Monday, Sept. 29, 2014

Shana Tova! I hope you all had a wonderful Rosh HaShanah. When the students shared their holiday experiences in class on Monday, they all seemed to have had a great time!
In class on Monday, the students began learning Hebrew with the Mitkadem program. We are all beginning with Ramah 3, which introduces the students to the structure of the program. They learned about the concept of a brit, and explored different reasons why they and their classmates want to study Hebrew. Please note that for the duration of this program, students will be expected to read Hebrew 5 minutes per day, 5 days per week. They have brought their KIRS binders home and can read from the Kriah section (in red) as their requirement; or, they can read another text that is on their level. A place to record their reading time can be found in the Homework section of their binders. It should be filled out, and will be checked every class. Reading practice is important to reinforce skills we have learned in class and to increase the students' Hebrew fluency. If you have any questions about the reading expectation, please let me know.
The students also began learning (or reviewing) the Torah service. We began with Ein Kamocha. If your child would like to practice at home, you can use this resource (prayer ends at 0:50). Please try to send your child with his or her student siddur to KIRS each day. In this way, the students can become comfortable with the prayer book that they actually use in Jr. Congregation.
To start a conversation with your child about KIRS: Ask them why they want to learn Hebrew.

Monday, Sept. 22, 2014

On Monday, the students learned about the connection between the story of the akedah and our celebration of Rosh Hashanah. We had a very interesting conversation about what lessons we can take from that story and apply to our own lives today. If you would like to view the video we watched, you can find it below:

They also made Rosh Hashanah cards to give to family and friends--I hope you enjoyed them!

Students working on their cards

Students working on their cards

In the second half of class, the students conducted independent research on artifacts of the biblical world, via the webquest "Discovering the World of the Bible." If you would like to check it out, you may visit the website www.tinyurl.com/kirsbible and login with the username congkirs and the password israel1948.

We will next meet next Monday, 9/29. Shana Tova!

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014

On Thursday, the students took a Hebrew pre-test to assess what they already know and what they need to work on. This will ensure that I can challenge them at the right level throughout the year. I am grateful for the Mitkadem program for making that even easier!
They also began to work on a webquest entitled "Discovering the World of the Bible." If you would like to check it out, or if your child ever wants to work on it at home, you can find the website here:
http://discoveringtheworldofthebible.wikispaces.com/. The login is congkirs and the password is israel1948.
Two items to note:

• Please ask your child to bring headphones to KIRS while we are working on this project. If he or she does not have headphones, please let me know and I will bring extra.
• Please note that we do not have class on Thursday 9/25 nor Jr. Congregation on Saturday 9/27, in observance of Rosh HaShanah. However, I will be making my debut at leading on Musaf that Shabbat morning, and if you can make it, it would be great to see some friendly faces in the congregation! It would also be a great opportunity for the 5th graders to see what they will be able to do by the end of the year.

To start a conversation with your child about KIRS: Ask them what they learned about the biblical world.

Sept. 16, 2014

On Monday, the students again practiced introducing themselves in Hebrew. We then practiced how to use the school iPads in a KIRS-appropriate way.

The students learned about our big goals for the year. They are:

• Lead the Torah service and/or Musaf
• Master 3 Ramot (levels) in Mitkadem (our Hebrew program)
• Interpret the book of Kings
• Practice the mitzvot "KolYisrael Arevim Zeh b'Zeh" and "Shmirat HaLashon"
• Become knowledgeable young Jewish leaders!

They also set personal goals for themselves.

Eli and Anya working on their goals

Sam and Ellie working on their goals

To start a conversation with your child about KIRS: Ask him or her what he or she wants to know or be able to do by the end of the year at KIRS.

Welcome Back! Sept. 11, 2014

Welcome (back) to Kitah Dalet-Hei! It was wonderful to see some familiar faces and other new ones at the first day of KIRS on Thursday. On our first day, we got to know each other by filling out a survey, and playing games such as "Stand Up/Sit Down" and the "Connected" game. We also learned about the behavioral expectations in the classroom, and talked about what we would be learning this year. Please be reminded that the students need to bring one binder with at least 5 dividers, one notebook, one folder, and something to write with, to each class session. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!
To start a conversation with your child about KIRS: Ask them how they say "My name is..." and "What is your name?" in Hebrew. (Hint: You can use this website to look it up!)