Friedel Jewish Academy: Curriculum and Content Standards

At Friedel Jewish Academy, excellence is our standard. Our goal is to provide all students with the high-quality, general studies instruction needed to prepare for life in tomorrow's high-tech world.

Content Standards or Learning goals/Expected Learning Outcomes have been set for each grade and subject. Students at Friedel Jewish Academy are expected to master the majority of the outcomes.

General Education Studies include the areas of Math (Harcourt Math Curriculum), Social Studies/History, Science, Language Arts (Reading and writing, McGraw-Hill Curriculum), Music, Art, Physical Education, Health and Wellness and Technology.

The Jewish Studies TaL Am curriculum includes the areas of Hebrew immersion, communicative heritage language, Tanach (Bible), T’iflah (prayers and blessings), history and holidays. These areas are designed to develop the child and his/her Jewish identity. In addition, TaL Am activates the eight types of intelligence; spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, bodily kinesthetic, musical, linguistic, logical mathematical, naturalist.

The Nebraska State Department Education coordinates statewide efforts to design and develop a written curriculum and ensure best practice classroom instruction.  Friedel Jewish Academy follows the State’s Content Standards and utilizes student achievement assessment data to assist the school in improvement planning.

Friedel strives to focus staff energy toward improving the quality of our instructional program, meeting diverse student needs, and building an organizational culture that nurtures student self-direction, engagement and preparation for Middle School.

  

Kindergarten: The Jewish Family Plan

Language Arts (Macmillan McGraw-Hill)

  • Skills and routines for daily living, discipline of self and “fitting in”
  • Development of basic discussion, letter recognition, writing, reading and listening skills
  • Introduction to appreciation and reading of different types of books and literature
  • Participation in guided group literary experiences and development of independence
  • Appropriate use of every day language and identification of terms and words (e.g. colors, placement, how things look, comparisons, daily objects)

Mathematics (Harcourt)

  • Mental Math:  Development of beginning number skills and their application to daily life
  • Use and identification of shapes, coins, fractions, & basic concepts of algebra
  • Identified number skills 1 - 10 and recognition skills for 1 – 100, place value – tens, ones
  • Awareness and understanding of mathematics as a tool for our daily activities
  • Free exploration of math tools and concepts
  • Perform basic operations – add & subtract

Social Studies: Introduction to the World 101 (and Me and My Family)

  • Midot: Interactions, Relationships and Values
  • Conflict Resolution & Discipline
  • American and Jewish Holidays and Observations
  • Patriotism and Loyalty to America
  • Pilgrims and Indians
  • Family, Friends and Community
  • Maps, Geography:  Basic Skills
  • Black History Month                                       

Science: Introduction to World 101 (and Exploration of Elements of Systems)

  • Life Cycle: Plants & Animals 
  • Dinosaurs                    
  • Health & Safety: Nutrition                                            
  • Bodies and Bones        
  • Five Senses                                                                 
  • Hot and Cold
  • Seasonal Changes                                                       
  • Plants and Seeds
  • Animals and their Habitats                                           
  • Observing our World
  • Space

Hebrew Language – Pre-TaL AM

  • Letter recognition and usage skills
  • Learned vocabulary and usage
  • Beginning speaking, listening and conversational skills
  • Relating to Hebrew as language of our culture and religion

Bible: Selected Stories from Torah

  • Midot: Values, Interactions and Relationships   
  • Conflict Resolution                                                       
  • Understanding the story line

Prayer: Individual and Family Experiences

  • Learning specified prayers and Berachot
  • Developing sense of spirituality
  • Importance of prayer to individual Jew
  • Importance of family/community

Jewish Studies: Introduction to the Jewish World 101

  • Midot: Values, Interactions and Relationships
  • Hagim: Personal/Family/Observances
  • Taking Care of Ourselves
  • Taking Care of our World
  • Israel, Families, Neighborhoods & Communities
  • Our Jewish Community

HEBREW

Every Kindergarten student will be able to:

  • Recognize, write and use Hebrew letters in print
  • Recognize and use high frequency Hebrew words
  • Recognize and sound out words that begin with specified letters
  • Know and use vocabulary in learned units (e.g. colors, parts of body, things in classroom, weather, calendar, months)
  • Use simple phrases and sentences that are part of daily routine
  • Follow simple directions in Hebrew
  • Compose and use simple two and three word Hebrew sentences
  • Count 0-100   
  • Write and recognize own Hebrew name
  • Know and use learned blessings (Berachot) over food and other actions
  • Know and use learned prayers
  • Recite specified parts of Birkat Hamazon (Blessing after meals)
  • Identify and explain learned Jewish practices for the individual and family
  • Identify key terminology, practices and events related to Jewish holidays and observances
  • Know basic narrative, main characters, and important facts about learned Torah stories
  • Identify and explain presence of learned Jewish values in actions within Torah stories
  • Sing “HaTikvah” with guidance
  • Understand general importance of Israel to the Jewish nation and people
  • Identify and explain Jewish obligation to care for ourselves and others

