Learning | Sinai Learning Lab

Our Learning Journey

Learning is like climbing a mountain—a journey that unfolds in stages, each one essential for reaching the summit. At Base Camp, we lay the foundation, building core skills and preparing for the ascent. Through Practice, students refine those skills in safe, controlled environments. Then comes the Expedition, where they apply what they’ve learned to real-world challenges, discovering their potential along the way. Finally, Reflection allows them to pause, assess their progress, and chart their next steps, ensuring they grow stronger with every stride.

In many traditional schools, the focus remains on Basecamp and Practice—laying down core skills and practicing in controlled environments. However, students are often moved through these stages based on age or timeline, not on true skill mastery. This approach can leave them waiting at the starting line, missing out on the adventure that real learning can bring.

At Sinai Learning Lab, we take learning further. We believe your children deserve more—experiences that not only build knowledge but also inspire confidence and growth. That’s why our approach embraces the full journey:

Expedition – where students apply their skills in real-world, meaningful contexts, discovering their potential through hands-on challenges.
Reflection – empowering them to pause, assess their experiences, and chart a path forward, fostering resilience and a love for lifelong learning.

Because at Sinai Learning Lab, we know the best climbers don’t just train—they climb, reflect, and grow stronger with every step. And they move forward when they’re truly ready, mastering each skill before tackling the next challenge.

Ari and Nomi are imaginary 1st graders at Sinai Learning Lab.

Click on the tabs below to follow them on their learning journey.

Practice: Training and Refining

Ari and Nomi dive deeper into their skills through hands-on activities and focused practice.

In ELA, Ari begins writing his own adventure story about exploring a mysterious cave, working on adding details and dialogue to make his story exciting. Nomi focuses on organizing her ideas by creating a step-by-step guide for planting a classroom garden, practicing clear instructions and sequence words. They take turns reading their work aloud to each other, offering kind feedback and suggestions to improve.

In STEM, Ari and Nomi engage in experiments to understand how different materials interact with light. They test paper, plastic, and foil to see which materials block light and which allow it to pass through. Ari carefully measures the distance between the light source and the object, while Nomi records the results in a data table. They compare notes and discuss why some materials work better than others. This practice strengthens their problem-solving and observation skills, getting them ready for a bigger challenge.

Base Camp: Gathering Skills and Knowledge

Every morning, Ari and Nomi arrive at the Learning Lab ready to build the foundational skills they need for bigger adventures ahead.

In ELA, Ari focuses on strengthening his reading comprehension by exploring short stories and identifying the main idea. He enjoys drawing comic strips to retell stories, helping him visualize key events. Nomi, who is becoming more confident in her writing, works on expanding her vocabulary by describing objects in the classroom using sensory words. Together, they listen to stories and discuss characters' feelings, building their understanding of how stories work.

In STEM, Ari experiments with measuring objects using different tools, comparing lengths to understand how measurement works in real life. Nomi, always curious, explores how light moves by observing shadows created with flashlights and objects. She carefully records her findings in a science journal. Both Ari and Nomi are laying the groundwork for problem-solving by asking questions and making observations.

Expedition: Applying Skills in Problem-Based Learning

In the afternoon, Ari and Nomi come together for an exciting learning adventure. This month’s challenge is: "How can we design a sukkah that brings in light while providing shade?"

Combining their skills, Ari and Nomi brainstorm ideas. Ari suggests using translucent materials to let light in, inspired by the stories they read about how light symbolizes hope. Nomi, drawing from their experiments, recommends using thin fabrics and plastic sheets that let in sunlight during the day and glow at night with LED lights.

They design and build a sukkah model using craft sticks for the frame and translucent fabric for the walls. Ari writes a small sign explaining how their sukkah connects to the themes of light and shelter in Sukkot, while Nomi carefully measures and cuts materials to make sure everything fits. Together, they test how much light shines through and adjust their design to balance light and shade.

Their teamwork and creativity turn their sukkah into a beautiful, functional model that reflects both their learning and the holiday’s meaning.

Reflection: Evaluating and Planning for Growth

At the end of the day, Ari and Nomi pause to reflect on their journey.

In their journals, Ari writes about how storytelling helped him imagine how their sukkah could symbolize hope and protection. He feels proud that his writing added meaning to their project. Nomi reflects on how experimenting with different materials helped them make better design choices. She notes how important it was to test ideas and not give up when something didn’t work.

During group reflection, they share their sukkah model with classmates, explaining how they combined their ideas and problem-solving skills to create it. Their peers ask thoughtful questions, and Ari and Nomi proudly explain how they overcame challenges together.

