Watch us grow!

Watch Us Grow!

Jamare Harris | Education Coordinator

As we continue our exploration of gardening, the values of Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World), G’milut Chasadim (Acts of LovingKindness), and Bal Tasheet (Do Not Destroy) have become constant practice. We interact with the birds and insects that visit our garden, practice daily care of our garden and classroom plants, plant seeds, and observe fragile new growth. Caring for living things helps to cultivate empathy, an important skill in early childhood development.

Thanks to the ongoing support from generous community members, we planted various vegetables and fruits in our raised garden bed on the Falk Playground. The children also had the opportunity to taste some of our snap peas and green beans, and we are waiting for our tomatoes to signal that they are ready by changing from green to red. Transplanting the bean we grew in our “window greenhouse” also caused much excitement. The children had the opportunity to see the re-growth of celery and will continue to explore how other fruits and vegetables grow. We had multiple germination activities and opportunities as well. One way we take care of our indoor plants and garden is by routine watering. The children have used a variety of items to water plants such as pipettes, turkey basters, watering cans, and the water hose. We learned that different vegetables, fruits, plants, and flowers grow during certain seasons. Many Jewish holidays have agricultural origins, and the Jewish calendar is centered around planting and harvesting seasons. Within Jewish agricultural law, we find guidance on how to live an ethical and environmentally cautious life.

Learn more about financially supporting our Early Childhood Education initiatives and programs by contacting Susan Paletz, Director of Fund & Community Development, at spaletz@alpertjcc.org or by calling 562.426.7601 extension 1012.