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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.

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The Problems

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.

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.

Shifting the Focus

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.

Riding a Bike

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.

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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.

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What We Learn

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At Sinai Learning Lab, we believe that learning extends beyond academics—it is a dynamic journey that nurtures both knowledge and character. Our Learning Goals and Character Growth Badges serve as the foundation for this journey, guiding students in mastering essential skills while cultivating meaningful values.

  1. 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.

  2. 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. We use the Fundations curriculum to ground our ELA learning and growth.

  3. 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. We use the Zearn program to ground our Math learning and growth.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Hebrew Language – This domain emphasizes the development of Hebrew as a living language, empowering students to read, write, understand, and speak with increasing fluency. Through immersive, meaningful learning experiences, students build foundational vocabulary, grammatical understanding, and conversational skills. Hebrew is presented not only as a tool for communication, but as a bridge to Jewish texts, prayer, culture, and global Jewish peoplehood.

 

Unlike traditional grade-level benchmarks, our Learning Goals 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 Learning Goal is tracked using grade-level mastery benchmarks from the Florida State Standards.

 

By crafting 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.

    • I can write all my letters neatly so others can read my work.

    • I can write stories about real or made-up events in order, with details and an ending.

    • I can write about my opinion, give reasons, and finish with a clear ending.

    • I can write to teach or explain a topic using facts and details.

    • I can make my writing better by planning, adding details, and fixing mistakes.

    • I can share information by speaking in complete sentences so others can understand me.

    • I can use correct grammar, capitals, punctuation, and spelling when I write.

    • I can find and share information to help answer questions about a topic.

    • I can use pictures, audio, or video to make my speaking or writing more interesting.

    • I can use digital tools to write, share my work, and sometimes work with others.

    • I can show how books and print work, like where to start reading and how to find important parts.

    • I can listen to the sounds in words, put them together, and break them apart.

    • I can use what I know about letters and spelling patterns to read and write words.

    • I can read grade-level books smoothly, correctly, and with expression.

    • I can tell who a story is about, where it happens, and what happens in the beginning, middle, and end.

    • I can explain the big lesson or message of a story.

    • I can tell who is telling the story and how that helps me understand it.

    • I can notice rhyme, patterns, and groups of lines in poems.

    • I can use titles, headings, pictures, and other text features to help me understand what I read.

    • I can tell what an informational text is mostly about and give important details.

    • I can explain how an author uses words and pictures and why they wrote the text.

    • I can tell the difference between facts and opinions and explain what the author thinks.

    • I can notice and talk about interesting describing words and phrases an author uses.

    • I can retell what I read in order using the most important parts.

    • I can compare and contrast texts to see how they are alike and different.

    • I can use school words correctly when I speak and write.

    • I can figure out what new words mean by using clues and word parts.

    • I can use clues in the sentence, pictures, and what I already know to understand new words.

    • I can count forward and backward to order numbers.

    • I can read, write, and represent numbers using place value.

    • I can compare numbers using place value logic.

    • I can identify numbers based on their relationship to other numbers.

    • I can estimate the value of a number.

    • I can recall basic addition and subtraction facts from memory.

    • I can add and subtract multi-digit numbers accurately.

    • I can use strategies to solve larger addition and subtraction problems.

    • I can partition shapes into equal-sized parts.

    • I can use models to solve addition and subtraction problems.

    • I can demonstrate an understanding of the equal sign.

    • I can determine the unknown number in an equation.

    • I can make connections between operations (Inverse operations).

    • I can arrange objects to prepare for multiplication.

    • I can identify and compare measurable attributes.

    • I can measure objects using standard units.

    • I can solve real-world problems involving length.

    • I can identify coins and calculate value.

    • I can tell time using analog and digital clocks.

    • I can identify and sketch two-dimensional figures.

    • I can identify and compare three-dimensional figures.

    • I can compose and decompose shapes.

    • I can identify perimeter and symmetry.

    • I can collect and organize data into categories.

    • 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.

    • Letter Recognition & Decoding: I can recognize and pronounce Hebrew letters and vowels correctly, which helps me decode and read new words.

    • Hebrew Reading Fluency: I can smoothly read simple Hebrew words and sentences clearly and accurately, helping me understand their meaning.

    • Listening Comprehension & Retelling: I can listen to short Hebrew stories or conversations and show my understanding by retelling or answering questions about important details.

    • Speaking & Describing Clearly: I can speak clearly in simple Hebrew sentences, using vocabulary and phrases to describe people, objects, or activities.

    • Conversational Hebrew Skills: I can participate in Hebrew conversations using greetings, common phrases, and polite language, responding appropriately when someone speaks to me.

    • Vocabulary & Context Clues: I can use pictures, context clues, or familiar words to help me understand new Hebrew vocabulary in stories and conversations.

    • Hebrew Writing Conventions: I can write Hebrew letters and words neatly and correctly, helping others clearly read and understand my writing.

    • Asking & Answering Questions: I can answer simple Hebrew questions and ask my own questions clearly, using familiar words and phrases.

    • Sharing Information in Hebrew: I can use common Hebrew vocabulary to share basic information about myself, my family, or familiar topics through speaking or writing.

    • Listening & Following Directions: I can follow and understand basic Hebrew directions and instructions given by my teacher or classmates.

Essential Enrichments

At Sinai Learning Lab, we believe that learning comes alive when children engage with the world through multiple pathways. Our Essential Enrichments—Music, Movement, Nature and STEAM—are not extras; they are essential experiences that nurture the whole child. These enriching domains spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster deep connection—to self, to others, to the natural world, and to Jewish identity.

In each enrichment area, students engage in joyful, hands-on experiences that support holistic growth and incorporate spoken Hebrew as a living, meaningful language woven into their daily exploration and expression.

Rhythm moves, melodies inspire, and every child has a voice.

At Sinai Learning Lab, we believe that music is a universal language that connects us to ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Through singing, playing instruments, movement, and listening, our students experience the joy of musical expression while building confidence, focus, and a deep appreciation for sound and story.

Our approach to music is rooted in the belief that:

🎵 Every child is musical.
We nurture each child’s natural sense of rhythm and melody through playful, engaging experiences that encourage exploration and self-expression.

🎤 Music builds connection.
In singing and playing together, students learn to listen, collaborate, and create in community—strengthening both musical skills and social bonds.

🕊️ Music brings meaning.
Through Hebrew songs, Jewish melodies, and global music traditions, children connect with culture, history, and values in a joyful and lasting way.

Throughout the year, students will explore instruments, compose simple pieces, move to music, and sing songs in English, Hebrew, and beyond. Whether creating their own rhythms, participating in community song circles, or preparing for a celebration, students will find joy and confidence in their musical journey.

Music at Sinai Learning Lab isn’t just about learning notes or lyrics—it’s about using sound to express identity, deepen connection, and celebrate the world in harmony.

A Day in the Lab

8:30     Drop-Off / Centers • מרכז

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

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

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11:15     Lab maintenance • תחזוקה

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11:30    Essential Enrichments • תוכנית העשרה

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12:15     Lunch • ארוחת צהריים

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12:45     Choice Activities or Free time •  חוגים או חופשה

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1:15     Community Time: Setting the stage for our challenge-based learning • זמן קהילה

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1:30       Expedition: Challenge-Based Learning • משלחת

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2:15      Lab maintenance • תחזוקה

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2:30     Community Time: Wrap up • זמן קהילה

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2:45     Pick up

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