  

First Grade: The Individual and the Community

Language Arts (Macmillan McGraw-Hill)

  • Writing proficiency skills (print)
  • Letter and sound relationships
  • New spelling and vocabulary words; pre- and post tested on weekly basis
  • Use of dictionary and references
  • Further development of all reading, speaking, listening and writing skills of expression
  • Storyline and comprehension skills
  • Beginning of basic grammar skills (punctuation, capitalization, sentence order, etc.)

Mathematics (Harcourt)

  • Mental Math: Math facts
  • Development of problem solving skills and strategies
  • Understanding number relations
  • Reading and writing numbers 1-100
  • Recognition of the use of math and mathematical operations in daily life
  • Use of measurement, time, and other mathematical concepts in daily life
  • Free exploration of math tools and concepts

Social Studies: My Community and its Elements

  • Geography: Basic map skills with continual development and use in all areas                  
  • Discipline, Rules and Regulations
  • Early America – Cultural Elements
  • American and Jewish Holidays
  • Occupations: Contributing to the Community
  • Cultural Groups
  • Health & Safety: Self and Others
  • Current Events

Science: Systems and Our Potential Role as Activists

  • Life Science – Plant and animal studies, health and safety, life on the farm and in the city
  • Earth Science – nature, seasons, geological studies
  • Physical Science – weather and its effects
  • Collection of data through group observations and experiments

Hebrew Language (TaL AM)

  • Proficiency in reading and writing in manuscript and cursive in Hebrew.
  • Proficiency in listening and speaking skills in Hebrew.
  • Vocabulary units of works and their usage in daily life and activities
  • Basic grammar in use of verbs, agreement, and sentence order
  • Beginning of independent reading skills
  • Use of Hebrew as spoken language and place in our lore and legacy

Bible: Parshiot HaShavuah:  Study of weekly Torah portion in TaL AM

  • Reinforcement of themes from other areas: Neighborhoods and Communities
  • Observances and Holidays, Occupations, Conflict Resolution, Understanding Story Lines         
  • Animals, Water, Plants and Things - Elements in our Lives and Community

Prayer: Importance of the Community

  • Learning of specified prayers and Berachot                  
  • Rules and discipline of prayer
  • Relating to and thinking about G-d                               
  • Importance of Jewish community
  • Comprehension of key prayer concepts                        
  • Prayer as expression of feeling

Jewish Studies: My Jewish Community and Its Elements

  • Holidays, celebrations and practices
  • Israel: Groupings and communities
  • Uses and explanation of various ritual objects
  • Jewish values and application to daily life

HEBREW

Every First Grade student will be able to:

  • Identify, decode, read, and know the sound of al letters of alphabet
  • Identify and write all vowels
  • Read all letter - vowel combinations and write them
  • Decode, read, and write individual Hebrew words
  • Read assigned parts in familiar text
  • Read new text with other students and/or guidance of teacher
  • Read and understand a simple story
  • Know and use basic vocabulary of 140 and more words for verbal use and writing
  • Know and use words from indicated vocabulary units and daily activities
  • Follow everyday directions in the classroom
  • Listen to and understand a story read by the teacher
  • Write and say simple sentences, daily expressions and everyday words
  • Answer simple Hebrew questions in Hebrew
  • Use masculine and feminine forms in present tense verbs taught
  • Use single and plural forms of learned nouns
  • Identify and use simple elements of a simple sentence
  • Recognize and use proper names
  • Use question words
  • Recite all days of the week in order
  • Use basic skills of Hebrew to learn new language elements and uses
  • Participate comfortably with learned prayers during Tefillah
  • Follow words in the Siddur and read learned prayers
  • Explain and understand the significance of learned prayers and their meaning to us
  • Know and say specified parts of Birkat HaMazon
  • Identify and recite Berachot for various foods and experiences as appropriate
  • Explain general concepts and themes of each holiday and observance
  • Identify special prayer, customs and practices associated with holidays and observances
  • Participate in specific learned practices (e.g. lighting candles, say Kiddush, wash hands)
  • Explain general terms, identify personalities and events in Parshat HaShavuah
  • Identify and explain specific Jewish values in Parshat HaShavuah and other material
  • Identify and explain the use of each ritual object (made in school during year)
  • Sing learned songs in Hebrew, including “HaTikvah”
  • Understand and explain the significance of Jewish community and our participation in it
  • Understand and explain that Israel and all Jewish communities are important to us

