HEBREW
The 1st Grade Ivrit curriculum focuses on the following areas:
V  Letter and vowel sounds and symbols 
V  Blending letters and vowels to read words
V  Forming and writing letter and words in print and cursive 
V  Writing short sentences

Themes: 
V   Classroom commands and phrases 
V   Shalom bakitah (in the classroom) - vocabulary about classroom, fellow students, objects, daily routines, and learning process
V   Shalom babayit uvachutz (at home and outdoors) - vocabulary about objects and daily routines at home, seasons, weather, and connections to Jewish life

JEWISH STUDIES (CHUMASH & JUDAICS)
Lessons on each Jewish holiday will fill the calendar as we proceed from Rosh Hashanah and the High Holidays through Chanukah, Purim, Passover, Shavuot and other special days. The students will gain practical instruction in the traditions through arts & crafts and hands-on learning. They will also learn about the meanings of each holiday and their relevant customs and importance today.

V   Parshat Hashavua: Student will understand the story and details from that week’s Torah Portion. Student will also bring home questions to discuss the Parsha at home
V   Chagim (Jewish Holidays): Student will identify date and significance of Jewish Holidays Students will also learn customs and blessing of the holiday
V   Tefila: Students will learn to be fluent in reading the morning prayers and understand the significance of specific blessings. Students will progressively learn new blessings for their morning prayers throughout the unit
V   Yidios klaliyos: Students will gain knowledge in Judacis, and various other general topics
V   Shabbat Unit: Students will understand the importance of Shabbat and some of the  laws that apply on that day

LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA) 
Reading: Reading is the most important part of 1st grade English.  Students are asked to read in small groups, and one on one with a teacher, while nightly word/phonics  repetition and spelling practice help to reinforce newly learned reading “rules”.

Writing & Oral Expression: Writing in class is designed to reinforce reading skills and to allow students to express their ideas, to reflect understanding of read materials, and to create excitement in being able to express thoughts.

Grammar: At this stage grammar skills should, like all writing, reflect the child’s developing reading and comprehension. Parts of simple sentences, and beginning concepts of developing a paragraph are goals for this year.

Spelling and Vocabulary: Weekly spelling units and frequent reading are used to build students’ knowledge of spelling and vocabulary.  Spelling units focus on teaching spelling rules, instilling an understanding of the structure of the English language, and building vocabulary. 

Handwriting: Using tri-write pencils to assist with grip, students learn paper placement, letter formation, and good handwriting habits, both in formal handwriting practice, and in every area of written work. Areas of study include lowercase letters, uppercase letters, words, sentences, and numbers.

MATH
V  The meaning and usage of Math in life; Understanding of number concept  
V   Number sense, basic word problems, mental math
V   Pictures and numbers; Two-digit numbers
V   Tens and ones. Place Value. Identifying and comparing numbers; Skip counting. Counting by 10s
V   Comparing and Measuring Mass; Adding / Subtracting within 100
V   Comparing and Measuring Length; Numbers to 100 – Place value
V   Mental addition and Subtraction within 100. Multiplication facts by 2
V   Time – Identification and Picture situation
V   Money – Identifying bills and coins. Calculating the total value of the set of money
V   Metric system – Centimeters and Meters, Grams and Kilograms
V   Vertical Addition and Subtraction. Mental calculation

SOCIAL STUDIES
In 1st Grade Social Studies, we begin by learning what communities are and developing a sense of togetherness.  This provides a natural launching pad to explore new subjects like local and state government, what  countries are, the differences between urban and rural life, and how America fits into the larger world. The  “big picture” goal of this course is to build a foundation of knowledge and understanding in social studies  that will be of great benefit in the years to come.