GRADE THREE JUDAIC STUDIES
Overview
Third graders continue to grow in their study of
Chumash, and add the reading of
Rashi to their growing list of skills. They continue to broaden their reading and writing abilities through the
Tal-Sela Hebrew Language Arts curriculum. New
tefillot are introduced, including those of
Shabbat and
Rosh Chodesh. Laws and customs of the synagogue and
kashrut are emphasized, as are the laws regarding proper speech and respect for parents, teachers, and the elderly.
Safah -- Language Arts
Third grade Hebrew language reinforces what students have accomplished in first and second grade, and builds upon their knowledge and skills. The goal of learning Hebrew is to integrate the language throughout the Judaic studies curriculum. Linguistic elements are derived directly from the curriculum, and grammar is taught within the context of the material being studied. Based on their ability, students are divided into varying skill and challenge levels. Students learn to listen and comprehend both teachers and fellow students in conversation, fully describe and react to the text being studied, read and understand the literature taught -- as well as other stories of similar genres, and write descriptive and expressive paragraphs. The
Tal-Sela curriculum is used to reinforce these goals.
Texts:
Selections from the Tal-Sela curriculum:
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זה
אני •
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השתיל
שלי •
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איש
לרעהו •
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פסח
בבית צדקיהו •
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אתן
לך שיר •
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Chumash -- Bible
Third grade students continue their studies in
Sefer Bereshit with the stories of the patriarchs and the matriarchs in the
parashiyyot of
Vayyera, Chayye Sarah, Toleldot, and
Vayetze. A reverence for the characters and the text itself is emphasized, as is the ability to relate the Torah's events to those of present-day life. Students begin the year learning the
Rashi alphabet using workbooks, creative projects, and computer software. Simultaneously, the students are exposed to Rashi's methodology as they analyze the text. Students learn to appreciate both the textual content of the Bible as well as its values.
Dinim U'Minhagim - Laws and Customs
Along with a review of the laws relating to the
chagim, students expand their knowledge of
hilkhot Shabbat and the
halakhot of the synagogue. They learn the
berakhah of
asher yatzar, as well as details of the laws of
kashrut. Through creative projects, students are encouraged to research and question the origins of Jewish rituals and practices.
Tefillah - Prayer
Students regularly conduct both
Shacharit and
Minchah services. Special
tefillot are added on
chagim and on
Rosh Chodesh, and students are introduced to various aspects of
Shabbat tefillot to give them greater comfort and confidence in the synagogue. Students develop a fluency in their
siddur reading as well as a general comprehension of many
tefillot.
Derekh Eretz - Good Behavior
Students continue their exploration of the
halakhah governing conduct among people, and learn the laws concerning respect for parents, teachers, scholars, and the elderly. Emphasis is placed on the concept and application of
hakarat ha-tov, as well as the prohibition against
nibbul peh. Students model good behavior for one another and personally encourage each other to improve this aspect of their character.
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