Gan Alef Bet
Hebrew/Prayers
Students in Gan through Bet participate in the Chalav u'Dvash program, taught by a teacher trained in its methodologies. This program gradually introduces students to an immersive Hebrew environment, building comfort with spoken Hebrew and providing the foundation for future acquisition of Hebrew reading, writing, and speaking. The program's flexibility allows the teacher to include Hebrew references to the curriculum of each grade. Additionally, students work on blessings and prayers associated with everyday life, Shabbat, Chanukah, and Passover. Kitah Bet students are introduced to the alphabet and basic decoding skills.
HOLIDAYS/HISTORY
Gan/Alef combined class (K/1)
Holidays are approached through the lens of "structures" - the synagogue, the Temple, the Palace of Shushan, etc. and conceptual structures - day and night, the structure of the week, etc.
Alef (1)
Holidays are approached through the lens of "birthdays" - the birthday of the world, of the trees, of Israel, etc. Each child's birthday is acknowledged along the way
Bet (2)
Holidays are celebrated through the lens of hazan et hakol (God provides for all) and hakarat hatov (gratitude).
BIBLE
Gan/Alef combined class (K/1)
Bible stories from Adam and Eve through the Patriarchs and Matriarchs
Alef (1)
Bible stories from the Patriarchs and Matriarchs through the Exodus and Mt. Sinai are covered; additionally, early ideas about God are introduced
Bet (2)
A refresher on Bible stories from Genesis and Exodus and introduction to the "heroes" of Prophets and Writings, including King Solomon, Ruth, and Esther
Values
Gan/Alef combined class (K/1)
Hesed (kindness) and Mishpacha (family) are primary values focused on throughout the year, through stories, projects, and connections to holidays and Bible stories
Alef (1)
Primary values include hoda'ah (saying thank you) and mishpacha (family, particularly extending to our communal family)
Bet (2)
The values of gratitude and God providing for all provide the underpinning for a year-long tzedakah collaboration with Toni's Kitchen, including field trips, and an introduction to the great stories of Yiddish Literature which feature these values
OTHER
Gan/Alef combined class (K/1)
Tzedakah projects include collecting food for Toni's Kitchen and creating centerpieces for the BK MESH dinners
Alef (1)
Students are introduced to the Hebrew colors and draw connections between the name of our synagogue (Children of the Rainbow) and many of their special projects. They are also introduced to a variety of symbols of Israel.
Bet (2)
Students explore symbols, plants, and foods of the land/state of Israel.
Fri, April 19 2024 11 Nisan 5784