First grade

First Grade marks many significant milestones in a child's Jewish education. As students become increasingly fluent Hebrew readers, they also begin to develop a deeper understanding of tefillah, Torah, and mitzvot, creating meaningful connections that will remain with them for years to come.

Using the Kriability curriculum, students strengthen Hebrew decoding and encoding skills while building reading fluency and accuracy. They expand their understanding of syllables, prefixes, suffixes, and Hebrew word roots (shorashim) while mastering Hebrew script writing. These skills provide the strong linguistic foundation necessary for future Chumash learning.

Daily tefillah becomes increasingly meaningful through the Ani Tefillah approach, which encourages students to stop, think, and appreciate the words they are saying. Rather than simply memorizing the prayers, children begin exploring the purpose and meaning of tefillah, learning about Hachana L'Tefillah, Modeh Ani, Birkat HaShachar, and the significance of saying Baruch Atah. First graders also celebrate their Mesibat Siddur, where every student proudly receives his or her first Siddur and celebrates this milestone with their family, classmates, and teachers.

Throughout the year, Parsha and Chagim come alive through storytelling, projects, songs, interactive activities, and hands-on experiences. Students build upon their Kindergarten knowledge by expanding their understanding of each holiday's mitzvot, customs, vocabulary, and historical significance. Classroom experiences such as a simulated Bedikat Chametz and interactive Seder activities help children connect classroom learning with family celebrations. Ivrit  instruction continues through iTalAm as students strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while learning to communicate confidently in modern Hebrew.