Academics
Golda Meir Lower School
Supporting the holistic growth of your student
At Golda Meir Lower School (GMLS), education comes alive through an interdisciplinary program of inquiry, exploration, and reflection. We foster the growth of the whole child through intentional instruction in both our academic and Middot (values-based) programs. Our intimate classroom environments inspire students to ask insightful questions and apply what they’ve learned to formulate real-life solutions to our world’s most significant challenges.
The Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum for Kindergarten focuses on developing foundational reading and writing skills. Students engage in letter-sound correspondence, letter formation, and phonemic awareness to build decoding and reading fluency. They also learn to recognize common sight words, understand word families, and apply comprehension strategies such as asking and answering questions about key details in a text. Additionally, students explore basic grammar rules, sentence structure, and participate in the full writing process from drafting to publishing. Visual literacy and text features, such as captions and headings, are also emphasized to enhance their overall reading comprehension.
The inquiry-based approach for Kindergarten helps students understand the purpose of reading for entertainment, education, and knowledge acquisition. Through exploring essential questions like the roles of characters and settings, students analyze story structure, narrative elements, and the use of illustrations to enhance understanding. Critical thinking and metacognitive skills are fostered as students reflect on their progress and apply concepts to comprehend and create meaningful texts.
The Kindergarten Math curriculum at SDJA, utilizing Math in Focus and Beast Academy, focuses on building foundational math skills through hands-on activities and interactive lessons. Students will learn to count forward from a given number, represent numbers with written numerals, and understand the basics of addition and subtraction. They will also classify and compare objects, recognize shapes and their attributes, and use positional words to describe spatial relationships. Students explore early measurement concepts such as length, weight, and capacity, as well as the basics of time and money. Pattern recognition and creation are also key components of the curriculum, fostering early algebraic thinking.
The inquiry-based approach encourages students to ask essential questions like "What are numbers, and how do we use them?" and "What shapes do we see in our environment?" These questions help develop skills in understanding whole numbers, problem-solving through counting, identifying shapes, and comparing objects based on size and length. Beast Academy and Math in Focus work together to provide a balanced approach, with Beast Academy offering engaging problem-solving tasks and interactive stories, while Math in Focus ensures a solid understanding of mathematical concepts through structured lessons and hands-on exploration. Through this integrated approach, students build metacognition, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in a fun and supportive environment.
The Kindergarten Social Studies curriculum focuses on understanding the roles and responsibilities of individuals within the classroom and community. Students learn about being good citizens, respecting others, and recognizing the diversity within their communities. They explore the roles of community helpers, such as firefighters, police officers, and farmers, and understand the importance of farms in providing food and resources. Through discussions and activities, students also learn how people can make positive changes in their communities by helping others and caring for the environment. Concepts like kindness, respect, and the celebration of differences are central to building a strong foundation for social understanding.
The inquiry-based approach encourages students to reflect on essential questions such as "How can I be a good citizen?" and "Who are the people in our community who help us?" These questions help develop metacognitive skills, as students think about what they've learned and set simple success criteria for tasks. Through problem-solving scenarios, students engage in creative thinking, discussing cause and effect, and practicing perspective-taking. Visual aids like pictures, maps, and dioramas are used to help students express their understanding of community roles, cultural traditions, and basic geography, fostering communication and critical thinking skills.
The Hebrew curriculum for kindergarten focuses on building a foundation for both spoken and written Hebrew. Students engage in learning the Alef Bet (Hebrew alphabet) and develop basic vocabulary through interactive and immersive methods. The content includes key areas such as greetings, numbers, colors, body parts, classroom objects, and essential verbs like "want," "eat," and "love." The immersion model (Ivrit b’Ivrit) helps students build listening and speaking skills naturally. Through engaging songs, games, and flashcards, students start recognizing some Hebrew letters and developing oral language fluency in a fun, hands-on environment.
Inquiry questions guide the students' curiosity, such as "How do we greet people in Hebrew?" and "What do these letters sound like?" These questions help students connect language learning with everyday life and meaningful contexts. The curriculum promotes essential skills such as early literacy, active listening, and oral communication. Students also develop metacognitive skills as they reflect on their progress, learn to recognize letters, and use basic vocabulary in Hebrew conversations. Critical thinking, engagement, and confidence in using Hebrew are key learning-based skills developed through interactive tasks that encourage experimentation and practice.