 

Second Grade: Different Peoples, Different Communities, Different Ideas

 Language Arts (Macmillan McGraw-Hill)

  • Handwriting proficiency
  • Well developed word skills
  • Proper use of parts of speech
  • Reading comprehension & skills
  • Verbal expression skills
  • Exposure to forms of literature
  • Continued development of grammar skills
  • Development of Writing Skills
  • Learn new spelling and vocabulary words pre- and post tested on weekly basis
  • Use of dictionary and references

Mathematics (Harcourt)

  • Mental Math: use of mathematics in various daily actions- e.g. money, time, measurements.
  • Mastering plus and minus facts through 20.
  • Plus and Minus of 3 digit #s with regrouping (carrying and borrowing)
  • Gathering data and developing charts and graphs.
  • Geometry – solid and plane figures and measurement (Standard and Metric).
  • Place value though 1000.
  • Introduction to fractions, multiplication and division.

Social Studies: 2nd and 3rd Grades

Units taught on a 2 or 3 year alternating schedule.

  • Continents and oceans 
  • Native Americans
  • American History
  • Current Events
  • Mapping Skills
  • England
  • Famous Americans
  • Communities
  • Mexico
  • African-American History and Slavery

Science: 2nd and 3rd Grade

Units taught on a 2 or 3 year alternating schedule.

  • Physical Science : Simple machines, Light, Sound, Magnetism,
  • Life Science: Plants and animals, Bats, Birds, Whales, Habitats, Spiders, Human Body and Organs
  • Earth Science:  Solar System, Seasons, Weather

Hebrew Language (TaL AM and Tal Sela)

  • Reading proficiency in block/script
  • Writing proficiency in block/script
  • Reading of Hebrew text with comprehension
  • Speaking & listening comprehension
  • Developed grammar/language usage skills
  • Directed creative writing
  • Independence in reading
  • Working vocabulary of significant amount of words

Bible: Parshiot Bereshit, Noach, Lech Lecha and Vayerah

  • Families, roots and family trees
  • People and differences
  • Cultural characteristics of people
  • Geography and map skills
  • Problem solving skills and values
  • Life cycle & environment factors
  • Parashat Hashavua
  • Jewish leaders and personalities

Prayer: Structure and Discipline in our Lives with Meaning

  • Learning of specified prayers and concepts
  • Twice a week participation in Shaharit service
  • Kabalat Shabbat
  • Recognition of linguistic elements
  • Important part of our lives as Jews
  • Structure and discipline of prayer
  • Centrality of Torah
  • Rosh Hodesh prayers and place of prayer in our lives

Jewish Studies: Different Jewish Communities and Practices

  • Jewish Family Trees
  • Holidays and various elements
  • Jewish Calendars
  • Judaism and the environment
  • Israel: Cultures and Groups
  • Israel: Geography and Topography

HEBREW

Every Second Grader will be able to:

  • Read all Hebrew letters in cursive/script
  • Write all Hebrew letters in cursive/script
  • Read Hebrew text with familiar vocabulary at acceptable rate of fluency
  • Decode and read unfamiliar words and sort texts accurately
  • Use working Hebrew vocabulary of significant amount of words
  • Understand and begin to use gematria (numerical values of Hebrew letters)
  • Answer questions orally and in writing (in simple Hebrew) about a story that was read
  • Write creative short stories, following clear and concise directions
  • Use and conjugate present tense verbs
  • Use proper noun - adjective agreement
  • Use prepositions, pronouns, question words, and other learned grammar elements
  • Recite all months of year in order
  • Follow classroom directions in Hebrew
  • Use common Hebrew expressions and sentences in proper context
  • Participate comfortably in al prayers during Tefillah, demonstrating competency in specified prayers
  • Begin to take (guided) “leadership” roles in school prayer community
  • Explain general points and ideas of specified prayers
  • Understand and explain the place and value of rules and structure in our Tefillah
  • Participate in complete recitation of Birkat HaMazon
  • Identify and take initiative to recite Berachot for different foods and events
  • Recite specified prayers associated with holidays (with prompting)
  • Explain and identify main points of holidays and observances, using key Hebrew words, personalities and events in explanation
  • Sing at least one song for each holiday and several for Shabbat
  • Match symbols and ritual objects with holidays and observances
  • Identify and explain use of each symbol or ritual object (studied and made during year)
  • Understand and explain central role of Torah in our lives as members of the Jewish nation
  • Identify selected shorshim - roots of words (in study of Torah)
  • Understand and translate specific pesukim and/or phrases
  • Identify components of structure of Torah (e.g. names of books of Humash; definition of parsha, peke, passuk)
  • Apply learned skills to all areas of study (e.g. use of Jewish values geography skills, etc.)
  • Understand and explain the connection between our lives as Jews, Americans and citizens of the world in terms of learned themes (e.g. family, roots and past legacy, environment, etc.)
  • Understand and explain the importance and value of calendars in providing structure for our lives as individuals and members of community
  • Identify and explain specific Jewish values taught and recognize examples from personal life of their use and application
  • Understand and explain the place of rules and structure in our Jewish community
  • Understand and explain the central role and importance of Israel in our lives as members of the Jewish nation

