6th grade Hebrew

 

Humash

Our in-depth course of study focuses on developing foundational skills such as basic vocabulary words and shoroshim recognition.  Classroom participation is enhanced by encouraging students to ask questions and provide answers.

We cover many Rashis, especially the ones that address questions that were raised by the students.  Appropriate visual presentations are provided to enhance the learning.

 

Parasha

The main topics and points of the parasha are covered in a stimulating fashion. Stories, parables and midrashim are presented in a way that the students are anxious to share with parents and family.  Students are encouraged to share how the parasha is associated with daily actions in their lives.  Parents appreciate the opportunity to review the parasha with their children and take pride when they see the results of the weekly parasha test.

 

Navi

We learn the basic text of Yehoshua and Shoftim.  The psukim are mostly read by the students who give a brief summary of what they read at the end of each pasuk, providing reinforcement in their kriya skills and reading comprehension.  The text provided is enhanced by beautiful footnotes which lead to stimulating classroom discussions about ethics and history from a Jewish perspective.

 

Mishna

We begin with the first book of Mishna  מסכת ברכות (masechet berachot). Students are excited to learn a masechet that covers topics that are so relevant in their daily lives such as Kriyat Shema, Tefilla and Berachot.  Every Mishna is introduced with detailed sources and background in order to ensure full understanding of the material.  Written work is intended to give a solid foundation in the methods of the proper learning of Talmud and analytical skills.

 

Halacha

We cover the halachot and customs that pertain to our students’ daily lives including the laws of Shabbat and holidays.  The halachot are explained in great detail with utmost clarity bringing meaning and excitement to the observance of the halachot.  Children show pride in their heritage by sharing customs from their community.

 

Tefilla

Tefilla is very popular in our class. Various tunes are frequently introduced and we end our daily prayers with a short story or parable which greatly enhances the davening experience.  We also have a weekly Tefilla lesson where we delve into the background and reasoning behind the beautiful words and customs of prayer.

 

Lashon

New words and shorashim are introduced weekly and are tested accumulatively.  The curriculum begins with words that are commonly found in Humash or in the Siddur.  The students are encouraged to point out words in the above texts which they have already accumulated from Lashon class.  The curriculum is individualized for those who need it. It is a source of pride when students who have struggled mightily in the past are able to master over 200 words and shorashim.

 

6th Grade General Studies 

 

 

          Our 4th graders are always very busy.  Our days are filled with math, science, social studies, vocabulary, grammar and spelling.  Whew!  These students can never say there is nothing to do.  In addition to all of that, the students choose a daily “idiom.”  Idioms are a great tool with which to learn the subtleties and the abstract nature of the English language.  By the end of the year, they’ll have their own Idiom Books bound and created by themselves.

 

          The 6th Grade encompasses many areas in math and science throughout the school year.  In math, the students begin with reviewing place value concepts with multiple digits, double and triple digit multiplication, division, decimals, algebra, fractions, geometry and much more.  We work on study skills, research and note taking in science along with many hands-on fun filled science experiments on numerous scientific concepts.  The students learn to take notes and highlight important facts. 

 

We instill not only knowledge of science but an appreciation of the intricacies of the world around us.

 

 

Language Arts

 

Our language arts program is skills-based and includes the subject areas of literature, grammar, vocabulary, spelling           and writing.  Our literature program includes reading selections  from novels, short stories, fiction, non-fiction, poems and plays.  Class discussions include responses to the context of reading units, which encourage students to move beyond literal elements, and actively engage their prior knowledge and experiences.  Finding main ideas, drawing conclusions, and understanding cause and effect help develop critical thinking and encourage understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and human conditions.

 

 

Social Studies

          The goals and objectives of our Social Studies curriculum are to:

 

• interpret tables, charts, maps and graphs.

• understand different political parties.

• participate in discussions of current events.

• understand the far-reaching influences of ancient civilizations and different cultures, with special regard to medieval Europe.

• examine the world-wide consequences of World War I and World War II

• gain an understanding of the Cold War and modern times.