Lower School
Rachel Smith 3rd Grade Teacher A comprehensive program that combines phonics, writing, grammar, spelling, and language development prepares students to read and appreciate literature, while learning to express themselves with creativity and clarity. Varieties of instructional techniques are used to explore both written and oral language. Through individual, paired, and small group instruction, students learn the strategies they will need for analysis and comprehension of increasingly more difficult written passages. In addition, students write their own books, poems, and speeches. Their writings may be published or highlighted in special programs, as well as a variety of local, regional, and nationwide contests. The world is their oyster... Students benefit from the integration of the study of societies, traditions, histories and values with the language arts skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Field trips coordinate with areas of the social studies curriculum and enhance study by helping children make connections to the world around them. A math program that not only concentrates on competency, but also stresses problem solving, is found at Hebrew Academy of Tidewater. Children learn fundamental concepts using manipulatives and hands-on activities. The curriculum provides a comprehensive range of reasoning, number sense, computation, and estimation skills. Measurement, interpretation of data, and patterns are studied at every grade level. Calculators and computers are utilized to enhance the learning process in a meaningful way. Repeated exposure to concepts and skills is important for reinforcement and ultimate mastery. The school laboratories allow students to participate in experiments that reinforce the scientific method, from the study of mold growth to the study of seeds, bugs, and hurricanes. Students compare and contrast things by smell, taste, and feel. They graph data, measure mass and length, and form conclusions based upon the testing of hypotheses. Having a primary (K-3) lab and a separate intermediate (4-5) lab allow plenty of time for experiments and projects to be examined and displayed. Our junior scientists are very curious and busy with their many research projects and investigations! Computer instruction evolves in response to the continuously changing technology environment. Our goal is to offer students a Students also benefit from ACTIVBoards, which are interactive boards on the cutting edge of educational technology. An interactive board projects material from the teacher’s computer onto a special board that is mounted on the wall. The board is actually a touch screen. Using a special pen, students can, at the board or from anywhere in the classroom using the ACTIVSlate, highlight information, click and drag objects, create scenes to go with stories, play games and more. Teachers can click on video links on the internet that are related to their lesson, attach sound effects to their lessons, save information on the board to be printed or emailed to absent students, or even give a quiz or test without passing out paper. No doubt, the future has arrived. In an environment which supports creative expression, critical thinking, enthusiastic study of Torah and hands-on experience of the The acquisition of our own foreign language, Hebrew, is an integral part of our comprehensive program. Using the Tal Am curriculum program in our elementary school enables our students to not only learn from textbooks, but also through music, games, and visual aids. Students develop a familiarity with and ability to use Hebrew as a spoken language across the Judaic studies curriculum. They continue to develop fluency in intermediate grades as well as develop Hebrew language writing skills. The study of the Chumash begins within the written text in second grade. In the beginning, students learn the structure of the Chumash and begin to explore the story lines. As they grow and learn, they continue to develop an understanding of the Torah as our guide for life, and examine the meaning of the text and its relationship to daily Looking at the values within the Judaic studies curriculum creates a commitment to Gemilut Chasidim (acts of loving kindness). With ongoing tzedakah collections and special projects, our students put into practice the underlying principles of our people. Tefillah (prayer) is an essential ingredient in Jewish life and, therefore, an essential component of a Jewish student’s education. Students not only participate in daily prayer, but they learn the meaning of the prayers and develop an understanding of the values expressed through prayer. Learning about the holidays in the classroom setting is enhanced by celebrating as a school community. In the spirit of cooperation and learning together, holiday celebrations throughout the year pair our older students with our younger ones. New programs this year include a weekly Shabbat Share time every Friday afternoon. Rosh Chodesh observances include school wide Tefillah and Torah as well as special lunches related to the theme of each month. Through these school wide celebrations, it is our goal that students will begin to appreciate the connection that the Jewish people have to each other, not only within our school community but beyond. Annual events such as the Siddur presentation, when first graders receive their Siddurim, and the Chumash presentation, when second graders receive their Chumashim, are cherished traditions where students showcase their knowledge and readiness to move forward in their formal education. Students in the remaining grades often have a chance to perform for their families and friends in programs that integrate the Judaic and general studies curriculum and enhance their speaking, acting and musical abilities. Sheila Panitz: Judaic Studies About our Lower School curriculum
For children in the elementary school, the key to educational success is a solid foundation in Judaic and General Studies. A developmentally appropriate approach to learning is combined with creative and integrated instruction, while constantly emphasizing the highest academic standards. Our general studies program encompasses language arts, mathematics, social and natural sciences, and the humanities. The school emphasizes the integration of its dual curriculum. The Hebrew Academy of Tidewater advocates the highest standards of responsibility and ethical behavior between individuals and with respect to the community.Language Arts
Social Studies
Math
Science
Technology
foundation for using computers as thinking tools, teaching them how to manipulate the hardware and software. With our computer specialist and state-of-the-art computer lab as resources, students learn basic skills, PowerPoint, keyboarding, and other functionalities.Music
At Hebrew Academy, music is both an academic pursuit and an art form. Students are exposed at an early age to recorders, Suzuki violins and other string instruments. They also learn about music history, musicians, various musical styles, and the overall value of music in our lives. Teachers integrate the use of other performing arts and Judaic studies through programs such as the annual Siddur and Chumash presentations. In addition to our many programs that are student and faculty produced, all grades also benefit from a variety of events and activities such as Young Audience concerts, visits to the Chrysler Museum, and field trips to the theatre and opera which expose students to the wonder and richness of the arts. Throughout their years at HAT, students are challenged to expand their horizons and strive for creative excellence.Art
experiences to create the imaginative. We encourage personal expression as well as skills development and artisanship, allowing students to experiment with a variety of media from drawing and painting to sculpting and weaving. They study the lives and works of artists from Picasso to Pollock. Students highlight their works in their very own art show, celebrated with parents and families.Athletics/Physical Education
Judaic Studies
holidays, both literacy and love flourish. Our students are surrounded by the sights and sounds of Jewish life and heritage. The empowerment which comes from real knowledge of Jewish history, law, belief, and practice is forever a part of their lives.
living.