The kindergarten Jewish Studies curriculum introduces students to fundamental Jewish concepts, stories, and values, fostering a meaningful connection to their heritage. Through weekly parashat hashavuah (Torah portion) study, students engage with key biblical figures and narratives, including creation, the patriarchs and matriarchs, and the story of Joseph, which highlight foundational Jewish values. Students explore these stories through both literal (pshat) and interpretive (drash) lenses, encouraging them to think about how these lessons apply to their lives. Essential questions such as "What can we learn from the stories in the Torah?" and "How do these values help us live better lives?" help guide their inquiry and reflection. Additionally, hands-on exploration of Jewish holidays provides students with an understanding of their meanings, symbols, customs, and blessings, helping them appreciate and participate in Jewish traditions.
The curriculum also fosters a connection to Israel, with students learning about Israel's geography, symbols, and national identity through topics such as the flag, anthem (Hatikvah), and a map of Israel. This Israel curriculum includes comparisons between daily life in Israel and their own lives, helping students develop a sense of empathy and cultural awareness. Furthermore, through engaging tefillah (prayer) sessions, students learn the basics of prayer, including both kevah (structure) and kavannah (intention), building a foundation for spiritual growth. Inquiry-based questions, such as "What makes Israel special to the Jewish people?" and "Why do we celebrate these holidays and traditions?" encourage critical thinking, while learning-based skills like storytelling, ethical reasoning, and empathy build a strong foundation for Jewish identity and ethical living.
1st Grade
The First Grade Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum focuses on developing foundational literacy skills through phonics, reading, and writing. Students learn to decode consonant sounds, digraphs, and vowel patterns, improving their ability to read with fluency and comprehension. As they progress through the year, students read stories from readers like Snap Shots, Gran, and Fables, while also learning about nouns, verbs, adjectives, and punctuation. Writing instruction emphasizes drafting, editing, and publishing various types of work, including fictional narratives, opinion pieces, descriptive paragraphs, and personal narratives.
The curriculum encourages students to build critical literacy skills while exploring essential questions about how sounds and words form the foundation of fluent reading. Through this inquiry-based approach, students enhance their understanding of vowel patterns, grammatical structures, and spelling variations, enabling them to express ideas clearly in both reading and writing. The development of focus, communication, critical thinking, and self-directed learning skills is integrated throughout the program, promoting independent learning and thoughtful engagement with texts.
The First Grade Math curriculum, incorporating Math in Focus and Beast Academy, helps students build a strong foundation in addition, subtraction, place value, and geometry. Students learn to solve problems involving addition and subtraction within 20, understand place value, and work with basic equations. They also practice telling time, representing and interpreting data, and reasoning with shapes and their attributes. Through hands-on activities and engaging lessons, students extend their counting sequences and apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Beast Academy adds a unique dimension to the curriculum, encouraging students to tackle challenging problem-solving tasks through creative and engaging approaches.
The curriculum is inquiry-based, prompting students to explore essential questions like, “How does understanding place value help in everyday life?” and “How can addition and subtraction be used to solve real-world problems?” Students develop critical skills such as reasoning abstractly, modeling with mathematics, and attending to precision. They are encouraged to persevere in solving problems, critique the reasoning of others, and use appropriate tools strategically. Through this balanced and comprehensive approach, students not only strengthen their math skills but also develop problem-solving abilities and mathematical thinking that will support them in all disciplines.
The First Grade Social Studies curriculum covers a broad range of topics designed to introduce students to key historical events, scientific concepts, and diverse cultural traditions. Students explore fables, the human body, different world civilizations, and early American history, while learning about astronomy, the Earth’s geology, and animals' habitats. They also study influential historical figures and cultural stories from different lands, fostering an understanding of both global and American history. Through these lessons, students learn to identify story elements, understand the body’s systems, and appreciate the significance of major world civilizations and their contributions. Hands-on projects, such as creating story maps or Venn diagrams, encourage students to engage actively with the material.
The curriculum promotes critical thinking by addressing essential questions such as "What can we learn from the past?" and "How do natural environments affect the way people live?" Students develop empathy and cultural awareness through learning about different societies and traditions. Additionally, activities focus on building communication and collaboration skills, as students work together to solve problems, share ideas, and discuss historical and scientific concepts. The integration of these subjects aims to spark curiosity, foster responsibility, and instill a love of learning, while also preparing students to become engaged and compassionate citizens in their communities.
