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Grade
One
(Kitah Aleph) Curriculum
Language Arts
In First Grade we provide an atmosphere in which reading is
valued and literature is loved. We use an eclectic approach
so that each child develops reading skills at his or own rate.
We use themes in reading to coordinate with science and social
studies. Sample units may include: Fairytales and Fables, Gourds,
100 days of school, and "Riddlin' Around." Literature,
poetry and informational books are used to support these themes.
Students read the published works and study the biographies
of age appropriate authors. Primarily, we want to develop a
love of reading and proficiency consistent with each child's
skills and learning style. Students read in small groups in
order to give each child maximum attention and individual feedback.
Math
In First Grade, we review and build on the foundation
of the experiences the children received in Kindergarten. We
move towards more abstract thinking, problem solving, computation,
analyzing math strategies and assessment of math performance.
We continue to integrate math into all aspects of our program
and make it important to the daily lives of out children. We
extend math experiences using hands on activities, manipulative
and practice skills. Our goal is for our students to feel comfortable
and proficient with the skills they are acquiring. The goal
is to teach for understanding and to have the language to explain
math operations. Sample math units include: Whole Numbers,
Number Relations, Place Value, Addition/Subtraction, Fractions,
Graphing/Statistics/Probability, Geometry/Geometric Relations
(metric and non-metric), Measurement & Time, Money, Temperature,
and Problem Solving Skills.
Science
Students begin to use the scientific process, (including
observing, classifying, measuring, estimating, and graphing)
while exploring scientific concepts. We develop curiosity and
excitement for discovering new things, relate class material
to real-life situations, use science materials, and predict
the results of an experiment.
Sample units may include: Animals and Their Needs, Living or
Non-Living Things, Seasons, Solids and Liquids, Dinosaurs & Cycles
of Time, Calendar Time, Putting Things In Order, Space for
Things, Shadows, Soil, Where is Away, and Plants and Their
Needs.
Social Studies
In First Grade, the major goal is to develop an awareness
that people learn, behave, live, work and play in many different
ways, through a hands-on, experiential, thematic approach.
Sample units may include: Me and My Family, American Holidays,
Helpers, Current events, Africa, and Emotions.
Hebrew Language
In First Grade we use the Tal Am curriculum for Hebrew language
instruction. The Bureau of Jewish Education in Toronto specifically
wrote this program for English speaking students in Day Schools.
The program utilizes four thematic tracks. Ariot teaches the
development of Hebrew reading, writing, and language skills.
Shalom teaches daily life in class, at home and outdoors. Chag
Sameach has units on the Jewish Holidays. Shabbat Shalom has
an age appropriate Hebrew text of the weekly Torah reading.
Through these four thematic units, students learn and experience
concept, values, children's literature, prayers, blessings,
laws, customs. and develop Hebrew literacy and language skills.
The program is multi-sensory and relies on various modalities
such as music, games, art, dance, and drams.
Jewish
History, Israel, Jewish Life and Observances
Jewish History is integrated throughout Jewish Studies
in addition to the General Studies curriculum when the opportunity
arises. In first grade Jewish Life and Observance are part
of the Tal Am program. Students learn the Shaharit (morning)
and Minha (afternoon) prayer services. They each receive an
interactive child-parent made Siddur (prayer book.)
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