3rd–6th Grade
This two-day-a-week program includes Hebrew reading, prayer comprehension and Judaic studies. Experiential learning takes place in all grade levels as students join in T’fila with Cantor Rachelle Nelson and explore aspects of Judaism through field trips, art, music, dance and project-oriented activities.
Third Grade is the first year of our two-day-a-week program. Wednesday is the time reserved for learning and practicing Hebrew reading skills. Sunday is dedicated to holiday and Judaic learning with a focus on Torah, using the text A CHILD’S BIBLE. Students are introduced to “midrash” and are encouraged to become modern young Torah commentators.
We go from Biblical times through today as our Fourth Graders “travel” the State of Israel. This experiential social studies unit introduces them to the uniqueness of our relationship with Israel — its geography, people, culture, language and history and encourages them to develop their own personal relationship with Israel.
Our Fifth Grade students are mature enough to understand and analyze ideas and concepts. That’s why we take this year to study narratives from the books of the Prophets and the Writings in the Bible. These books hold within them the many principles upheld by Reform Judaism and will give our students a glimpse into the haftarah portions that they will chant when they become Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
In Sixth Grade, the main curricular study is about the life cycle according to Jewish customs and practices. Jewish rituals enhance the meaning of the most important moments in our personal lives. In the year proceeding Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation and celebration, our students learn how they will be able to participate in these life cycle events as full members of the Jewish community.
3rd and 4th grade students participated in Shabbat Services on April 8, 2011, and joined the Cantors in song and prayer. Thanks to Jackie Berney for her musical direction.
Music and the arts have always been important components of Jewish culture and they play a significant role in the overall school curriculum. We want our students to be acquainted with Jewish art in its many creative expressions. We also strive to give students many opportunities to express their feelings and connections to Judaism and to Israel through our art enrichments: music, dance, literature, arts and crafts.
Shabbat and holidays is another essential ingredient in our curriculum. Students in every level, from PreKindergarten through Sixth grade, explore the themes and values of our festivals and holy days and experience them in many creative ways.
Family Education Programs
During the year each grade has an innovative session in which parents learn with their children. Programs are tailored to the grades’ themes. Be sure to attend these unique learning opportunities.
New Options for Learning Hebrew
Private Tutorial, Grades 3 to 6: Choose the day, time and location you prefer for your child. Student must also attend Sundays from 9:30 am to Noon.
Small Group Tutorial, Grades 3 to 6: Your child can attend tutorials with his or her friends, with a maximum of 3 students in a group who must be in the same grade. The group can select the day, time and location that suits their schedules. Please note that scheduled tutorials are not subject to change. Students must also attend Sundays from 9:30 am to Noon.
6th Grade Alternative: This is a Sunday Only program for 6th graders. The session is 9:30 am to 1:30 pm on every scheduled day of Sunday School and includes Hebrew and lunch.
Be sure to take advantage of these unique learning opportunities. Please see the registration forms for fees.
Yad B’Yad — Kindergarten to 6th Grade
Children with special needs from Kindergarten to 6th grade, learn in our Yad B’yad Program. Yad B’yad means “hand in hand.” This caring program is held on Sunday mornings and taught by our creative teachers. Yad B’yad is open to all Jewish families regardless of their temple affiliation.
Bet Sefer Mishpacha — PreKindergarten to 5th Grade
Family School is for children in Kindergarten through 5th grades and their parents. These families come together twice a month on Shabbat morning to learn, pray and celebrate as a family. This program requires attendance of both children and parents. Families can enroll in the program as an addition to the full Religious School program or as an alternative to the Sunday portion of the 3rd through 5th Grade program. All BSM students from 3rd through 5th grades are required to attend the Wednesday Hebrew sessions.
© 2012 Temple Beth Am, The Richard and Janet Yulman Campus, 5950 N. Kendall Drive, Pinecrest, FL 33156 • 305.667.6667
