JUDAIC STUDIES
The first few weeks of First Grade Judaic Studies were devoted
to learning about the Torah. The students learned the names and order of the
five books in Hebrew. They learned the appropriate blessings for reading
from the Torah and the special significant of the Torah for the Jewish
people. When a Jewish holiday approaches, they learn about the holiday
through stories, games, songs, and dances. They study the traditions,
customs, and mitzvoth of each holiday. A vast treasure of holiday words for
The High Holidays was introduced through oral presentations, as well as new
songs, stories and games.
Currently the students are learning from Sefer Beresheet. Through
discussions, role play and creative activities the students’ understanding
of the people and the events of the stories becomes greater.
HEBREW
First Grade students are learning the fundamentals of reading Hebrew. They
practice letters and vowels and identify syllables. With every new letter
introduced to the class, the students acquire new words. The first graders
are now able to read these “sight-words” as whole words with comprehension.
They are learning and practicing writing Hebrew letters in their workbooks.
The Hebrew vocabulary introduced to the class and used by the children
pertains to the days of the week, the weather, class routine, items in the
classroom, and family members. Through conversations, songs, and playing
games, the students practice the new vocabulary. They are enhancing their
reading and developing literacy through age-appropriate stories that they
read as a group, individually, or with a partner.