 

Third Grade: Rules, Regulations, and Discipline

Language Arts (Macmillan McGraw-Hill)

  • Continued development of all grammar skills     
  • Identify parts and elements of a story
  • Story writing, reports and research activities and development of writing skills
  • Building vocabulary
  • Poetry
  • Comprehension skills
  • Learn new spelling and vocabulary words pre- and post tested on weekly basis
  • Use of dictionary and references

Mathematics (Harcourt)

  • Addition and subtraction up to 4 digit numbers  Use of place values in numbers
  • Multiplication and division with remainders
  • Geometry: solid and plane figures & polygons
  • Mental mathematics
  • Graphing
  • Measurements in standard and metric units
  • Fractions
  • Decimals

Social Studies: 2nd and 3rd Grades

Units taught on a 2 or 3 year alternating schedule.

  • Continents and oceans 
  • Native Americans
  • American History
  • Current Events
  • Mapping Skills
  • England
  • Famous Americans
  • Mexico
  • African-American History and Slavery
  • Communities    

Science: 2nd and 3rd Grade

Units taught on a 2 or 3 year alternating schedule.

  • Physical Science : Simple machines, Light, Sound, Magnetism,
  • Life Science: Plants and animals, Bats, Birds, Whales, Habitats, Spiders, Human Body and Organs
  • Earth Science: Solar System, Seasons, Weather

Hebrew Language (Tal Am II)

  • Use of Hebrew dictionary
  • Independence in language use
  • Conjugate learned verbs in past and present tense and continued development of grammar

Bible: VaYera through VaYechi (finishing Bereshit)

  • Jewish leaders and personalities
  • Daily life, rules and regulations
  • Use of resources
  • Geography and map skills
  • Decision making and choices
  • Values, activism and involvement

Prayer: Structure for the Individual and the Community

  • Learning of specified prayers and concepts                   
  • Proficiency in Shaharit service
  • Kabbalat Shabbat service                                            
  • Rosh Hodesh prayers
  • Opportunities for private and communal prayer             
  • Ongoing place of prayer in our lives

Jewish Studies: Structure, Rules and Regulations in Jewish Life

  • Jerusalem: The capitol
  • Important places and monuments
  • Famous Jewish personalities
  • Hagim: Prayers, people and concepts
  • Water - Importance in Israel
  • Use & importance of Jewish symbols & ritual objects
  • Hayei Yehudi: The structure and discipline of daily life in Judaism

HEBREW

Every Third Grader will be able to:

  • Use correct pronunciation and inflection in all material read and spoken
  • Read fluently and independently in grade level materials
  • Write in simple full sentences
  • Answer questions in simple full sentences
  • Use definitive words (e.g. the, these, this)
  • Conjugate learned verbs in present tense
  • Identify nouns (masculine or feminine, singular or plural)
  • Use oral vocabulary of significant amount of words
  • Use developed Hebrew skills to support learning of new elements
  • Know, understand, and use Berachot in various aspects of daily life
  • Know, understand, and use entire Birkat HaMazon
  • Participate comfortably in all prayers during Tefillah with competence in designated prayers
  • Begin to develop leadership skills as Sheliach Tzibur
  • Explain general points and themes of learned prayers (Be’or Tefillah)
  • Participate in special prayers and services for Kabbalat Shabbat and Rosh Hodesh
  • Understand and explain value of prayer and spirituality in our lives, individually and collectively
  • Know and use learned information about holidays and observances
  • Participate in various learned behaviors, rituals, and observances
  • Understand and explain the ideas and concepts of obligation and taking responsibility for self
  • and others in Jewish terms (e.g. hiyuv, metzuveh, achrayut, etc.)
  • Explain general story line of the families and individual adventures as recorded in Bereshit
  • Idenitfy “Vav hipuch” in Humash vocabulary
  • Identify shorshim in words taught and used
  • Apply all learned language elements in study of Torah and other texts
  • Identify key words and phrases in Biblical text by sight

Translate and understand key concepts in a passage of Tanach during study

  • Identify and apply all learned themes and values to study of Torah and other texts
  • Generate “Rabbinic commentary” types of questions (with guidance)
  • Understand and explain components of Jewish leadership and apply to personal life
  • Use learned skills of cooperative learning to engage in chavrutah learning (with guidance)
  • Know and use key concepts (and behaviors) of learned Midot
  • Use and apply all skills and knowledge to all topics of study as appropriate (e.g. calendar, geography, community standards, environmental factors, etc.)
  • Make choices and decisions in daily activities according to learned Jewish values

 

Fourth Grade: Putting the Elements Together and Making Choices...

