Language Arts

Introduction to critical reading of literature: novels • Reading: fluency, comprehension of narrative and expository text, literary response and analysis, vocabulary • Writing: multiple-paragraph compositions, writing process, outlining, research skills, paraphrasing, multiple sources and bibliography • Grammar: sentence structure, parts of speech, agreement, verb tenses and punctuation, editing • Spelling • listening and Speaking: brief recitations and presentations

Math

Number Sense: understanding place value of whole numbers to two decimals and how they relate to fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, addition and subtraction of simple decimals • Algebra and Functions:variables and symbols, manipulation of equations • Measurement and Geometry: perimeter and area, plane and solid geometric objects • Statistics: organize, represent and interpret numerical and categorical data, probability • reasoning: problem solving and generalization

Science

Understanding the scientific process • Earth Science: earth’s landforms and natural resources • Life Science: populations and ecosystems • Physical Science: magnetism and electricity

Social Studies

California: physical and human geography • Peoples and cultures from pre-Columbian to the Spanish Mission and Mexican Rancho periods • Economic, social and political life from the Bear Flag Republic through the Mexican-American war, Gold Rush and granting of statehood , culminating in a four-day trip to the Sierra Nevada, in which students reenact the life experiences of California pioneers in 1849. • Growth of  California as an agricultural and industrial power • Local, state and federal governments

Prayer

Students explore theological concepts • Students learn the structure, skills and choreography of tefilot (prayers) • Students learn the entire Amidah and the Ma’ariv service • Students learn about Rosh Chodesh, demonstrating their mastery by conducting a special Kiddush Levanah Ceremony (Sanctification of the New Moon) for family and friends

Hebrew

Students use the Tal Sela curriculum to review and reinforce skills from earlier units and introduce a variety of new skills • Students focus on reading comprehension, written and oral expression, and grammar • Students are introduced to language acquisition skills such as brainstorming; outlining a story, plot or essay; improving retention of new vocabulary and language; creative and constructive peer learning • Hebrew literature: Students will become familiar with the writing of two major Israeli authors and poets as well as poetry of Jerusalem

Judaic Studies

Students engage in an in-depth study of Torah in Bereishit from the beginning of Lech Lecha to the end of Chalom Ya’akov (Jacob’s Dream) • Begin to interpret Biblical Hebrew • Look at text from a number of different points of view • Use previous knowledge of commandments to interpret story’s meaning • Through experiential approaches students explore the historical context, meaning and spirit of Shabbat and the Chagim (holidays) • Students continuously learn about the State of Israel through current events, connections in curriculum, songs and personal stories • Students explore ancient Israel as well as the foods, industry and culture of Modern Israel • In a unique integration with the Social Studies curriculum, students compare the history and pioneers of the state of Israel to the history and pioneers of the California Gold Rush • Tzedakah, g’milut hasadim, ethics and values