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Home > Learning > Religious School > RS Elementary School Programs k-5th

RS Elementary School Programs K-5th

K-5 Curriculum Overview

Our K-5 students engage in spiraling content encompassing these areas of study: 

  • Jewish Obligations/Values (Mitzvot/Middot)
  • Shabbat & Holidays (Chagim)
  • Torah & Sacred Texts
  • Prayer (Tefilah)
  • Israel (ancient land, people, modern country) 
  • Hebrew Studies to connect with prayer, traditions & heritage. 

Schedule

K, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade
Tuesdays
4:00-5:45pm
4th & 5th Grade
Wednesdays
4:00-6:00pm
 
 

Educational Goals for K-5 

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade (Tuesdays)
 
Stimulating lessons and interactive hands-on activities that engage the five senses, arts, and literature to learn about Jewish Values & Mitzvot.
 
LEARNING GOALS
  • Learn rituals and songs related to Shabbat, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, Passover, Purim, Yom Ha’atzmaut, and Shavuot.
  • Understand the Torah Scroll as an important symbol of Jewish people.
  • Connect with Israel as the Jewish homeland through joyful activities that highlight its land, people, and culture as part of Jewish identity.
  • Sing the Aleph Bet Song; listen/repeat basic Hebrew words and expressions.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL GOALS 
  • Comfort and belonging in a warm, welcoming classroom
  • Curiosity about Jewish rituals, traditions, symbols, and holidays
  • Pride in learning new things about their Jewish heritage 
  • Excitement for traditions in our community at every stage of learning
3rd Grade (Tuesdays)
 
Stimulating lessons and interactive hands-on activities that uses the lens of family to frame Jewish Values, plus structured, text-based Hebrew instruction.
 
LEARNING GOALS
  • Understand themes, rituals, and songs related to Shabbat, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, Passover, Purim, Yom Ha’atzmaut, and Shavuot.
  • Explore values through the lens of sacred texts and teachings to contemporize ancient wisdom to everyday choices and character development.
  • Explore Israel through stories, maps, songs, and holiday traditions; model curiosity and critical thinking about Israel through guided discussion.
  • Identify all Hebrew letters and vowels by sound, shape, and name.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL GOALS
  • Comfort and positive connection in a warm, welcoming classroom 
  • Pride in Jewish identity by exploring the origins, meaning, and significance of given Hebrew names
  • Growing sense of moral responsibility to others
  • Confidence in learning Hebrew
 
  • 4th - 5th Grade (Wednesdays)
Stimulating lessons and interactive hands-on activities that uses the lens of ‘self’ and ‘peers’ to frame Jewish Values. Students are grouped together based on Hebrew reading level rather than grade, ensuring personalized progress and confidence. 
 
LEARNING GOALS
  • Understand themes, rituals, and songs related to Shabbat, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, Passover, Purim, Yom Ha’atzmaut, and Shavuot.
  • Read Hebrew words and practice reading or chanting prayers with more fluency.
  • Understand Israel as a “mosaic of different cultures" and meaningfully engage with its complexity. 
  • Recognize the order and flow of a Shabbat service, and learn how to navigate our Reform siddur called Mishkan Tefilah.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL GOALS
  • Personal connections to Jewish ritual, tradition, and stories from sacred texts
  • Confidence as Hebrew learners
  • Healthy and respectful relationships with peers while building positive self-esteem

Enrichment Activities for our K-5 Students

Kef Kids (kef = fun)
Our K-5 youth group 'Kef Kids' is a fun way for kids to make friends and feel connected. While they’re playing games and going on adventures, they’re also learning about kindness, community, and other Jewish values along the way. 
 
Pasta Dinners - Tuesday @5:45pm  and Wednesdays @6:00pm
Once a month after Religious School, families are invited to stay for a pasta dinner lovingly prepared by parent volunteers. It’s a warm, welcoming way to enjoy a meal together, connect with other families, and build community. While adults chat and catch up, kids have fun playing ping pong and spending time with friends.
 
Hang Out @Home Shabbat
Families open their homes to host other families for a fun and meaningful Shabbat evening. We light the candles, say the blessings, enjoy a pizza dinner, and spend time getting to know each other. It’s a great way to make new friends and feel connected outside the walls of our synagogue.

J*Family
Family Education workshops co-led by our clergy and education director, held year-round for each grade level. These gatherings provide opportunities for families to connect, learn, find joy and meaning in Judaism, and build community.

Field Trips
Judaism is not just a classroom experience! Students and parents are invited to join us on excursions to Jewish sites in New York and New Jersey.  We will adventure on day trips that will show our families the magic of our Jewish historic past and present.  
 

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Thu, August 21 2025 27 Av 5785