 Language Arts (Macmillan McGraw-Hill)

  • Proofreading and Correction Skills
  • Fluent use of all language skills
  • Proper use of learned grammar
  • Ability to summarize, analyze and process
  • Presentation of oral reports                  
  • Use of different voices of language
  • Research in a variety of materials
  • Identification/Differentiation of literature forms
  • Written research report skills

Mathematics (Harcourt)

  • Use place value to compare and order numbers Recognize geometric figures
  • Add and subtract whole numbers
  • Use perimeter, area, and volume
  • Collect and organize data with graphs and charts
  • Use problem solving strategies
  • Evaluate algebraic expressions and equations
  • Operate with fractions and decimals
  • Use multiplication and division facts & operations
  • Understand time and money

Social Studies: Our Life, Elements of our Reality and Our Choices (Silver Burdett)

  • Maps and Mapping
  • Nebraska: Our State
  • Physical geography (climate & regions)
  • Environmental studies/challenges
  • U.S. geography

Science: Part of a Three-Year Cycle for Grades 4, 5, & 6

  • Scientific Method         
  • Rocks & Minerals: Layers of Earth      
  • Weather
  • Plant Life Cycle
  • Nutrition
  • Magnets and Electricity
  • Natural Resources
  • Ecosystems
  • Energy and Matter
  • Simple and Complex Machines
  • Classification of Plants and Animals
  • Oceans
  • Human Body
  • Our Solar System

Hebrew Language (Tel Sela)

  • Ability to use language with some fluency
  • Ability to listen and comprehend
  • Correct use of past and present tenses
  • Read a passage of Hebrew
  • Initiative in use of Hebrew language
  • Break a word into components
  • Proper use of all learned grammar
  • Read & understand specified text

Bible: Shemot

  • Rules and Regulations 
  • Truth & Feasibility
  • Environmental factors
  • Cultural aspects of life
  • Textural Analysis
  • Choices and Decision Making
  • Cooperation and Collaboration Elements & Structures of the Jewish Nation

Prayer: Practices and Structures that Sustain the Jewish People

  • Learning of specified prayers and concepts
  • Proficiency in structure of siddur
  • Identification of major themes in prayers
  • Place of prayer in ancient world
  • Prayer increases our sense of our surroundings  Understanding ourselves and others

Jewish Studies: Understanding the Elements of Our Lives and Making Choices

  • Our “Jewish lens” & making choices
  • Jewish activism and its value
  • Hagim: Torah sources and developed practices Israel: Topography and the land Form and function in Judaic art

HEBREW

Every Fourth Grader will be able to:

  • Write and speak in complete Hebrew sentences
  • Speak Hebrew with some fluency and confidence
  • Read and understand an age appropriate book in Hebrew
  • Write a summary about material read in Hebrew
  • Use past and present tense correctly
  • Use Hebrew dictionary and other support texts independently
  • Use Hebrew vocabulary of no less than a significant amount of words
  • Show initiative and independence in use of Hebrew language
  • Say learned prayers fluently and with confidence
  • Know and explain structure of the Siddur
  • Know and explain structure of Shaharit, Kabbalat Shabbat, Mincha, and Rosh Hodesh services/Tefillah (learned elements)
  • Know and use main concepts and different forms of various learned prayers
  • Expand knowledge of liturgy, history, and practices associated with holidays and observances
  • Name three divisions of the Tanach
  • Know the structure of the Tanach
  • Name all Parshiot of Bereshit in order
  • Read a verse of Humash with correct intonation and pauses in appropriate places
  • Learn selected commentaries and appreciate their value in learning the Torah text
  • Comprehend and explain Biblical text learned
  • Understand and explain Torah as core element in our lives, and the blueprint of the rules and regulations that govern the life of Jewish individuals and community
  • Identify and explain timeless and important lessons of Torah and other learned texts
  • Know entire map of Israel and identify key cities and locations
  • Make decisions in all aspects of life according to Jewish values, discipline and rules
  • Use learned research skills to prepare report on chosen topic related to Jewish Studies
  • Work independently and responsibly in chevrutot
  • Understand and take on responsibility for working for betterment of our community as activists, informed by Jewish values
  • Continue to develop skills of leadership in school community and other venues

