Monday/Wednesday or TuesdayThursday, 4:00-6:00 PM
The Elementary Experience offers a unique program for Aleph though Dalet classes, with a two-day mid-week choice of either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Additionally, students attend a minimum of eight synagogue services throughout the year.
The curriculum provides a base of Judaic knowledge, including Hebrew reading and Prayers, Torah, Jewish history, Israel, holiday and life cycle rituals and practices. The students will gain a strong Jewish identity, attaining the knowledge and skills necessary to celebrate Judaism in their homes and synagogue. Our teachers utilize experiential and multi-sensory teaching methods as we recognize the diverse learning styles of our students and strive for each child to be successful in attaining a thorough Jewish education.
Aleph-Third Grade In third grade, our students learn to read and write Hebrew using a new series called Alef-Bet quest that comes with interactive CD for home use. All students will acquire Hebrew reading readiness in preparation for learning the prayer service. Students explore modern Israel, holidays, being a mensch, tzedakah, and more. Students in this age group will be presented with their first Siddur, and work to understand the order of a service. Students also experience a special Consecration during Shavuot. The class also continues the exploration of personal faith and spirituality using the book, "Who Knows God?" designed to help students continue a dialogue about faith and belief.
Aleph Class Consecration photos courtesy Jan Press PhotoMedia
Bet-Fourth Grade
Children in fourth grade continue their mastery of Hebrew reading. They learn the Shema section of the Shabbat morning service and begin work on the Amidah. Children learn about the Mezuzzah, Tefillin, and Tallit. The Torah continues to be studied with a special documentary series called Walking the Bible which utilizes text, stories, video and more to expose the class to the stories and places scholars believe our Torah history happened. Students will be exposed to the p’shat (plain meaning of the text) and the d’rash (explanation or interpretation of the text.) The book "Partners with G-d" designed to help students continue a dialogue about faith and belief.
Gimel-Fifth Grade
The Hebrew portion of this class focuses on the Amidah section of the Shabbat Shacharit Service. Shabbat is explored once again through Havdalah’s rituals and symbols. Bible study continues with a look at the Prophets and a special Prophet Fair. Students will also take an in depth look at the Land of Israel, the history of diaspora & American Jewish history. Additionally, students take part in a four week curriculum based on Hana’s Suitcase: A Holocaust Story. Students are exposed to modern conversational Hebrew.
