Palo Alto School for Jewish Education
4th Grade: Introduction to Jewish History and Jewish Communities around the World
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 - 4th
Cultural and historical similarities and differences between Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Yemenite, and Mizrahi communities. Deeper look at Jewish holidays, traditions, and culture.
Holidays and Celebrations - 4th
Study and celebrate Jewish holidays as they occur during the year. The emphasis is on the Jewish multicultural experience of the holidays.
Bible Stories - 4th
Bible stories are reviewed in conjunction with the study of early Jewish history. Comparisons are made with folktales.
Jewish Values and Ethics - 4th
Customs practiced by Jewish communities around the world.
History and Israel - 4th
Early Jewish history. Primary focus is on the Diaspora and the development of the Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Yemenite, and Mizrahi communities in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Prayers, Blessings - 4th
Blessings for the holidays and Shabbat.
Music/Dance/Arts & Crafts - 4th
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 - 4th
A Kid’s Mensch Handbook
