Beth Tfiloh ~ Lower School

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LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM - AN OVERVIEW

Every day at the Beth Tfiloh Lower School is filled with warmth, enthusiasm for learning, and the joy and pride of being Jewish and American.

Through a supportive network of highly qualified teachers and administrators, students are provided with both a challenging and nurturing academic atmosphere where foundational skills for future academic success and strong character development are born. Most importantly, they discover a thirst for knowledge, and the courage and support to take the necessary risks to be life long learners in all intellectual endeavors, from Torah to math to the arts.

Through individualized attention, students with a range of learning styles are able to enjoy and benefit from our enriched academic environment. A Learning Specialist assures that each child’s abilities are recognized and enhanced. Regrouping in individual grades allows for enrichment opportunities in reading and math. Academic support is provided through small group instruction in the area of reading to provide the earliest intervention possible.

The Lower School’s stimulating program includes the following curricular areas:
• Reading/Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Science
• Computer Technology
• Hebrew Language (written and oral)
• Torah
• Prayer
• Character education
• Shabbat and Holidays
• Art
• Music
• Library Studies
• Physical Education

Each of the following highlights is fully integrated into the entire Lower School curriculum as they include elements of General, Judaic studies, library, science, music and/or the arts.
• Literary Magazines
• Third Grade Shofar Unit
• Lower School Production
• Poet or Author in Residence
• JNF Water Unit
• Baltimore Unit
• Brachot Unit
• Tsedakanomics

Co-curricular highlights include: Safety patrol, Student Council, Memorial Day and Veterans Day Commemoration, Jewish Holiday Assemblies, Presidents Day Tribute to America

The General Studies Program
Our General Studies program keeps a clear focus on the development of verbal and written language literacy skills. Starting with phonemic awareness in the lower grades, the curriculum moves towards decoding and reading fluency. The development of reading comprehension skills begins with literature discussions in each grade. As their intellectual capacity grows, strategies are taught to enable students to increase understanding and further develop their analytical skills.

From basic calendar math to pre-algebraic understanding, a systematic progression builds the foundation for all mathematical concepts and problem solving.

The Judaic Studies Program
Our Judaic Studies Program provides a contemporary approach to the transmission of traditional Jewish values and commitment to Torah, the Nation of Israel and the State of Israel. Children learn to speak, read and write Hebrew and to recite daily prayers. Classes emphasize moral and ethical behavior, character development and civility (Derech Eretz). Youngsters learn at an early age that they are part of a diverse Jewish family where every voice should be heard and respected.

Milestones include a Siddur Ceremony for First Graders, the Second Grade Chumash Program, the Third Grade Midot Program and a Fourth Grade unit on B'Tzelem Elokim ("In the Image of G-d") emphasizing the value of each individual.

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Lower School News

Teachers honored for excellence, longevity
6/15/2010
At the Closing Faculty Luncheon, Mrs. Zipora Schorr honored faculty members for teaching excellence and for longevity.

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Coach Clarke coordinates Lower School recess upgrades
1/22/2010

The Lower School would like to thank Coach Clarke for ordering new recess equipment for all Lower School teachers, for setting up our blacktop play/recess area and for organizing the new "ball kids" program.

Sachs Family Challenge Course Dedication at BT Camps
5/18/2009
On May 12th, 2009 Beth Tfiloh Camps hosted the 2nd Annual Beth Tfiloh Schools/BT Camps Lag B'omer Event with over 200 people in attendance.

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Sun articles excerpts letters from BT children to President Obama
3/23/2009

An article in the Baltimore Sun quoted letters written by Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School children to President Obama as part of a national handwriting project, "Mail to the Chief", sponsored by Handwriting Without Tears, a curricular resource used in teaching handwriting to Beth Tfiloh students.

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