Our Learning Journey | Sinai Learning Lab

How We Learn

We believe that learning is an active, dynamic journey—much like climbing a mountain. Every ascent begins at Basecamp, where we gather the essential knowledge, skills, and tools needed to prepare for the climb ahead. Equipped with a strong foundation, we move into Training, where we engage in hands-on experiences, testing our abilities and refining our techniques through real practice. When ready, we set off on our Expedition, applying what we’ve learned to real-world challenges, navigating obstacles, and growing through experience. Finally, we make time along the way for Reflection, looking back on how far we've come to celebrate progress, analyze setbacks, and prepare for the next stage of this great adventure called learning.

This continuous cycle, inspired by John Dewey’s educational philosophy of education, ensures that learning is not just something we acquire but something we experience, apply, and refine—always reaching for new heights.

Traditional schools often make four key mistakes, and at Sinai Learning Lab, our Learning Journey is designed to fix them. First, traditional schools prioritize content knowledge over the development of essential academic skills like analytical writing, mathematical reasoning, and scientific inquiry. Second, they advance students based on age instead of mastery, resulting in uneven engagement and missed opportunities for deeper learning. Third, students rarely get to put their learning into action, missing the chance to apply knowledge in meaningful, real-world situations.

Shifting the Focus

Worst of all though, traditional schools often fail to prioritize the most important skills children need to thrive. Instead of helping students master problem-solving, collaboration, and independent thinking, they focus on rote memorization and rigid progressions that don’t reflect true learning.

Imagine teaching a child to ride a bike. Using training wheels initially seems helpful, but they actually prevent the child from learning the crucial skill of balance. Removing the training wheels later leaves the child struggling. Starting with a balance bike, however, lets the child master balance first, making the transition to pedals easier.

At Sinai Learning Lab, we take the same approach to education—removing unnecessary "training wheels" and prioritizing the skills that build strong, capable learners. We cultivate curiosity, connection, and courage, ensuring that students develop the confidence to explore, collaborate, and take on challenges. By focusing on essential lifelong skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration—while fostering a growth mindset—we empower children to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and persist in the face of difficulties. Our goal isn’t just knowledge acquisition—it’s shaping students who think, engage, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Meet Ari and Nomi. Ari and Nomi are imaginary 1st graders at Sinai Learning Lab. Click on each step below to follow them through one day of their learning journey.

Training: Practice 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: Acquiring 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.

What We Learn

At Sinai Learning Lab, we believe that learning extends beyond academics—it is a dynamic journey that nurtures both knowledge and character. Our Super Standards serve as the foundation for this journey, providing a comprehensive set of learning goals that guide students in mastering essential skills while cultivating meaningful values.

The Super Standards are organized into six interconnected domains, each playing a crucial role in a child's development:

Character & Leadership – Rooted in our core values of Curiosity, Connection, and Courage, this domain fosters essential character traits such as kindness, integrity, justice, and wisdom. It guides students in making ethical choices, developing strong relationships, and becoming responsible, compassionate members of their communities.
English Language Arts – Derived from the Florida State Standards and adapted for our multi-age, mastery-based model, this domain ensures students develop strong literacy skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. By focusing on skill progression rather than grade-level benchmarks, students build comprehension, expression, and critical thinking at their own pace.
Mathematics – Grounded in the Florida State Standards, this domain has been carefully refined and reformulated to support conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and numerical fluency within a flexible, mastery-based learning framework. Students move through foundational and advanced mathematical concepts as they demonstrate readiness, ensuring deep and lasting comprehension.
Science – Inspired by the Florida State Standards and adapted for inquiry-driven exploration, this domain fosters curiosity, experimentation, and critical thinking. Students engage in hands-on investigations that encourage them to explore the natural world, ask meaningful questions, and apply the scientific method to real-world problems.
Social Studies – Reflecting key concepts from the Florida State Standards, this domain integrates history, geography, civics, and culture in ways that promote critical thinking and meaningful connections to the world. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students explore their roles as informed citizens and develop an understanding of global perspectives.
Judaics – Our Judaics curriculum provides a rich, immersive experience in Jewish learning, guiding students to explore their heritage through sacred texts (Torah/Chumash), Jewish polidays (chagim), prayer (t'fillah), Jewish values (middot), and more. Rooted in both tradition and modern interpretation, this domain fosters a deep connection to Jewish identity, spirituality, and ethical living. Through interactive study and experiential learning, students engage with Jewish teachings and practices, discovering how they inform daily life and personal growth.

