Shalom School Curriculum

Our classes are based on a progressive Hebrew and Judaica curriculum and they include a variety of approaches toward instruction. Teachers plan lessons and activities, games and projects that are based on students’ interests and strengths. In order to reach every child, we include music and art projects and participatory experiences. Whole group instruction is balanced with group, paired and individual work assignments. Lessons are enhanced by music and a school-wide prayer service for Grades Four through Seven. Classes are designed for the age groups specified; however, any child who would benefit from and be able to participate in a different level will be welcome. In addition, each child will have the benefit of participating in holiday programs that are run by the Temple; these are  centered on Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Purim and a model Passover Seder. The students will also participate in a student-led Shabbat service during the school year. A few of the subjects we cover in our classes include Torah, Jewish History, Holidays, Prayer, and Hebrew, Israel, Mitzvot, and the Jewish life cycle.

Methodology

Classes are curriculum-based and they include an experiential approach toward learning. Whenever students are able to "learn by doing", teachers give them the opportunity. For example, Partner-reading is a technique where students read to one another in Hebrew, correcting each other along the way! Whole group instruction is balanced by group-work which allows students to foster working relationships. Motivation is included in terms of initiatives e.g. earning a prize upon the completion of the monthly Hebrew reading calendar; team play to review material learned and performing parts in the Student-led services. Music, art, drama and cooking are incorporated into class lessons in order to reach children with varying learning-styles! In addition, Grades Four through Seven enjoy a weekly school service where they practice prayers learned in class.


Class Descriptions

This monthly class is a wonderful introduction to Judaism for children ages 3-5 years old. Filled with song and spirit, the children learn about the Jewish holidays, their traditions, and significant symbols. Games, crafts, and creative projects accompany each session. The children are taught the importance of Tzedakah and Mitzvot and how these are embedded not only in our culture but in our Jewish obligation. Beginning letter recognition and familiar prayers and blessings are introduced. The class is taught by a licensed Early Education teacher.

This is a weekly, two-hour Sunday morning class. The Kindergarten/Grade 1 class has fun learning in a creative, easy-going environment. Subjects include: Hebrew/Prayer, Holidays, Bible, Israel, Mitzvot/Tzedakah (Jewish obligations) and the Synagogue. Teacher resources, including wonderful picture books, games, art projects, and music classes, are incorporated. Children enjoy a weekly snack of challah and grape juice, and they participate in holiday programs with their new friends in the K/1 Class.

This is a weekly, two-hour Sunday morning class. Subjects include: Hebrew, holidays, Gemilut Chasadim (the value of loving-kindness), Mitzvot/Tzedakah (Jewish obligations), and Prayers/Blessings. Grade 2 students are introduced to the letters and vowels in the textbook Shalom U'vracha, The New Hebrew Primer. Grade 3 students continue to build their skills in The Back to School Hebrew Reading Refresher. Holidays are highlighted through story, discussion, crafts, traditional holiday foods, and blessings. Students prepare to lead the Sh'ma and participate in the Kindergarten-Grade 3 Friday evening service. Games, art projects, music, and innovative activities create a fun and interactive community-building experience that is enjoyed by our students.