Their reflection helps them recognize how much they’ve grown—and inspires them to keep climbing higher on their next learning adventure.

Our Inspiration

Our learning journey draws inspiration from the Montessori method's multi-age classrooms and mastery-based learning, creating an environment where students of different ages collaborate and learn at their own pace, fostering peer learning and individual growth. Influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, it embraces the "100 Languages of Children," encouraging diverse forms of expression and creativity, from art and drama to digital media and storytelling. Additionally, the Lab integrates Acton Academies' focus on problem-based learning (which we call "challenge-based learning"), engaging students with real-world challenges that promote critical thinking, innovation, and practical problem-solving skills. This unique blend cultivates a dynamic, student-centered learning experience that nurtures holistic development and lifelong learning.

By incorporating elements from these three approaches, Sinai Learning Lab builds upon the foundational principles of Gan Sinai and creates a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where elementary age students are encouraged to explore, create, and innovate. We prioritize personalized learning experiences, student agency, and holistic development, preparing students not only for academic success but also for lifelong learning and meaningful engagement in the world around them.

100 Languages

The Reggio Emilia philosophy's concept of "100 languages" refers to the belief that children express themselves and learn in myriad ways. In an elementary school setting, this philosophy encourages recognizing and nurturing diverse forms of expression, such as drawing, storytelling, movement, and music. By honoring these multiple modes of communication, educators create a rich, inclusive environment where each child's unique abilities and interests are valued. This approach fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a deep engagement with learning, allowing children to explore and understand the world in ways that resonate with them personally. By providing various avenues for expression and learning, students develop a more comprehensive set of skills and a deeper, more personalized understanding of the material, ultimately leading to improved academic and developmental outcomes. Click here to learn more.

Multi-age Classroom

In a multi-age elementary learning environment, students of varying ages and grade levels learn together in a shared space, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that emphasizes mastery-based learning. This structure allows for flexible grouping based on individual learning needs and skill levels rather than age, promoting personalized instruction. Education is tailored to each student’s unique learning pace and abilities, ensuring that they progress as they demonstrate mastery of specific competencies. Older students naturally take on mentorship roles, guiding and assisting younger peers, which reinforces their own understanding and builds leadership skills. Younger students benefit from exposure to more advanced concepts and the opportunity to learn from older classmates. This dynamic setup encourages social development, peer learning, and a strong sense of community, ultimately benefiting all students by creating a more adaptable and supportive educational experience. The focus on skill mastery promotes confidence, encourages peer learning, and ensures that all students achieve a deep and enduring understanding of essential skills. Click here to learn more.

Challenge-Based Learning

Challenge-based learning (our version of "Problem-Based Learning") in elementary classrooms is a powerful educational approach that enhances critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among young students. By engaging with real-world challenges, children develop essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, and independent learning. This method fosters a deeper understanding of subject matter as students actively seek solutions, make decisions, and reflect on their learning process. Moreover, Challenge-based Learning invites students to call upon cross-curricular knowledge and skills, integrating concepts from various subjects such as math, science, language arts, and social studies to develop comprehensive solutions. This interdisciplinary approach not only makes learning more relevant and engaging but also helps students build confidence and resilience, preparing them for future academic and life challenges. Click here to learn more.

Mastery-Based Learning

Mastery-based learning is a transformative approach that empowers students to take ownership of their education by progressing through concepts at their own pace until they achieve a deep, comprehensive understanding. Rather than being confined by rigid timelines or grade levels, students focus on mastering specific skills and knowledge before moving forward. This ensures that learning gaps are addressed, preventing the frustration and disengagement that can occur when students are pushed ahead without fully understanding foundational concepts. By emphasizing real understanding over rote memorization, mastery-based learning fosters resilience, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. It also encourages students to develop intrinsic motivation, as they experience the satisfaction of truly mastering a challenge. This personalized approach creates a learning environment where students are confident, capable, and prepared to tackle increasingly complex ideas. Click here to learn more.

A Day in the Lab

9:00 Drop-Off / Centers

9:30 Z'man Kehillah (Community Time): Morning Meeting/Tefillah

9:45 Core Skills: Math, reading, and writing

10:45 Lab maintenance

11:00 Specialist: Science/Art/Engineering/ Hebrew/Coach/Gardening/Drama/Music

11:30 Outdoor play

12:00 Drop everything and read!

12:30 Lunch

1:00 Z'man Kehillah (Community Time): Setting the stage for our team challenge-based learning

1:15 Team Challenge-Based Learning/Yahadut (Judaic Studies)

2:15 Lab Maintenance

2:30 That's a Wrap! Z'man Kehillah (Community Time)

2:45 Pick up