Our first-grade Hebrew program at SDJA is designed to immerse students in both the foundational and interactive aspects of the Hebrew language, utilizing the Lomdim Ivrit Bekef curriculum. This sensory-based program introduces students to essential skills in Hebrew reading, cursive writing, and vocabulary acquisition. With a focus on practical, conversational language, students learn topics such as numbers, body parts, colors, days of the week, and basic verbs like "want," "eat," and "love." This immersive experience is enhanced with multimedia resources, including games, storybooks, flashcards, and recordings, making learning both engaging and effective.
Essential Questions and Learning-Based Skills guide students through inquiry such as “How can we use Hebrew to describe our daily lives?” and “How do we describe what is in our classroom?” This inquiry-based approach encourages students to build fluency in speaking and comprehension. Learning-based skills include vocabulary development, reading fluency, and basic sentence structure, helping students feel confident in using Hebrew. Additionally, students develop metacognitive skills by reflecting on their progress, and problem-solving skills through interactive language tasks, all while cultivating a meaningful connection to Jewish heritage and the Hebrew language.
Our first-grade Jewish Studies curriculum integrates foundational stories and values from the Tanakh (Bible) with an exploration of Jewish holidays, prayer, and a connection to Israel. Through a story-based approach, students engage with biblical narratives such as Creation, Noah, and Esther, each highlighting essential Jewish values like kindness, bravery, and forgiveness. Essential questions, like “What can we learn from the story of Abraham about kindness?” encourage students to make connections between these ancient teachings and modern values, fostering a personal connection to Jewish ethics. Students also explore the significance of Jewish holidays, participating in observances and learning about the customs and symbols associated with each, which deepens their appreciation for Jewish tradition.
A unique component of our curriculum is our focus on Israel, specifically Israel as a "Land of Innovation." Students are introduced to Israel's contributions to the world through topics such as medical advancements, technology, agriculture, culture (including music and art), and food. This unit emphasizes Israel’s global impact and its role in the Jewish world, inspiring students to see Israel as a modern and dynamic country. Inquiry-based questions like “How has Israel helped the world through innovation?” lead students to think critically about Israel's contributions. In a culminating project, students create their own ideas for "innovation for Israel," applying what they’ve learned about the country’s pioneering spirit. Through this multifaceted curriculum, students develop a deep sense of pride in Jewish history, tradition, and their unique connection to Israel, helping them build a strong Jewish identity.
2nd Grade
The Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum in second grade builds essential reading and comprehension skills by guiding students through various types of texts, including stories, informational texts, and folktales. Students practice decoding words using phonics, identifying long and short vowels, and recognizing irregularly spelled words. They are introduced to key literacy concepts, such as asking and answering who, what, when, where, why, and how questions to understand the text, describing characters' responses to events, and recounting stories from diverse cultures. Students also learn to use text features like captions, glossaries, and indexes to locate information, and develop the ability to read with accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.
Students are encouraged to explore essential questions that deepen their understanding of different text types, story elements, and grammar. By comparing and contrasting texts, identifying the author’s purpose, and analyzing illustrations and text structure, students become more confident readers and writers. Through inquiry-based learning, students improve their communication and critical thinking skills while engaging in discussions about the meaning and significance of the texts they encounter.
The second grade math curriculum, incorporating Math in Focus and Beast Academy, focuses on building a strong foundation in mathematical operations, place value, geometry, and data interpretation. Students develop their understanding of addition and subtraction, working within 20 and expanding their skills to include equal groups of objects as a basis for multiplication. They explore place value concepts, learning how to add and subtract using properties of operations. Additionally, students engage in measurement tasks, estimating lengths and relating addition and subtraction to measurement, while also learning to work with time, money, and data interpretation through graphs and charts. Beast Academy further enriches students' experiences with problem-solving and creative mathematical thinking through engaging, challenging activities.
The inquiry-based approach encourages students to ask essential questions like, "What is addition, and how do we use it?" and "How do we recognize and describe shapes?" This approach deepens their understanding of math concepts, such as place value, operations, and geometry, while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving. Throughout the curriculum, students are guided to reason abstractly, construct arguments, use mathematical tools strategically, and attend to precision. This comprehensive approach nurtures a well-rounded mathematical understanding and prepares students to apply their learning to real-world situations.