Unlike traditional grade-level benchmarks, our Super Standards emphasize individualized progress and skill development over time. Rather than moving through content based on age or grade level, students progress at their own pace, demonstrating understanding before advancing to the next stage.

Each Super Standard is paired with a three-level rubric that helps students track their growth:

Emerging – The student is beginning to explore and understand the skill or value.
Developing – The student is making progress and applying the skill or value with some support.
Demonstrating – The student demonstrates consistent and independent mastery.

By integrating these six domains into a cohesive learning experience, we ensure that our students develop both the academic foundation and character strengths necessary for success. Our mastery-based, multi-age model allows for flexibility, personalized learning, and deeper engagement, ensuring that every child is supported in their individual learning journey while developing the skills and values to thrive in the world.

אִיזּוּן - Balance: I make choices that help me stay healthy and focused. I manage my emotions, find ways to stay calm under pressure, and take care of both my mind and body. I recognize when I need a break and know how to recharge so I can do my best.

שֻׁתָּפוּת - Collaboration: I work well with others and value different ideas. I communicate clearly, listen actively, and help my team succeed by contributing in meaningful ways. I understand that working together makes us stronger.

רַחֲמִים - Compassion: I show care and empathy for others. I listen, try to understand different perspectives, and offer kindness and support when someone is struggling. I recognize that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

הַכָּרַת הַטּוֹב - Gratitude: I appreciate the good things in my life and express thanks to others. I recognize the efforts people make to help me, and I take time to celebrate moments of joy. I focus on the positive and help create a culture of appreciation.

צְמִיחָה - Growth: I believe that I can always improve. I set goals for myself, reflect on my progress, and push myself to get better at what I do. I welcome feedback and use it as a tool to become stronger and more capable.

חִדּוּשׁ - Innovation: I embrace creativity and think in new ways. I take risks in my learning, experiment with different solutions, and adapt when things don’t go as planned. I see challenges as opportunities to invent and improve.

יֹשֶׁר - Integrity: I do the right thing even when no one is watching. I am honest with myself and others, take responsibility for my choices, and always strive to be fair and trustworthy. I follow through on my commitments and stand by my values.

צֶדֶק - Justice: I stand up for what is fair and right. I include others, speak out when I see injustice, and help make my community a more respectful and welcoming place. I respect differences and work to create fairness for everyone.

אוֹמֶץ לֵב - Resilience: I keep going even when things are tough. I handle setbacks with a positive attitude, learn from my mistakes, and use challenges as chances to grow stronger. I believe in my ability to work through difficulties and succeed.

פֶּלֶא-Wonder: I am deeply curious about the world. I ask thoughtful questions, explore ideas with enthusiasm, and seek to understand how things work. I notice details that others might miss and use my curiosity to inspire learning and discovery.
Phonics & Word Recognition: I can use what I know about letters and sounds to read and figure out new words. (Foundational decoding skills supporting independent reading)

Fluency & Expression: I can read books at my level smoothly, clearly, and with expression, using my voice to show meaning and feelings, which helps me and others understand the story better. (Reading with appropriate fluency, clarity, and expressive reading skills.)

Reading Comprehension & Retelling: I can show I understand a story or text by retelling it in order and describing the key ideas or events. (Demonstrating comprehension of literature or informational text)

Inferencing & Prediction: I can use clues from the text and pictures, plus what I already know, to figure out ideas that the author only hints at (like guessing what might happen next). (Making inferences to support deeper comprehension)

Vocabulary in Context: I can learn and use new words I hear or read by figuring out their meaning from context or asking questions. (Building vocabulary knowledge and using new words appropriately)

Writing Narratives: I can write a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, including details about the characters and events. (Narrative writing with logical sequence and details)

Writing Informative/Opinion Pieces: I can write to explain what I know about a topic or to share my opinion, giving facts or reasons to support my ideas. (Informational and opinion writing with supporting details)

Writing Conventions: I can use correct capital letters, punctuation, and spelling so that others can easily read and understand my writing. (Applying grammar and spelling rules in writing)

Listening & Collaboration: I can listen carefully when others are speaking and follow rules for discussions – like taking turns, staying on topic, and responding to what others say. (Active listening and collaborative discussion skills)

Speaking & Presentation: I can speak clearly in complete sentences to share my ideas or tell a story, using details and the right volume and tone for my audience. (Oral communication skills for various situations)
Number Sense & Place Value: I can count, read, and write numbers, compare amounts, and understand numbers by grouping them into tens and ones to show how much or how many. (Understanding numbers, their value, order, and place value.)