 

Fifth Grade: Understanding our Past, Looking to our Future

 Language Arts (Macmillan McGraw-Hill)

  • Proper use of language
  • Organizational and sequencing skills
  • Note taking skills                                 
  • Proofreading and correction skills         
  • Comprehension skills
  • Distinguishing between primary/secondary sources
  • Accessing information
  • Use of different forms of writing

Mathematics (Harcourt)

  • Compare, order, and perform operations with large numbers and decimals
  • Perform operations with fractions
  • Evaluate algebraic expressions and equations
  • Calculate circumference, perimeter, area, and volume
  • Analyze data using graphs and charts    

 Social Studies: History of the United States (part of two-year cycle*)

  • Exploration                                                      
  • Founders
  • Colonial Life                                                    
  • Revolutionary War
  • Immigration to 1900                                        
  • Becoming a Nation
  • Democracy: Concept and Practice                   
  • Civil War
  • Current Events

Science: Part of a Three-Year Cycle for Grades 4, 5, & 6

  • Scientific Method         
  • Rocks & Minerals: Layers of Earth      
  • Weather
  • Plant Life Cycle
  • Nutrition
  • Magnets and Electricity
  • Natural Resources
  • Ecosystems
  • Energy and Matter
  • Simple and Complex Machines
  • Classification of Plants and Animals
  • Oceans
  • Human Body
  • Our Solar System

 

Hebrew Language (Tel Sela)

 

  • Continued use of all language and grammar skills in all areas of Jewish Studies
  • Read and prepare Hebrew book report on appropriate material
  • Oral vocabulary of an extensive amount of words
  • Use of expressive language (with help) to discuss topics in Hebrew
  • Can initiate discussion, will read on own, and otherwise use language independently

Bible:  VaYikra, BaMidbar, and Devarim

  • Chapters of a People and their Survival Leadership and its Qualities
  • Fight for and Value of Independence    
  • From Place to Place: Migration & Immigration
  • Lessons about Fredom                        
  • Protection of Self
  • All Textural Analysis & Research Skills

Prayer: Value of Vertical and Horizontal Community

  • Continued use of all prayer skills and concepts in appropriate services and activities
  • Leadership of Tefillot for school wide activities and programs
  • Discussion and exploration of spiritual and psychological aspects of prayer

Jewish Studies: The American Jewish Community and the World (part of two year cycle*)

  • My Place in the Jewish Community: Spirituality and the Importance of Religion
  • American and Jewish History: Shared Themes and Destinies
  • Israel and America: Relationships and Challenges (Current Events)
  • Activism and Jewish Values: Taking My Place in My Community

HEBREW

Every Fifth Grader will be able to:

  • Express basic thoughts in proper Hebrew
  • Use expressive language in spoken and written Hebrew
  • Initiate conversation in Hebrew on a given topic
  • Acquire an oral vocabulary of an extensive amount of words
  • Use future tense of learned verbs correctly
  • Read a grade level Hebrew book
  • Prepare and present a book report on an appropriate Hebrew book
  • Begin to be familiar with different forms of Hebrew literature in abridged forms
  • Take initiative in using Hebrew to access information in all areas of Judaic studies
  • Read any prayer, Tanach, or other text with fluency and confidence
  • Understand meaning and main concepts of all appropriate reading material and use support mechanisms to help as needed
  • Locate known prayers (e.g. Shema, Amidah, Aleinu) in a variety of Siddurim
  • Explain elements and basic structure of three daily services and Musaf
  • Know learned prayers, main concepts, and different forms of specific prayers
  • Continue development of leadership role in prayer community
  • Prepare and present a “Be’ or Tefillah” lesson to school prayer community
  • Expand knowledge of liturgy, history, and practices associated with holidays
  • Understand and explain the value and importance of religion and spirituality for the individual and the community of which he/she is a part
  • Name all Parshiot in the Torah in the proper order
  • Read Rashi script with vowels
  • Recognize role played by Rashi and other commentators in raising and answering textual questions
  • Identify role of Mishnah in expanding and explaining Biblical text
  • Understand and explain the development of law from Torah source (as learned)
  • Develop, research, and write a Dvar Torah on an assigned topic
  • Understand and apply all learned elements (e.g. components of leadership, importance of rules and discipline, communal responsibility) to life and activism roles
  • Identify key regions and all geographical features of Israel
  • Tell general story of Jewish history of periods learned, including main events, important personalities and general dates
  • Identify key waves of Jewish immigration to the United States (see Jewish History cycle)
  • Identify key elements in the Jewish community structure
  • Identify contributions of American Jews to general society (see Jewish History cycle)
  • Explain and understand relationship between American and Israeli Jewish communities (see Jewish History cycle)
  • Make ongoing connections between learned Jewish values (Midot) and concepts and daily life and activities
  • Use all learned research, decision making, and time utilization skills to prepare assigned projects and reports in Jewish Studies
  • Take initiative in assuming leadership roles in a variety of venues