The second grade social studies curriculum focuses on understanding communities, their roles, and how they work together to meet the needs of their members. Students learn about different types of communities, such as urban, suburban, and rural, and explore how communities change over time. They practice map skills to describe locations and learn about natural resources, transportation, and how people and goods move from place to place. The curriculum also covers basic governmental institutions, economic concepts, and the importance of individual action and character through stories of heroes from the past. Students gain an appreciation for the history and culture of their local community, understanding how rules, laws, and individual contributions shape the world around them.
Through inquiry-based learning, students explore essential questions such as "How do communities work together to meet their needs?" and "How do maps help us understand the world?" These questions guide students in developing critical thinking skills, empathy, and perspective-taking. They learn to observe their community, analyze changes over time, and engage with geographic information. By fostering research skills, storytelling, and community engagement, the curriculum helps students become informed and responsible citizens, able to understand and appreciate the diversity and complexity of their world.
The second-grade Hebrew curriculum at SDJA immerses students in Hebrew through the Ulpan Or program, which uses interactive methods to build language skills. Essential questions like “How can we use Hebrew to describe our everyday lives?” and “How does learning Hebrew connect us to Jewish heritage?” guide students as they develop their Hebrew language skills. Through a storyline featuring relatable characters, students practice vocabulary and grammar in real-life contexts, focusing on topics like family, food, and play. This engaging approach gradually builds students' confidence in speaking and understanding Hebrew, helping them form a solid grammatical foundation.
Learning-based skills are further developed as students engage in interactive lessons supported by videos, flashcards, games, and reading packets. As they progress, students strengthen their reading and decoding skills, learn to write fluently in cursive, and gain confidence in speaking basic dialogues. By exploring cultural elements, such as Israeli songs, students are also introduced to the broader context of Israeli life and culture. The curriculum’s integrative format helps students grow in vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, building a meaningful connection to the Hebrew language and its role in Jewish life.
The second-grade Jewish Studies curriculum at SDJA introduces students to the foundational stories, values, and teachings of the Torah, focusing on understanding the text’s literal meaning (pshat) and interpretive insights (drash). Through studying stories from the Torah and the weekly Parashat Hashavuah (Torah portion), students explore essential questions such as, "What values do the stories of the Torah teach us?" and "How can the actions of our ancestors guide us in our daily lives?" By engaging with key Biblical figures and events, students build a connection to Jewish history, exploring ethical values like kindness, responsibility, and courage that are embedded in the narratives. They also familiarize themselves with fundamental Hebrew and English terminology, simple Biblical quotes, and key figures, building both their Jewish identity and understanding of their heritage.
The curriculum integrates Jewish holiday observances, where students learn the customs, symbols, prayers, and meanings of each holiday, with questions like, "Why are these traditions important to us today?" Through engaging activities, students connect these celebrations to their daily lives, fostering a deeper appreciation for Jewish culture. The Israel studies component introduces Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, examining its historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. Students explore key sites in Jerusalem, experience multicultural perspectives within the city, and enjoy activities like cooking and learning about the Shuk Machane Yehuda. Tefilah (prayer) is woven into the curriculum, where students engage in regular prayer services, learning both the words (kevah) and intentions (kavannah) of traditional prayers. This comprehensive program promotes skills in ethical thinking, historical understanding, and cultural appreciation, enriching students' sense of Jewish identity
3rd Grade
The third-grade literacy program, based on the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum, fosters deep engagement with reading and writing through inquiry-based learning. Students explore essential questions such as, "How do we identify the main idea and key details in a text?" and "How do we use evidence from texts to support our understanding?" These questions guide students as they engage with a variety of rich texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and informational pieces. Students practice asking and answering in-depth questions, summarizing key details, and identifying central themes, while also improving their grammar skills, including parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation. Vocabulary development is emphasized, with students learning to use context clues and strategies to understand and apply new words.
The CKLA curriculum also strengthens writing skills, with students engaging in narrative, informative, and opinion writing. They learn to plan, draft, revise, and edit their work, focusing on the clarity and structure of their ideas. Essential questions like, "How do we organize our writing to express ideas effectively?" guide their progress. The program emphasizes learning-based skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and attention to detail. Students learn to use evidence from their reading to support their writing, connect ideas across genres, and develop their comprehension and writing abilities. By integrating inquiry-based learning and foundational skills, the third-grade literacy program prepares students to be confident, thoughtful readers and writers.
