First Grade News

Dear Families,

In Hebrew, we learned the letters kuf and alef as well as the vowel which makes the “Ee” sound. Then we practiced our reading, and we were able to read and write lots of word with the letters that we have learned so far. We added new words to our word wall like; Keshet(rainbow), kobiya (a cube), arnav (rabbit), ananas (pineapple), agas (pear) and aron (closet).

In Tefilah, we started learning the Amidah. The Amidah has 19 parts, and we are going to learn all of them. Our first graders are up to the challenge! During this prayer we need to stand, by standing we show respect (kavod) to God. This week we learned the introduction to the Amidah, “Adonai Sefatai Tiftach.” which we ask God to open our lips and mouth in meaningful prayer.

This week parasha is parashat Vayera. We read the story about Avraham and the three angels, who came to tell Avraham that he and Sarah will have a son. Avraham invited them into his house even though he didn’t know them. This is an example for hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests). To show our appreciation to all the staff members who help to make our school such a welcoming community, the first graders made them thank you cards.

In Reading, we have continued to learn about first-grade reading habits. We learned about how to reread to smooth out our voice and scoop up phrases so that our reading voices are like speaking voices. We also learned how to make a plan when we are independently reading.  Next week, we will focus on reading goals and how to pick a just-right book. We will start selecting books to bring home for homework in a week!

In Art, students are continuing to think about identity by studying family photographs and making drawings, and by looking in a mirror and creating self portrait drawings and collages. As students work on these projects, we learn more about how we are similar to and different from each other, including places we’ve visited with our families, things we like to do, eat or wear, whether or not we have siblings, and much more.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ilana, Liz, Talia, and Noa