3RD THROUGH 7TH GRADE

Grades 3 through 7 will be using the CHAI Learning for Jewish Life curriculum core resources which were developed specifically for Reform movement schools.

Level:
Each CHAI level features 27 high-quality lessons (which will be used during the course of one year) in the foundational areas (strands) of Torah, Avodah (worship) and G’milut Chasadim (acts of love and kindness).

Theme:
Each of these three strands contains nine lessons and is connected to each other by a thematic thread. Each 1 hour lesson contains everything a classroom teacher needs to conduct an engaging, successful learning experience. CHAI workbooks will also be used.

Core: CHAI-Level 3
Students refine their own understanding and definition of K’dushah (holiness) and apply that understanding to how ritual objects, symbols, prayer and our behaviors can make moments and places special, holy and closer to God. The three themes are:

1. Vayikra, Living a Life of K’dushah/Holiness.
2. Ways We Experience God.
3. Taking Responsibility for G’milut Chasadim, Planning and Doing.

Mitkadem: Hebrew for Youth Sundays and Midweek

Mitkadem is an exciting five-year Hebrew curriculum that will generate enthusiasm and excitement. Mitkadem is unique because it was created to address, in a realistic way, the challenges of teaching Hebrew within the congregational school setting. It offers a new approach to teaching and learning Hebrew and prayer. It is a self-paced approach that allows each student to achieve according to his/her ability, so learning challenged students and frequent absentees feel successful as well as those students who are very motivated. The content of the program should seem familiar to other Hebrew programs; the approach is new.

The Mitkadem program is constructed of 23 ramot, or levels. Students may work independently, with another student at a similar level, or with another student in a “tutorial” relationship. On average, students can complete four to six ramot per year.

In a Mitkadem classroom, the teacher becomes more of a resource and facilitator for student’s self-directed Hebrew learning.

Structure:
Service every other week, 1 hour Hebrew every other week and 1/2 hour alternate week, 1 hour core each week, 1/2 hour music/art each week.

Parent Involvement:

Parents are expected to insure their child attends Religious School regularly and on time. In addition, parents will be responsible for reading all materials sent home and reinforcing the lessons learned during Religious School. Parents are expected to read the novels their child is reading and be able to discuss the issues raised with their child. Parents are expected to participate in parent/child learning experiences planned by the teacher and/or Religious School.