitment to nurturing every child. Your support in this endeavor reinforces our vision of providing an educational experience that promotes the whole child - physically, intellectually, and spiritually. Together, we can create a world where they can grow, imagine, and become anything they dream of.