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| Kitah Bet (Grade 2) Curriculum Overview |
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A key tenet of the Aleph/Bet curriculum is the integration of general and Judaic studies. The themes encompass all areas of study: math, language arts, science, social studies, Hebrew language, holidays, music, art, physical education and library. Math: The Kitah Bet program utilizes TERC Investigations, Montessori and current teaching practices into a well-balanced curriculum of mathematical instruction. Students at this level continue to develop, conceptually understand and recognize place value. At this level, instruction includes regrouping in addition and subtraction, an introduction to multiplication and the exploration of geometric figures (two dimensional and three dimensional), as well as continued work with money, time and calendars. Students often continue to learn through "hands on" exploration with concrete material to gain a conceptual understanding of the mathematical process. The goal at the Kitah Bet is to begin to transition towards abstraction of mathematical concepts. Language Arts: Students at the Kitah Bet level continue to develop and hone skills in phonics and word identification, while increasing their sight vocabulary. Direct instruction in content vocabulary and developing comprehension strategies are also important parts of the curriculum. Students are directly taught reading strategies that include making connections, picking out the main idea, recognizing cause and effect relationships, making predictions and inferring. They read and are read both nonfiction and fiction text, and are given instruction on the common elements and features of the different genres. Students write in journals, engage in Writer's Workshop, and have daily silent reading time to explore books of interest. Literature that complements monthly themes in science and social studies is shared and displayed in the classroom library.Science: Kitah Aleph and Bet enjoy science together. Themes of study integrate general and Judaic studies and are integrated across all areas of the curriculum: math, language arts, science, social studies, Hebrew language, holidays, music and art. The curriculum is often enriched and driven by student interest and wonder about the world around them. Students are taught to use the scientific inquiry process to explore the world around them as they engage in simple experiments, improve vocabulary and develop strategies for comprehending expository text. Students also learn how to prepare and present research on a topic of interest. Themes for the current year include bees, apples, weather, landforms, and the solar system. Social Studies: In Social Studies we exploit the opportunity to integrate general and Judaic studies, encouraging children to make associations, think reflectively and reach evaluations through a process of critical thinking. The themes for the Aleph-Bet Social Studies program are based upon guidelines from the Massachusetts Frameworks as well as concepts embedded in the Jewish and general year. Beginning with the most introspective of our holidays, Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, we look at "My Expanding Community" - family, street, town, state, country, continent, world - and sharpen mapping skills in each of these areas. We go on to explore Christopher Columbus, land forms and continents. Other topics include Olam Chadash, Pilgrims and the New World (Thanksgiving), Maccabees and religious freedom (Chanukah), immigration and family trees (Tu B'Shevat), tales from around the world (Purim), citizenship and civil rights (Passover), and rules and responsibility (Shavuot). By constantly weaving together general and Jewish themes, the social studies curriculum exposes our students to the drama of the past and encourages them to critically analyze the ideas, ideals and dreams that have shaped our country, our Jewish heritage and the world. Hebrew Language: The Kitah Bet Hebrew program builds upon the skills acquired in Kitah Aleph, and strengthens students' ability to speak in full Hebrew sentences and read and write longer Hebrew stories. Decoding skills now have a new focus - to glean information and enjoy the pleasure of reading, including independent reading of children's literature. The Tal Sela Hebrew program is supplemented by holiday stories, poems, plays, games, songs and language activities. Students begin to use Hebrew to express their ideas, summarize a story and create imaginative plots.They speak and write in both the present and past tense, and use their knowledge of roots to expand their vocabulary. Some of the year's highlights include story writing (descriptions, mysteries, diaries, poems), a Hebrew fashion show for dolls and stuffed animals, shopping for the homeless using a Hebrew shopping list, and dramatic performances for Chanukah and Purim.
Torah: One of the most cherished tenets of our curriculum is preparing students to become independent, lifelong learners.To that end, the Kitah Bet Torah program lays the basis for students' encounter with biblical Hebrew in Kitah Gimel. Each week children read, in modern Hebrew, a different story from the book of Genesis, familiarizing themselves with key biblical vocabulary.Discussions integrate narrative details with experiences in their daily lives. Students are encouraged to grapple with the ethical issues that underlie the stories, such as hospitality, Shalom Bayit (peace in the home) and derech eretz (respect).The year revolves around two large projects:Preparing a 12-chapter Sefer Avot and Imahot ("Book of the Fathers and Mothers"), in which they illustrate and summarize events in the lives of Abraham/Sarah, Isaac/Rebecca, and Jacob/Leah and Rachel; and creating HaYoman Sheli, a personal diary of Joseph's life.
Holidays: Building on their familiarity with the Jewish holidays from Kitah Aleph, students in Kitah Bet expand upon their knowledge to create skits, perform plays, write stories and design holiday guides. Emphasis is placed on "Why?" and not only "What?" and "How?" In addition to using their growing Hebrew skills, they love hands-on activities, from baking round challot, tree cookies and hamentaschen to tasting the Seven Species to making coffee-can ra'ashanim for Purim. Other examples include: making holiday booklets - Minhagei Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur "suitcase," mini Jonah and Chanukah booklets; writing stories (Lulav/Etrog fable, Simchat Torah mystery, Tu B'Shevat fantasy, Shavuot adventures); creating Megillot and Haggadot for Purim and Pesach; and taping "Something for the Seder," a tape of the Haggadah for their families.
Music: Our music program exposes children to central aspects of music composition, such as rhythm, tempo, basic music theory, and musical terms. This basic knowledge is required when singing, playing instruments, and interacting with other musicians. During the school year, students will be exposed to a variety of musical styles, offering them a wider view of what the musical world has to offer. Each lesson offers the opportunity to improve vital skills needed in everyday life, such as communication, reading, writing, problem solving, teamwork, following direction, and proper diction. Music will help students express themselves creatively, which will boost confidence, lighten mood, and inspire them to enjoy the process of learning in the classroom as well as in everyday life.
Art: The art program aims to help children grow creatively, aesthetically, socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. We use a variety of techniques and materials including, but not limited to: collage, printmaking, painting, sculpture, weaving, and origami. The children learn about art history, art vocabulary and explore the art of different cultures. Our program provides problem-solving opportunities, enhance observation skills, and help children develop an appreciation for the individuality of both their work and that of others.
Physical Education: The physical education program at Kadima is held at the Haverhill YMCA. Certified instructors offer age based classes in swimming, rock climbing, gymnastics and floor games. In games and in formal instruction, children work on large motor skills at developmentally appropriate levels. As they play, students share space and equipment and learn the skill of working within a team. All games are chosen and managed in ways that enhance students' interpersonal skills.
Library: The Sifryah (library) program at Kadima supports the curriculum by fostering a love of reading, exposing children to a variety of topics and literary genres. Children in the elementary program are accompanied to the Andover Public Library where they choose books according to their interest and reading level. The children will also learn to use the Public Library as an extension of their classroom for research and building information skills. |