  

Sixth Grade: Patterns and Lessons of History

Language Arts (Macmillan McGraw-Hill)

  • Works cooperatively, generates solutions, solves problems, thinks creatively
  • Identifies and appreciates the various genres of literature (including mythology)
  • Uses writing, research and analysis skills
  • Reads orally with fluency
  • Understands and uses figurative language
  • Uses a variety of comprehension skills and strategies
  • Recognizes techniques of persuasion
  • Recognizes relationships and makes analogies

Mathematics (Harcourt)

  • Perform whole number, decimal, and fraction operations
  • Use formulas
  • Evaluate algebraic expressions and equations
  • Use ratios and proportion
  • Perform operations with integers
  • Understand probabilities
  • Recognize geometric and plane figures
  • Figure % discounts and tax
  • Use a variety of problem solving strategies
  • Create charts and graphs to display and analyze data

Social Studies: Early Humans through Greco-Roman Times (part of two-year cycle*)

  • Religion, Values & Ethics
  • Science and Math
  • Agriculture and Economic
  • Government
  • Literature and Arts       
  • Family and Community
  • Communications and  Calendar         
  • Food, Clothing and Shelter
  • Recreation

Science: Part of a Three-Year Cycle for Grades 4, 5, & 6

  • Scientific Method         
  • Rocks & Minerals: Layers of Earth      
  • Weather
  • Plant Life Cycle
  • Nutrition
  • Magnets and Electricity
  • Natural Resources
  • Ecosystems
  • Energy and Matter
  • Simple and Complex Machines
  • Classification of Plants and Animals
  • Oceans
  • Human Body
  • Our Solar System

Hebrew Language (Tel Sela)

  • Ability to read Hebrew texts without vowels
  • Use and conjugation of verbs of different classifications
  • Ability to write a Hebrew report on a given topic
  • Proper use and application of all learned linguistic and grammar components

Bible:  Neviim Rishonim – Chapters of Jewish History

  • Development of a people
  • Judaism as a religion and a system of life
  • Ethical monotheism and its teachings
  • Law and civilization
  • Historical backdrop and significance
  • Textual analysis skills

Prayer: History, Legacy and Taking our Place

  • Continued use of all prayer skills and concepts in appropriate services and activities
  • Leadership of Tefillot for school wide activities and programs
  • Discussion and exploration of spiritual and psychological aspects of prayer

Jewish Studies: Jewish Development in Greco-Roman Times (part of two year cycle*)

  • Hellenism and Maccabean resistance: eternal lessons
  • The Passover Seder as influenced by Greek symposium: Similarities and differences
  • Mishnah and Talmud: Format, functions and history of development and use
  • Archeological and architectural presence of Greco-Roman culture in Israel
  • Lessons about the people and land of Israel that are timeless

HEBREW

Every Sixth Grader will be able to:

  • Initiate use of Hebrew language in all areas of expression with confidence
  • Read learned Hebrew texts without vowels
  • Use and conjugate verbs of different types
  • Use and apply all learned Hebrew grammar components properly
  • Acquire and use a Hebrew vocabulary
  • Write a report in Hebrew on a given topic, with use of support as needed
  • Read and identify different forms of Hebrew literature in abridged forms (as needed)
  • Take initiative in applying known linguistic elements in acquiring knowledge and use of new ones
  • Know learned prayers, main concepts, and different forms of specific prayers
  • Assume full leadership role in school’s prayer community and use provided opportunities to assume such roles in other venues in community
  • Understand and explain spiritual and psychological aspects of prayer and why it is important to us as individuals and community members
  • Understand and explain learned stories of inspiration and timeless application that are the basis for some of our Tefillot
  • Explain with some specificity important events, personalities, and aspects of development of
  • Jewish history, observances and practices
  • Read Kitiv Rashi with or without vowels (individual student mastery)
  • Name all books of the Tanach and briefly outline contents of sections of Tanach
  • Read, understand and explain learned text from Torah
  • Identify general themes and categories of the books of the Tanach
  • See and understand that the Tanach is a source of our Jewish History, with important information
  • about past generations and their message for us
  • Recognize and explain role of Mishna, Talmud, Shulhan Aruch and other codes in further development of Jewish Law and Practices
  • Identify famous commentators (e.g. Rashi, Rambam, Ramban) and their role in further explaining our Torah text and its many components
  • Describe main events and aspects of the history of Israel during periods studied (see Jewish History cycle)
  • Illustrate and describe mutual impacts of Judaic and Greco-Roman cultures (see Jewish History cycle)
  • Explain dilemmas in modern Israeli society in light of past history and known patterns
  • Make ongoing connections between learned Jewish values (Midot) and concepts and daily life and activities
  • Use all learned research, decision making, and time utilization skills to prepare assigned projects and reports in Jewish Studies
  • Take on additional roles of Jewish leadership and activism in the Jewish community