The third-grade math program integrates Math in Focus and Beast Academy to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging mathematical foundation. Through Math in Focus, students focus on key concepts such as addition and subtraction with larger numbers, multiplication and division, fractions, and an introduction to geometry. Place value is emphasized as students learn to apply it in various contexts, from solving real-world problems to understanding measurement and data. Beast Academy complements this by challenging students with creative problem-solving tasks, encouraging them to think critically and approach math from different perspectives. This combination ensures that students not only master core mathematical concepts but also develop deeper analytical skills.
The program is inquiry-based, with essential questions like, "How do we use multiplication and division to solve real-world problems?" and "How can understanding fractions help us in everyday life?" guiding students through the learning process. Through these questions, students learn to reason abstractly, make sense of problems, and persevere in solving them. They practice skills such as constructing viable arguments, using appropriate tools strategically, and attending to precision in their work. Both Math in Focus and Beast Academy foster collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, helping students become confident problem-solvers who can apply their mathematical knowledge in practical and meaningful ways.
The third-grade social studies curriculum builds a strong foundation in history, geography, economics, and civics. Students study local, state, and national communities, learning about the diversity of cultures and people that contribute to California’s rich history. The curriculum covers significant historical events such as the early Native American tribes, Spanish missions, and California's role in westward expansion. Geography plays a key role as students explore California's physical landscape, regions, and how natural resources have influenced settlement patterns and economic growth. In addition, students gain a basic understanding of civic responsibility and government institutions at both local and national levels.
This inquiry-based program invites students to explore essential questions such as, "How does geography shape the way communities develop?" and "What contributions have diverse groups made to California’s history and culture?" Through these inquiries, students build critical thinking skills by analyzing historical events and their impacts on present-day California. They also develop learning-based skills like map reading, using primary sources for research, and engaging in discussions that emphasize perspective-taking and empathy. By examining how communities function and how individuals contribute to the larger society, students gain a comprehensive understanding of their role as active and informed citizens in California's diverse cultural landscape.
The third-grade Hebrew curriculum at SDJA builds students' skills in reading, speaking, and understanding both written and spoken Hebrew, fostering a strong foundation for confident communication. Using an interactive, sensory-based approach, students engage with a curriculum designed to meet a variety of language levels, focusing on rapid language acquisition through activities such as games, videos, and flashcards. This immersive approach helps students acquire vocabulary and foundational grammar, including essential pronouns, nouns, adjectives, and dialogues related to everyday topics like family, food, and time. By following a storyline with cartoon characters, students encounter vocabulary and grammar in relatable, real-life scenarios, strengthening their connection to both the Hebrew language and Israeli culture.
Guided by essential questions such as "How can we use Hebrew to describe our lives and experiences?" and "What can we learn about Israeli culture through Hebrew?", students deepen their linguistic abilities and cultural knowledge. Through an inquiry-based approach, they build grammar skills by mastering foundational verb structures (like Binyan Paal) and practice writing through simple dialogues in Hebrew. The curriculum also integrates modern technology, allowing for blended and flipped learning, which supports differentiated learning experiences. With these tools, students improve their Hebrew reading and decoding skills while cultivating the ability to write and converse in Hebrew, preparing them to connect with Israeli culture and the global Jewish community.
In third grade, the Jewish Studies curriculum integrates Hevruta learning, an interactive and analytical approach that encourages partnership-based exploration of Parashat Hashavuah (weekly Torah portion) using the "Pedagogy of Partnership." Students work in pairs or small groups to discuss essential questions and analyze values within each Torah story, such as "What values do these stories teach us?" and "How can these lessons apply to our lives?" This inquiry-based process develops critical thinking and reflective skills as students connect these ancient teachings to their own lives and consider lessons in morality and character.