Addition & Subtraction: I can solve basic addition and subtraction problems and explain how I got my answer using objects, drawings, or equations. (Understanding operations and demonstrating strategies for sums and differences)

Number Sense & Place Value: I can count, read, and write numbers, compare amounts, and understand numbers by grouping them into tens and ones to show how much or how many. (Understanding numbers, their value, order, and place value.)

Patterns & Algebraic Thinking: I can recognize and create patterns (like shapes or numbers that repeat or grow) and sort objects into groups by their attributes. (Identifying patterns and classifying information – early algebraic reasoning)

Geometry & Spatial Reasoning: I can name and describe two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes, explain their features, and use shapes and spatial thinking to build, draw, and solve problems. (Understanding shapes, their attributes, and how they fit and work together in space.)

Measurement & Comparison: I can measure and compare the length or size of objects using tools (like rulers or hands) and describe which is longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter. (Using nonstandard and standard units to quantify and compare)

Time & Money Concepts: I can read clocks to tell time (to the hour/half-hour) and identify coins and bills, using these skills to solve everyday problems (like knowing when it’s time for lunch or how much money to pay). (Understanding basic units of time and money in real-life contexts)

Graphing & Data Interpretation: I can gather information, organize it into charts or picture graphs, and explain clearly what the data shows by answering questions or solving problems. (Collecting, displaying, and interpreting data clearly and accurately.)

Problem-Solving Strategies: I can use different strategies to solve math problems — and if one method doesn’t work, I try another — then check if my answer makes sense. (Applying persistence, reasoning, and flexibility in mathematical problem solving)

Applied Math Reasoning: I can connect math to real life by using numbers and math ideas to solve everyday problems (like sharing snacks equally or comparing prices in a store). (Applying mathematics in practical contexts)
Scientific Inquiry – Asking Questions: I can ask questions about the world around me and, with guidance, plan simple investigations to find answers. (Curiosity and basic experimental design as part of the inquiry process)

Observation & Data Collection: I can use my five senses (and simple tools like magnifying glasses or rulers) to make careful observations and record what I notice (for example, by drawing or tallying). (Using observation to gather data about the environment)

Evidence & Explanation: I can use my observations (evidence) to explain what I learned and share my ideas, telling others what happened and how I know. (Drawing conclusions and communicating findings based on evidence)

Life Science – Living Things: I can identify plants and animals and describe what they need to live and grow (such as food, water, air, and shelter). (Understanding the basic needs and characteristics of living organisms)

Life Science – Environment & Care: I can describe how living things, including people, interact with the environment and explain why it’s important to care for our Earth (for example, keeping water and air clean). (Understanding habitats, human impact, and environmental stewardship)

Earth & Space Science – Patterns in Nature: I can observe natural patterns like day and night, weather changes, and seasons, and describe how they repeat or change over time. (Recognizing cyclical patterns on Earth and in the sky)

Physical Science – Properties of Materials: I can sort objects by properties like size, shape, color, or texture, and I can describe how some objects can change (for example, clay can be bent or rolled into a new shape). (Classifying materials and observing physical changes)

Physical Science – Force & Motion: I can explore how things move (fast, slow, straight, round and round) and understand that a push or a pull can change the way an object is moving. (Observing motion and the effects of forces)

Physical Science – Energy Awareness: I can observe light, sound, and heat and describe how they affect objects or living things (for example, sunlight warms the ground, sound can make things vibrate). (Noticing basic forms of energy and their effects in daily life)

Scientific Problem Solving (Engineering Design): I can use creativity and science ideas to solve a simple problem – I might draw or build a model, test it out, and then make it better based on what happened. (Applying scientific thinking to design and improve solutions to real-world problems)
Chronological Thinking: I can use words about time (like past, present, and future) and simple timelines to put events in order and explain how things change over time. (Understanding chronology and sequence in history)

Comparing Past and Present: I can compare life in the past with life today – for example, comparing schools or families long ago and now – and describe how some things have changed or stayed the same. (Identifying similarities and differences between past and present)

Historical Figures, Holidays & Symbols: I can recognize important people from history, national holidays, and symbols (like the flag or Statue of Liberty) and explain why they are remembered or honored. (Understanding the significance of key historical figures, cultural celebrations, and symbols)

