Hello Grade 4 Parents and Students,
We had a great day at Hebrew School today.
Our day began as usual, with Tefillah (prayer). Right now, we say Modeh Ani, morning Blessings (read one at a time by each student), Harieni, Adon Olam and Shema. After each day of Prayer, we also practice reciting the Birkat HaMazon (blessing after eating) which is one of our Tefillah fluency goals for grade four.
I, Rabbi B, then write the Hebrew date on the board and discuss anything significant about the date. Today was the 11th of Cheshvan which is the anniversary of passing (the Yahrzeit) of Rachel our foremother. Rachel was the mother of Joseph, wife of Yaakov and is an extremely special mother to all Jewish people. You can even say that would make today a sort of Jewish mother's day.
Next comes Aleph Champ, our incredible Hebrew reading and fluency program. Each level of Aleph champ corresponds to a level of reading and ability. Hebrew school has hired reading specialist to take charge of you child(ren)'s Hebrew reading. Once their fluency is quite good, they can begin learning Hebrew language and grammar skills with me in the Grey/Black level. SO far, I have two students in my group and form the looks and sounds of it, I will have a few more very soon.
Following Aleph champ is recess. Kosher snacks are available for sale during this time, if instead you wish to send snacks with your child, please ensure it is Kosher and nut-free.
Upon return from recess, we learn a weekly Jewish song. Last week, we learned a funny song called "Because I'm a Jew". Today, we sang "Who Knows One?" In this song, various general Jewish knowledge is reviewed through a fun and repetitive tune. Some of the kids already knew the song and were more than happy to share their knowledge with the others who did not. It was a hoot.
Next, we learn a new Hebrew letter, or two, in script. Today we practices Bet and Gimmel. Perhaps ask your child to show you how to make a script aleph, bet and gimmel. You can use their review page in their binder for reference.
Today we spent some time focusing on the Forefather and Mothers of Judaism as this is very important general knowledge. The three forefathers were Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov and the four foremothers were Sarah, Rivka, Rachel and Leah.
We ended our day with some Hebrew vocabulary. Each week, or bi-weekly, we willlearn a new list of Hebrew vocabulary words. These words will be used in classroom conversation throughout the year by me. As new words are learned, I use them in place of the english word. Today, we learned how to count to ten in Hebrew. Please review these numbers with your child to enhance their retention. Each week we will be having a POP-Quiz (in which is give pop or popcorn etc to those who do well) on last weeks vocabulary words. To assist with review, I have prepared and given out an index card with the words in Hebrew, English transliteration and English translation. They are in your child's bag/binder.
Thank you for entrusting me with your precious ones and I hope to see you all in good health next week,
L'Hitraot (until next time)
Rabbi B
