MS Curriculum

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Middle School Curriculum

Middle School Years
Fifth through Eighth grade starts the Middle School years at Shalhevet School. This is the time when classes become departmentalized and students are divided by level and abilities. Students take classes in English, History, Math, Science, Fine Arts and Physical Education. Specifically, students will test into the various levels for Math and Hebrew studies. This is also a very exciting time because our students have “Advisory Meetings” with teacher/Advisors, discussing issues ranging from academic to social to political! There is an Advisory Agenda Committee staffed by Middle School Students, Teachers and Administrators. Our Middle School students get together once a week in a Town Hall forum to discuss those issues from the Agenda Committee.

5th Grade students will learn:

English
(Social Studies topics will be integrated into the English curriculum via research, reading and writing components)

• Read short stories, poems, and novels over the course of the year
• Learn how to do a research report
• Learn steps and structure to begin working on those writing skills for a 5 paragraph essay

Social Studies
Focus on U.S. History including on:
• Exploration of the New World
• 13 Original Colonies
• Revolutionary War
• Age of Independence – (Framework of Constitution)

Math
• Reinforce previously learned math skills
• Learn decimals, fractions and percentages and their relationship to one another

Science
Include a general overview of:
• Earth Science
• Life Science
• Physical Science

Torah
Begin the book of Sh’mot (Exodus) (Students use materials from Torah U’mesorah )
• Mishna – review part I of Veshinantam and begin work in Part II
• Parshat Sh’mot
• Parshat Vaera
• Parshat Bo

Mishnah
• Review part I of Veshinantam
• Begin work in Part II

Navi
• begin the book of Shoftim

Dinim
• learn the laws of the Ten Commandments comparing those between man and G-d and Man and Man

Hebrew
• Continue to enhance language skills in Chaverim B’Ivrit

The math program for 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students is constructed to meet the individual needs of students within those grades. Students take placement tests to determine which level they will be in. Classes are offered in Basic Math skills, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and Algebra II.

6th Grade students will learn:

English
• Read and analyze literary texts through exposure to various genres
• Expand vocabulary and grammar skills
• Strengthen writing mechanics, critical thinking skills through literary interpretation

History
Focus on World History Part I including:
• Study geography
• Ancient civilizations through the Middle Ages
• Analyze the impact of geographical locations on their lives

(Throughout this course of study the class will learn about where the Jewish people lived during this time period)

Science
• Investigate the study of Earth Sciences through observation, exploration and experimentation

Torah
Continue learning in the Book of Shmot, (Exodus)
• Parshat Beshlach,
• Parshat Yitro
• Parshat Mishpatim. Emphasis will be on the story of the Golden Calf and Mishkan.

Mishnah
• Continue work in Veshinantam

Navi
• Learn the Book of Shmuel Alef (Samuel I)

Dinim
• Prepare for Bar/Bat mizvot. The year will culminate in a special B’nei Mitzva celebration

Hebrew
• Work in the Neta program. Students will be placed according to specific Neta Placement tests.

7th Grade students will learn:

English
• Read and analyze literary texts written in many genres
• Maintain a writing journal
• Continue to develop vocabulary and writing skills
• Continue to strengthen writing mechanics
• Create customized self editing checklists throughout the year

History
Focus on World History Part II including:

• Early Asian civilizations including China, Japan, and Korea
• Medieval Europe
• Italian Renaissance Period
• Age of Enlightenment through the Industrial Revolution
• Current world affairs

Science
• Investigate the study of Life Sciences through observation, exploration and experimentation

Torah
• Learn Parsha Bamidbar Perek 1 – 10. (Students will use materials from Torah U’mesorah)

Talmud
• Learn Gemarah Brachot, Perek 4 – using Gemara Brurah

Navi
• Continue learning Book of Shmuel Bet, (Samuel II)

Dinim
• Learn the laws of Shmita, (Sabbatical year), and the laws of returning a lost object.

Hebrew
• Continue work in the Neta program

8th Grade students will learn:

English
• Interpret and analyze various types of literature
• Recognize literary elements including irony, foreshadowing, personification, symbolism, conflict, figurative language, etc.
• Write multi paragraph compositions in many forms
• Continue to strengthen writing mechanics
• Continue to broaden vocabulary and grammar through spoken word and written comprehension

History
Focus on American History
• Beginning American Revolution through the Civil War period
• Reconstruction
• Exploration of the Holocaust and Jews in
America

Science
• Investigate the study of Physical Science through observation, exploration and experimentation

Torah
• Continue learning Bamidar Perak 10

Talmud
• Learn Elu Mitziot and Bava Mitzia

Navi
• Begin learning Melachim aleph, (Kings I)

Dinim
• Continue learning the laws of Shmita