Mosaic Law Curriculum Guide

Our 2nd Grade – Kitah Bet class meets on Sundays, from 9:30am to 12:15pm

In Kitah Bet, the second grade class, we begin to explore our Jewish identity. We introduce new Hebrew vocabulary which identifies the Hebrew names for: colors, parts of the body, family members, objects related to school and home, animals and food items.

Our second graders begin to study history, customs and ceremonies and to differentiate the Brachot (blessings). We use an experiential approach to the learning process and hope that, in addition to formal class sessions, our Kitah Bet students will begin to attend Shabbat services (Nitzanim) and observe Shabbat as part of their weekly routine.

Goals of the Class:

Create a learning environment that develops a love of Judaism and Hebrew language;
Begin to develop a meaningful sense of Jewish identity;
Begin to integrate Hebrew and prayer as part of one’s Jewish identity;
Begin to identify with Israel and its role as the homeland of the Jewish people;
Study Bible stories from creation through Abraham;
Explore and discuss our thoughts and feelings about G-d;
Maintain a personal journal: “My Jewish Home”;
Help children focus upon Torah-based character traits and behavior (Midos); and
Create an environment in which students’ inquiries are encouraged and students’ potential is challenged.

Content:

Holidays: Continued exploration of celebration of holidays and Shabbat.

Torah: Introduction to Torah-selected portions of the week.

Israel: Continuation and development of exploring Israel using age appropriate materials.

Prayer/Hebrew: An introduction to the Shacharit Service, including Modeh Ani, Halleluyah, Sh’ma, Barchu, Oseh Shalom, Third and Fourth of the Four Questions for the Pesach Seder, Handwashing Prayer and Instruction and Review of all the following Prayers: Candle Lighting, Kiddush, Motzi, Blessings over cake, Blessings over juices, Blessings over fruit, Chanukah blessing, First and Second of the Four Questions of Pesach, Lulov and Etrog blessing (Leshev ba Sukkah), Shehecheyanu.

Hebrew: review of Hebrew letters (names and beginning sounds); introduction of Hebrew vocabulary: numbers, colors, parts of the body, animals, food, family members (i.e. Grandma, grandpa, sister, brother); school vocabulary; etc.