3rd Grade: Jewish Values
In years when 3rd and 4th grades are combined in a single classroom, this curriculum alternates with the 4th grade curriculum in a 2-year cycle, so that all students learn both parts.
| Main Focus: | Main concepts in Jewish ethics are presented at the age appropriate level. |
| Holidays and Celebrations: | Finding ways of being a "mensch" as part of observing
the holidays and making them more meaningful. Celebrate major holidays as a part of the school-wide celebrations. |
| Bible Stories: | Lessons on values and ethics conveyed in the Bible: King Solomon; Amos; Isaiah; the sages Hillel and Shammai. |
| Jewish Values and Ethics: | Articulate the meaning of being a "mensch" (a good human being). Learn how our actions "ripple out" and affect others. Learn the guiding principles of Jewish ethics: Tikkun Olam, tzedakah, justice, mitzvot. |
| History and Israel: | Study about Israeli villages where Jewish and Arab Israelis live and are learning about each other. |
| Prayers, Blessings: | Blessings for the holidays and Shabbat. |
| Music/Dance/Arts & Crafts: | Music: weekly Dance: monthly Arts and crafts: art projects are an integral part of every lesson. Cooking projects: used for holidays and for making food for others as holiday gifts (shalah-manos for Purim, for example). |
| Textbook: | A Kid’s Mensch Handbook |