The Israel studies component provides an in-depth look at Israel’s history, diversity, and cultural significance. Students begin with the historical journey of Israel, from the time of the Second Temple through the diaspora, the Ottoman and British Empires, and key events such as Herzl's Zionist movement, the Aliyot, the Holocaust, and the UN declaration leading to Israel’s establishment. These studies allow students to understand Israel’s resilience and the deep-rooted connection of the Jewish people to their homeland. The curriculum further explores Israel’s vibrant multicultural landscape by examining the contributions of diverse ethnic groups, including Jews from Eastern Europe and the Middle East, which have shaped Israel’s traditions, food, and cultural identity. Additionally, students learn about influential leaders, such as Herzl, Golda Meir, David Ben-Gurion, and Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, whose efforts in leadership and the revival of Hebrew play a central role in Israel’s history. Through these studies, students consider questions like "What connects Jews to Israel throughout history?" and "How do cultural differences enrich a nation's identity?" Ultimately, this curriculum instills a sense of pride, connection, and responsibility towards Israel, deepening students’ understanding of its significance within Jewish identity.
4th Grade
The fourth-grade literacy program, utilizing the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum, focuses on strengthening students’ reading comprehension, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills. Students read a variety of rich texts, including historical fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, which help build their analytical abilities and deepen their understanding of diverse themes. Through the CKLA curriculum, students explore complex literary concepts such as character development, theme, and point of view while honing their ability to summarize, compare, and contrast texts. Grammar instruction focuses on more advanced concepts, including sentence structure, parts of speech, and punctuation, while writing assignments encourage creativity and precision through narrative, expository, and persuasive pieces.
Inquiry-based essential questions guide the learning process, with students exploring questions such as, "How do characters’ decisions shape the story?" and "How does the structure of a text impact its meaning?" These questions prompt students to think critically about the texts they read, fostering learning-based skills like evidence-based reasoning, text analysis, and effective communication. In writing, students learn to draft, revise, and edit their work, focusing on clarity, organization, and the use of strong vocabulary. The curriculum emphasizes metacognitive skills, encouraging students to reflect on their reading and writing processes, helping them become more thoughtful, self-directed learners capable of engaging with complex texts and expressing their ideas clearly and confidently.
The fourth-grade math curriculum, integrating Math in Focus and Beast Academy, builds on foundational skills while challenging students to develop deeper mathematical thinking. Math in Focus emphasizes core concepts such as multi-digit multiplication and division, fractions, decimals, and an introduction to geometry. Students engage in problem-solving activities that require them to apply their understanding of place value, number operations, and measurement in real-world contexts. Beast Academy complements this by offering highly engaging, puzzle-based challenges that encourage students to think critically, approach problems creatively, and build perseverance when tackling difficult tasks. Together, these programs ensure that students develop a strong grasp of essential math concepts while fostering a love for exploration and discovery in mathematics.
The inquiry-based approach in fourth grade prompts students to ask essential questions such as, "How do fractions and decimals help us understand parts of a whole?" and "How can geometric principles be used to solve real-world problems?" These questions drive students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, whether they're comparing fractions, interpreting data from graphs, or analyzing the properties of shapes. Learning-based skills such as reasoning abstractly, modeling with mathematics, and constructing viable arguments are emphasized, helping students become confident problem-solvers. Through both Math in Focus and Beast Academy, students learn to persevere through challenges, use mathematical tools strategically, and communicate their reasoning clearly and effectively.
The fourth-grade social studies curriculum focuses on the history and geography of California, from its earliest Native American inhabitants through the Gold Rush and into statehood. Students explore key historical events, such as the establishment of Spanish missions, Mexican rule, and the impact of westward expansion on indigenous populations and settlers. They study the development of California’s economy, learning about agriculture, trade, and the discovery of gold, which sparked significant migration. Geography lessons focus on understanding California’s diverse physical landscape, including its regions, climate, and natural resources, and how these factors have influenced settlement patterns and economic development.
The inquiry-based approach encourages students to ask essential questions such as, "How did the Gold Rush impact California’s population and economy?" and "What role did Native Americans and early settlers play in shaping California’s history?" These questions guide students in developing critical thinking and analytical skills as they examine primary sources, maps, and historical narratives. Learning-based skills such as historical empathy, cause-and-effect reasoning, and comparing multiple perspectives are emphasized as students engage in discussions and projects. Through the curriculum, students not only gain a deeper understanding of California’s rich history and geography but also develop the skills to analyze how past events shape the state’s present and future.
In the 4th grade Hebrew curriculum, students engage in an immersive language-learning experience designed to build fluency across reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Utilizing the Ulpan-Or iHebrew interactive curriculum, the program introduces vocabulary and grammar through real-life scenarios and engaging storylines, such as those involving characters like Orly, an Israeli student, and Yoel, a new immigrant to Israel. These characters guide students through various situations, helping them build vocabulary related to daily life, family, shopping, and travel while familiarizing them with Israeli currency and numbers. The curriculum also introduces fundamental grammatical structures, such as the use of infinitives in different verb forms, helping students build a solid linguistic foundation that supports conversational Hebrew.
