Lower School – K thru 5th Grade
Our interdisciplinary teaching approach creates rich learning experiences. We engage our students in meaningful ways with relevant learning materials. Our students synthesize concepts while gaining deep insights and understandings. We teach our students how to evaluate and reach thoughtful and confident conclusions.
Language Arts
Through a comprehensive language arts program, our goal is to develop proficient, lifelong readers, writers, thinkers, and learners. Key components of our balanced literacy approach include: read-alouds using a variety of children’s literature, shared, guided and independent
reading and writing, and word study. Listening and speaking skills, spelling strategies, grammar, and
punctuation, are woven into daily instruction. Reading and writing skills are reinforced and applied in all other content areas.
Speaking and listening skills are important elements of our program. Expressive reading and dramatization allow students to explore the many dimensions of language and literature and enhance comprehension. Our teachers create a safe and open environment in which students feel comfortable sharing reflections about what they’ve read and written.
Science
Through purposeful exploration and meaningful experimentation our students develop critical thinking
skills applicable to all aspects of life. Through the integration of scientific methods and disciplines students examine physical, chemical and biological realms.
Process skills are taught by integrating background knowledge with experiential classroom activities and scientific terminology. These skills are reinforced and expanded at each grade level.
Social Studies
Our social studies curriculum is based upon exploration of diverse cultures. Students build a foundation in the study of history, government, citizenship, geography, and economics. The curriculum is taught with a focus on the use of critical thinking skills to enhance the level of understanding. Research is an essential component and allows students to pursue their individual interests. The curriculum sequence develops from self to family, community, state, country, world, and universal environment, and is integrated with the Jewish history component of our curriculum. One of AJA's primary goals is to help our students understand how, through personal participation in their community, they can make a difference in building a better and safer place to live.
Mathematics
Our mathematics curriculum is one that encompasses both traditional and investigative models. The primary goal of the math program is to have math make sense from every perspective and the students are taught to see math as a meaningful tool in their lives. Teachers use manipulative materials, calculators, computer programs and cooperative learning to introduce and reinforce new concepts and skills. This optimizes the mathematical learning experience in approach and content and is designed to develop sound arithmetic skills, strong problem solving ability and an interest and respect for the subject.
Hebrew Language
Beginning in Kindergarten, students are exposed to the rich language of the Jewish people and tradition. Our program begins with an immersion model, where students are engaged in the oral and auditory components of language acquisition. Through singing, dancing, storytelling and conversation, students at AJA create and maintain the necessary foundation for the advanced reading and writing they encounter as they progress with the language. Flexible grouping and scaffolding is provided for our students as needed.
Judaics
At the heart of our Judaics curriculum is the study of TaNaKh, which fosters the ability to analyze text and think critically. Beginning in second grade, our students use a modified Hebrew version of the original Biblical text. In addition to Bible, our Judaics program also teaches about living a Jewish life. From mock weddings to baking round challot, our students experience the breadth and depth of Jewish living not only in America, but also around the world. Israel and the history of our culture play a central role not only in our studies, but also in our weekly activities. At AJA we believe it is not enough just to learn about being Jewish, we celebrate it! Through games, plays, projects, art, dance, and music, our students experience the wonders of being Jewish and coming together as a community.
T’fillah
Expressing a connection to God and the world around us is an essential component of our curriculum. Students learn that prayer can be a time for both rejoicing and reflecting. Discussions about the prayer and learning how to make spiritual connections are part of our daily services. All of our students have the opportunity to lead t’fillah, and in the fifth grade, they begin reading from the Torah and leading our weekly Torah service.
Fine Arts
AJA’s art program encourages children to express their ideas and feelings visually. The curriculum supports the stages of children’s artistic development and each art
activity is geared towards individuality, creativity and success. Much of what happens in art is connected to what the children are learning in other subjects. AJA students learn about the lives and works of master artists. The introduction of many different media, techniques and styles builds students' confidence in their own artwork, and gives them skills for the future.
AJA’s music program gives students the benefit of musical instruction at an important and impressionable time in their lives. We emphasize musical skills, achieving musical literacy and familiarity with a variety of musical forms, both secular and Judaic. The formal music instruction program includes singing English and Hebrew songs, and engaging in tonal and rhythm activities. Students study music history and the music of different cultures. Students often learn songs connected to classroom themes.
Physical Education
The physical education curriculum is centered on a comprehensive program of health related fitness. Students learn to take an active interest in their own health and well being. Sports and game play are an integral part of the Physical Education curriculum, including the teaching of and appreciation of sportsmanship and fair play.
Library
Students in grades K-5 attend scheduled library classes weekly. During Library, students learn about library science, books, and technology. Our goal is to help students of all levels to learn to become independent library users, to develop sound research skills and to develop a life-long love of literature and learning.
The library is often used for research and to support the learning being done in other classes. Students also have the opportunity to listen to book talks and check out books.
21st Century Technology
AJA utilizes Dell computers with networking capabilities that allow classes to share resources. We have both a computer lab and a COW (Cart on Wheels) equipped with 20 laptop computers. Through twice weekly scheduled classes with a technology specialist, computer activities introduce students to the fundamentals of the computer technology and enrich classroom studies. Technology adds new dimensions to student’s learning and thinking. Through video-conferencing, blogging, geocaching, digital storytelling, graphic design and more our students develop an appreciation and understanding of the value technology plays in the world.
Guidance
The proactive guidance curriculum addresses developmental needs of students. Jewish values and
ethics are woven throughout the developmentally appropriate guidance lessons. Through a variety of
experiential techniques, such as role playing, students learn how to help themselves and others in challenging situations. AJA’s guidance program includes in-class lessons as well as small-group and individual sessions as needed.
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