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Alef Bet/Reading Readiness
Kindergarten is the year when we bridge the gap between basic alef bet letter recognition begun in P-K and fluent reading accomplished by the end of 1st grade. Each letter is taught through the use of letter books and vocabulary related projects. Knowledge is broadened by a focus on letter-sound correspondence and vowel-sound correspondence, as well as writing practice. Children are soon able to blend simple letter and vowel sounds into basic words, and also develop their first Hebrew sight word vocabulary.
Spoken Hebrew Language
Throughout the year students become more and more comfortable being addressed in Hebrew, even if not every word is initially understood. This prepares them for the Tal Am curriculum, which creates an immersion environment. Likewise, as the year progresses, children find themselves speaking in Hebrew more and more often, as their spoken vocabulary builds to include almost all items and phrases germane to the school day.
Jewish Values
This topic exists in cooperation with the Kindergarten general studies’ focus on character education. Jewish values are called “midot”, and having “good midot” is a goal of each student at JDS. This includes a desire to give charity (tzedakah), a drive to fulfill G-d’s commandments (mitzvot), and a heartfelt love of being kind and generous to others (chesed). As we teach the children, being kind is a part of Kindergarten. These lofty goals are attained by modeling desired behavior, rewarding positive accomplishments, and discussing and exploring solutions to difficult interpersonal situations.
Jewish Culture
The beauty of Judaism is the constant opportunity to enjoy rituals and family observances instead of waiting for a handful of commercialized holidays to come around each year.
Every day of the Jewish calendar involves prayer, and the Kindergarteners love to add to their repertoire of tefilot. Every week contains a special holiday, Shabbat. We take time every Friday to set a Shabbat table, choose an Imma (mother) and Abba (father) and sing beautiful Shabbat songs after lighting candles and having challah. Shabbat itself is studied as a portion of the year, and is revealed as a peaceful, family oriented time to reconnect with our loved ones.
The topic of the brachot we say before eating opens up a myriad of learning opportunities. We discover the origins of our food because a food’s source dictates its bracha. We learn how to be appreciative for the food we have, and we develop awareness of G-d’s roles in our health and happiness.
Our Jewish holidays figure prominently in the Kindergarten curriculum as well. From Rosh Hashana through Shauvot, the students explore the history behind each holiday, its ritual observances, and come away with charming handmade items with which to make the holiday even more meaningful.
Parashat HaShavuah
Taught in conjunction with our Shabbat observance, the “Bible Story” of the weekly portion of the Torah keeps the children in tune with the rhythm of the Jewish year. After our “Shabbat Party” the students settle on the carpet and hear a summary of the weekly portion. The ideas presented in that week’s parsha are then reinforced with a take home booklet with simple illustrations which serves as a useful launch pad for parsha discussions at the family Shabbat table.
What are the top 10 skill and knowledge goals you have for your students at the end of the year?
Please list the goals for each subject area and grade that you teach.
Alef Bet/Reading Readiness
• Letter identification
• Vowel identification
• Letters and vowel sound correspondence
• Basic vocabulary of words for each letter
• Ability to blend simple letters/vowel sounds into basic words
• Build basic sight word vocabulary
Spoken & Written Hebrew Language
• Build vocabulary of Hebrew words and phrases
• Know Hebrew terms for items and activities germane to the school day
• Be comfortable being spoken to in Hebrew
• Practice writing words
Jewish Culture
• Daily rituals and observances
• mitzvot
• tzedakah
• midot
• chesed
• tefila
• shabbat
• brachot
• holidays
• Parashat Hashavuah
• familiar with “parshah story”
• reinforce with coloring pages
• integrate with general studies
• character education
• values
What curricular materials and resources do you currently use?
(for each subject area and grade that you teach)
Alef Bet
• Boneh letter book
• Chalav U’Dvash materials
• teacher made posters
• teacher created projects
Hebrew Language
• labels on many objects
• teacher made writing paper
Jewish Culture
• arts-craft projects
• chinuch.org
Parashat Hashauah
• the Little Midrash Says
• aish.com
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