Essential questions such as “How does language shape our connection to culture?” and “What are the ways we express identity through language?” drive the inquiry process, encouraging students to think critically about their learning. By integrating songs, interactive activities, and cultural context, the curriculum fosters a natural progression of language acquisition, adapting to different proficiency levels to allow each student to advance at an individualized pace. Learning-based skills such as reading comprehension, dialogue construction, and cultural understanding are continually reinforced, creating a dynamic learning environment that not only enhances students' Hebrew language skills but also deepens their connection to Israeli culture.
In 4th grade Jewish Studies, students deepen their exploration of the Bible through the interactive Hevruta learning approach, which supports analytical and dialogue-based study of the weekly Parashat Hashavuah (Torah portion). Known as the "Pedagogy of Partnership," this method encourages students to work collaboratively, sharing interpretations and examining the moral and ethical themes within each story. By asking essential questions such as "What universal values can be drawn from these ancient stories?" and "How can the teachings from the Torah shape our roles in the modern world?" students reflect on the Torah's lessons, fostering critical thinking, personal reflection, and a stronger connection to Jewish values and heritage.
In their study of Israel, students gain a complex understanding of the country’s geography, cultural diversity, and modern history. They explore significant cities—such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa—considering each city's landmarks, historical significance, and cultural diversity. This curriculum unit also includes examining Israel’s experiences with war and peace, learning about major conflicts, and the importance of peace treaties with neighboring countries, such as Egypt and Jordan. Through these studies, students reflect on questions like "How does a nation reconcile past hardships with a vision for the future?" and "In what ways can diverse cultural backgrounds contribute to a cohesive national identity?" This curriculum emphasizes critical inquiry, fostering students' appreciation for Israel's resilience, unity, and rich cultural fabric.
5th Grade
The fifth-grade literacy curriculum, based on the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) program, deepens students’ reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar skills through a diverse selection of rich, challenging texts. Students engage with a variety of genres, including historical fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, allowing them to explore complex themes and enhance their comprehension abilities. They learn to analyze texts for deeper meaning, identifying key themes, character development, and narrative structure. In writing, students focus on crafting well-organized essays, narratives, and persuasive pieces, using evidence from their reading to support their ideas. Grammar lessons become more advanced, covering concepts like verb tense consistency, complex sentence structures, and proper use of punctuation.
Through an inquiry-based approach, essential questions like, "How do authors develop themes across different texts?" and "How do we use evidence to support our interpretations?" guide students’ exploration of literacy. These questions foster critical thinking and analytical skills, as students learn to compare and contrast texts, identify an author’s purpose, and construct well-reasoned arguments in both written and oral forms. Learning-based skills such as effective communication, collaboration in discussions, and self-reflection are integrated into the curriculum, encouraging students to not only engage deeply with texts but also to become thoughtful, independent readers and writers capable of tackling complex ideas with confidence.
The fifth-grade math curriculum, using Math in Focus and Beast Academy, provides students with a solid foundation in key mathematical concepts such as fractions, decimals, percentages, and advanced operations with whole numbers, all designed to prepare them for the rigor of middle school math. Math in Focus emphasizes problem-solving and the mastery of multi-digit multiplication, division, and the relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages. Students also delve into complex geometry and measurement concepts, learning to calculate area, volume, and apply these skills to real-world scenarios. Beast Academy enhances the experience by presenting challenging, puzzle-like problems that push students to think critically and explore various strategies for solving problems. This balanced approach equips students with the skills they need for the transition to sixth-grade math.
The inquiry-driven curriculum encourages students to ask essential questions like, "How can we use fractions and percentages to solve everyday problems?" and "What strategies can help break down complex word problems?" These questions guide students in developing learning-based skills, including abstract reasoning, perseverance in solving multi-step problems, and precision in their mathematical work. The combination of Math in Focus and Beast Academy prepares students not only to succeed in fifth grade but also to confidently tackle middle school math. By fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and mathematical fluency, the curriculum ensures that students are ready for the challenges of sixth-grade math and beyond.
