Torah Track Kindergarten

 Mrs. Beyer & Mrs. Tuvy
Age: 5 years by 10/31/09
Time: 5 days 9am-3pm

This program includes all the best secular studies from our full day, fully accredited kindergarten program (see Kindergarten Curriculum) along with more in-depth Jewish learning.  This includes weekly parashot, daily tefillot, study of Israel through infusion into weekly lessons, Hebrew Alef-Bet recognition, writing, and sounds, Hebrew language and Jewish holidays.  This option is designed for families who are orthodox or more observant and prepares children completely for continued Yeshiva education.

Basic Hebrew Curriculum

Alef Bet for Beginners-  This program is designed to provide learning exercises for Hebrew reading.  This is a simple and fun way to give your child alef bet learning experience.  This will be reinforced by Hebrew games, art activities, songs, puzzles, play cards, pictures, and more.

Objectives:

·        To teach the names of the Hebrew letters

·        To learn the shapes of the letters

·        To learn the sounds of each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet

·        To learn the Hebrew vowels

·        To learn the sound of the vowels

·        To teach letter and vowel combinations

·        To blend the consonants and vowels in syllables

·        To blend two or three syllables together

·        To look, listen, and read the alphabet

Writing

·        To teach how to write Hebrew in print

·        To simplify the skill of writing

Vocabulary

·        To introduce basic Hebrew vocabulary

·        To introduce basic Hebrew Shabbat and holiday vocabulary

·        To teach Hebrew words beginning with the sound of the letter the class is learning

·        To teach Hebrew words by showing cards with pictures and objects

·        To teach how to say in Hebrew:

�       Colors

�       Numbers

�       Body Parts

�       Family Members

�       Seasons and weather

�        Opposites

Counting

·        To become familiar with the order of numbers from one through twenty

Songs and Poems

The children enjoy singing and learning at the same time

·        Traditional songs for each holiday and Shabbat

·        Interactive songs and music

·         Songs for everyday life

Calendar

·        Reading the Hebrew calendar and teaching the difference between it and the universal calendar

·        Counting by Hebrew letters

·        Become familiar with the names of the Hebrew Months

·        The children will also learn that each letter in the Hebrew language has its own numerical value

Shabbat

·        The children will learn the meaning of Shabbat

·        Important prayers and blessings for Shabbat

·        Songs for Shabbat

·        To study the Shabbat customs and ceremonies on an elementary level

·        To listen to Shabbat stories

·         To introduce basic Hebrew Shabbat vocabulary

Holidays

·        To provide the children with the basic holiday facts and concepts

·        The children will be able to discover together the customs of the Jewish holidays

·        Traditional songs and blessings for each holiday

·        To introduce basic Hebrew vocabulary

·         The children will learn the heritage of each holiday through different activities such as recipes, arts and crafts, games, puzzles, and play cards

Bible Stories/Parashat Hashavua

·        The torah stories highlight a Jewish value and ethic

·        The child will learn the great heritage through the stories

·        The child will be involved in the cycle of the weekly torah readings

·        Art activities related to the parasha

Jewish Values/Ethics

·        The “Ethical Start” program, unique to participating JCC’s, incorporates teachings from Pirkei Avot

·        Parents learn teachings along with children via stories, music, books, & art activities

·        Lessons center on teaching responsibility, dignity, kindness, community, tradition, respect through units of study and teachable moments in the classroom

Mitzvot

·        The child develops socially and emotionally at this age.  By stories, pictures, and discussion we will channel their thoughts and activities into positive mitzvah responses

·        They will identify their feelings and caring behavior and learn about the world around them

 Berachot

·        Berachot that relate to Jewish homes and life activities

·        Berachot over foods we eat

·        Candle blessings

·        Blessings for the holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, and Passover

Israel

·        To teach the history, geography, and customs of Israel

·        To become familiar with the State of Israel

·        To establish the fact that Israel is the state/land of the Jewish people

·        To help the children develop positive attitudes toward Israel