Kindergarten and First Grade Curriculum

Our goals for the Chavaya kindergarten and first grade class are to introduce students to the Hebrew language, fundamental prayers, Torah stories, holidays and symbols of their Jewish heritage. By familiarizing students with the synagogue's features, the Shabbat and holiday rituals, and the Alef-bet, we hope to lay the foundations for a lifetime of engagement with their Jewish identity and community.

Our Kindergarten class will be introduced to Alef-bet letters first through multisensory lessons that use sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. Students will then use the Let's Discover curriculum packets to further their study of each letter.

The 1st grade class will learn their Alef-bet through the Betman's Book of Hebrew Letters textbook. Both the Kindergarten and 1st grade class will study modern Hebrew vocabulary through the Hebrew Through Movement curriculum. Hebrew Through Movement pairs Hebrew action words to the students movements to encourage Hebrew immersion in the classroom. 

Our curriculum will approach these goals with an emphasis on experiential learning of the following components:

Hebrew Language and Prayer Skills

Students will begin the study of Hebrew language and prayer. Students will learn to:

• Identify all of the Hebrew letters
• Count to ten in Hebrew
• Identify major body parts in Hebrew 
• Recognize basic actions in Hebrew (to sit, to walk, etc.)
• Recite fluently:
  • Blessings for thanks (bread, wine, fruits and vegetables)
  • Blessings for Mitzvot (Shabbat and Hanukkah candles)

Jewish Identity and Customs

Students will become familiar with the Jewish Holidays as well as Shabbat traditions and rituals. Students will learn to:

• Understand that Shabbat and the Jewish calendar are different and special
• Recognize basic symbols and rituals associated with the Jewish holidays (the shofar, matzah, etc)
• Learn to set a Shabbat table with candles, challah, wine
• Learn Shabbat songs and stories
• Participate in creative projects to make Shabbat and holiday ceremonial objects

Jewish Values 

Students will be introduced to:

• The concept of creation
• The importance of doing mitzvahs
• The value of Tzadakah, giving and making the world a more just place
• The value of Shalom Bayit, peace in the home, and how they can help make a peaceful home
• The value of Hachnasat Orchim, welcoming guests
• The value of Tikkun Olam, healing the world