The fifth-grade social studies curriculum focuses on early American history, exploring the founding of the United States and the key events that shaped the nation. Students learn about the age of exploration, the colonization of North America, the causes and effects of the American Revolution, and the establishment of the U.S. government. They study the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the development of the three branches of government, while also exploring the challenges faced by the early republic. Geography plays a significant role as students examine the expansion of the nation and how natural resources and land influenced settlement patterns, migration, and economic development.
The inquiry-based curriculum encourages students to ask essential questions such as, "What were the causes and consequences of the American Revolution?" and "How did the U.S. Constitution shape our government?" Through these questions, students develop critical thinking skills as they analyze historical events and their long-term impacts. Learning-based skills include understanding cause-and-effect relationships, comparing multiple perspectives, and evaluating primary sources like historical documents, maps, and firsthand accounts. By exploring the roles of key historical figures and examining how events shaped the country's development, students gain a deep understanding of American history while building their ability to think critically and engage with historical content in meaningful ways.
The 5th-grade Hebrew curriculum, utilizing the Ulpan-Or iHebrewTM Interactive Curriculum, immerses students at various proficiency levels in a dynamic language-learning environment. With the guidance of inquiry-based essential questions such as, "How does language shape our connection to culture and identity?" and "How can we communicate complex ideas across languages and cultures?", students deepen their understanding of Hebrew as a living language that connects them to Israeli society and Jewish identity. This curriculum, which includes 21st-century methodologies like flipped and blended classrooms, is differentiated into four proficiency levels: Novice-Low, Novice-Mid, Novice-High, and Intermediate-Low. Each level builds skills progressively in vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading comprehension, and oral fluency, creating a smooth pathway for future language study.
At the Novice-Low level, students begin with essential vocabulary and conversational skills, learning practical topics like family, shopping, and travel, as well as foundational grammar in Binyan Pa’al. In Novice-Mid, they expand their vocabulary to include historical and character-based contexts and master the present tense, supported by activities like vocabulary tests, flashcards, and Israeli songs. At Novice-High, students explore more complex dialogues, learning four Binyanim structures, and using time phrases in context. Finally, the Intermediate-Low level introduces past tense conjugation across all Binyanim, alongside real-world conversational Hebrew through stories and virtual tours, helping students confidently discuss everyday life topics. Each level's structure emphasizes practical language use and cultural fluency, equipping students with the skills to communicate effectively in Israeli settings, engage in meaningful dialogue, and develop a genuine connection with Israeli culture and Hebrew language proficiency.
The 5th-grade Jewish Studies curriculum at SDJA fosters a deep and analytical approach to Torah study through Hevruta learning, utilizing the "Pedagogy of Partnership." In this method, students collaborate in pairs or small groups to interpret and discuss the weekly Torah portion, engaging in thoughtful dialogue and reflection. Essential questions such as, "How can ancient stories guide modern ethical choices?" and "What personal lessons can we take from biblical figures?" help students relate the text to their own lives. By participating in inquiry-driven discussions, students not only develop interpretive skills but also connect personally with Jewish values such as justice, resilience, and empathy. This rigorous, inquiry-based approach promotes a lasting and meaningful relationship with Torah teachings.
Beyond Torah study, students engage in rich Jewish learning experiences, including holidays, prayer, and an in-depth exploration of Israel. Weekly discussions on current events in Israel help students understand the country as a dynamic, multifaceted society, while they also examine the relationship with San Diego's twin city, Sha'ar HaNegev, highlighting shared values of community and support. Age-appropriate Holocaust studies allow students to explore historical events like Kristallnacht, resistance movements, and the role of Righteous Gentiles, fostering empathy and a commitment to remembrance. Inspired by essential questions like, "How can we learn from history to take a stand against injustice in today’s society?" and "What does it mean to act with courage in the face of wrongdoing?" students are encouraged to consider the importance of being upstanders rather than bystanders. The curriculum is further enriched by The My Family Story project, enabling students to connect their family histories with the broader Jewish narrative, fostering resilience, identity, and a commitment to positive action within their communities.
GMLS Leadership Team
Zvi Weiss
Head of School
Mike Quigley
Associate Head of School & Head of Upper School
Jeremy Toren
ECC-12 Director of Jewish Life and Learning
Shani Abed
Head of Lower School
Shelly Moses
Associate Head of Lower School