Civic Responsibility – Rules & Laws: I can follow rules at home and school and explain why we have rules and laws to keep everyone safe and fair. (Understanding the purpose of rules and laws in daily life)

Civic Responsibility – Good Citizenship: I can show qualities of a good citizen by being honest, helpful, and respectful, and by taking responsibility for my actions. (Demonstrating characteristics of responsible citizenship in the community)

Collaboration & Fairness: I can work with others and take turns, share, or vote to make fair decisions in a group, and I can solve conflicts with friends in a peaceful way. (Practicing cooperation, conflict resolution, and fair decision-making)

Geography – Maps & Locations: I can use maps and globes to find places, and I can use directions (north, south, east, west) and position words (like near, behind) to describe where things are. (Using geographic tools and terms to understand spatial relationships)

Geography – Environment & Society: I can describe different types of places on Earth – such as land and water, or weather and seasons – and explain how the environment can affect how people live (for example, clothing for cold weather or safety plans for storms). (Understanding physical geography and human-environment interaction)

Economics – Needs & Wants: I can tell the difference between things I need (like food and home) and things I want, and explain that because we can’t have everything, we have to make choices. (Recognizing scarcity and the concept of needs vs. wants)

Economics – Work & Money: I can identify different jobs people do and explain that people work to earn money, which they use to buy the things they need or want. (Understanding roles in the economy, earning income, and basic financial literacy)
תְּפִלָּה - I engage in Jewish prayer by participating in and understanding communal and personal tefillah (prayer).

תּוֹרָה - I listen to and learn from sacred texts by exploring Torah stories, their lessons, and how they relate to my life.

חַגִּים - I celebrate Jewish holidays in meaningful ways by engaging with rituals, traditions, and community celebrations.

מִצְווֹת - I practice mitzvot by engaging in ethical and ritual actions that connect me to Jewish tradition and community.

עִבְרִית - I recognize and use Hebrew in Jewish life by building literacy in common words, blessings, and prayers.

תִּקּוּן עוֹלָם - I take responsibility for making the world a better place by engaging in acts of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

זֶהוּת - I explore and express my Jewish identity by engaging with Jewish customs, rituals, and practices that connect me to my heritage.

קְהִלָּה - I connect with my Jewish community by participating in and contributing to Jewish spaces and experiences.

שַׁבָּת - I celebrate Shabbat by participating in its rituals, traditions, and meaningful experiences.

יִשְׂרָאֵל - I develop a connection to Israel by learning about its people, places, and culture.

Creative Arts

Imagination leads, creativity thrives, and every child is an artist.

At Sinai Learning Lab, we believe that the arts are a powerful language for exploration, connection, and self-expression. Through music, movement, visual arts, storytelling, and creative production, our students engage in joyful, hands-on artistic experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence.

Our approach to the arts is rooted in the belief that:

🎨 Curiosity allows every child to be a creator.

We provide opportunities for students to experiment, make, and express themselves in ways that are meaningful to them.

🎭 Collaboration fuels creativity.

Art is best experienced in community, where students share ideas, build together, and bring their visions to life.

🎶 Courage leads to discovery.

We encourage children to take creative risks, explore new forms of expression, and celebrate the process of learning through the arts.

Throughout the year, students will immerse themselves in a variety of artistic disciplines and have opportunities to contribute to collaborative projects and community showcases. Whether composing music, designing visual stories, choreographing movement, or exploring digital media, students will discover the joy of creating and expressing themselves in new and meaningful ways.

The arts at Sinai Learning Lab are not just about what we make—they are about the journey of discovery, the connections we build, and the confidence we nurture in every young creator.

A Day in the Lab

8:30 Drop-Off / Centers • מרכז

9:00 Community Time: Morning Meeting/Tefillah • זמן קהילה

9:15 Base Camp: Math, ELA, Science and Social Studies • יסודות

11:15 Lab maintenance • תחזוקה

11:30 Specialists • חוגים

12:00 Lunch • ארוחת צהריים

12:30 Free time • חופשה

1:00 Community Time: Setting the stage for our challenge-based learning • זמן קהילה

1:15 Expedition: Challenge-Based Learning • משלחת

2:15 Lab maintenance • תחזוקה

2:30 Community Time: Wrap up • זמן קהילה

2:45 Pick up