  

Nutrition Education, Nutrition Standards, Physical Activity, School Based Activities

Component 1: Setting Nutrition Education Goals

The primary goal of nutrition education is to influence students’ eating behaviors.

Nutrition Education:

  • Is interactive and teaches the skills they need to adopt healthy eating behaviors.
  • Is offered in the school dining room as well as in the general studies classroom, with coordination between the foodservice staff and teachers.
  • Is communicated in consistent nutrition messages throughout the school, classroom, cafeteria and home.
  • General Studies Units are taught on staying healthy, avoiding germs, eating good foods and a well balanced diet, a healthy heart, personal hygiene and dental health.  In Jewish Studies units are taught on eating correctly, the correct combination of food groups, what each food group does to maintain the body; this portion is part of the Hebrew Emersion program.
  • Nutrition is persistently taught in the Jewish Studies classrooms with emphasis on Kashrut: Jewish Dietary Laws.
  • “Chesed”, a Jewish program to develop appropriate characteristics within students includes a unit called “Hishamer: Watch Yourself”, caring for your body by Jewish Law.  It is a Mitzvah to keep you body (inside and outside) and your world clean”
  • Red Ribbon Week; drug awareness and prevention.

Component 2: Nutrition Standards for All Foods Available on School premises at all times         

  • Students’ lifelong eating habits are greatly influenced by the types of foods and beverages available to them. Friedel ensures that reimbursable school meals meet the program requirements and nutrition standards. Nutrition standards are;
  • All food is kosher; dairy or pareve. 
  • “Hot” lunch program is provided by Jewish Senior Services, Rose Blumkin Home.  
  • The Home follows Kosher dietary standards, certified by the Va’ad Hakashrut of Omaha. All meals are prepared and served in accordance with Jewish dietary laws.
  • Friedel recognizes that improved nutrition education empowers students to make healthy food choices. 
  • Jewish Senior Services follows Nebraska school nutrition standards and are monitored by the State.
  • No vending machines are allowed in the school.
  • All fund raising foods must be kosher. 
  • “Birthday treats” must be purchased from Jewish Senior Services, The Bagel Bin or the main Krispy Kreme location at 120th and Center in Omaha.  These are the only three verified kosher establishments.
  • In lieu of birthday treats parents are encouraged to purchase books for the school library in an effort to cut down on sugar consumption.
  • The school works closely with parents to ensure the students are receiving appropriate nutrition and plenty of sleep prior to assessment testing.

Component 3: Setting Physical Activity 

The primary goal for the school’s physical activity component is to provide opportunities for every student to develop the knowledge and skills for specific physical activities, maintain physical fitness, regularly participate in physical activity, and understand the short- and long-term benefits of a physically active and healthful lifestyle.

Physical Activity goals:

  • Thirty minutes of recess, daily.
  • Two hours of swimming instruction, weekly.  
  • Two hours of teacher led physical education, weekly.  The program follows   
  • Nebraska Content Standards established by the State Education Dept.
  • Multiple opportunities to participate in Israeli Folk Dances, yearly.         

Component 4: Setting Goals for Other School-Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness

  • Policies established under this category create a school environment that provides consistent wellness messages and is conducive to healthy eating and being physically active. Examples include:
  • Provide a clean, safe, enjoyable meal environment for students.
  • Provide adequate time for students to enjoy eating healthy foods with friends, scheduled as near the middle of the school day as possible.
  • Prohibit use of food as a reward or punishment.
  • Provide enough space and serving areas to ensure student access to school meals with a minimum of wait time.
  • Provide a facility which meets all fire safety standards.  
  • Provide opportunities for students to prepare and cook healthy kosher meals and heritage dishes.
  • Ensure all students are allowed to participate in recess. 
  • Meet with foodservice professionals on a continuing basis to maintain a quality food service program.
  • Lead teacher is provided with training and development of food services.