Our Curriculum
Relevant, inspiring, and engaging
Method
JAMS, as its name suggests, (discovering Jewish culture through art, making, & stem) is hands-on and fun! All JAMS lessons are taught through activities, games, and creative projects. In fact, the children are generally having so much fun that they don't even realize that they are learning!
Our curriculum takes into account that children are joining once a week and come from diverse backgrounds; our lessons are designed to be repetitive so that the children retain more information.
Many of the holidays we explore in JAMS Afterschool are paired with family events where children can celebrate with the entire community and in many cases share what they have learned.
Content
At JAMS, children explore Jewish values, experience Jewish culture, celebrate holidays, and discover the stories and history that have shaped Jewish life.
We rotate between the following curriculum tracks:
Jewish Heroes introduces students to inspiring figures from Jewish history and culture and explores their contributions. Think Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Queen Esther, and many others.
In Jewish Values in Action, students experience the values and traditions that are at the heart of Jewish life. We explore concepts such as Tzedakah (justice and giving to others), Tza’ar Baalei Chaim (kindness to animals), Ahavat Yisrael(caring for one another), and more.
In our two-year My Story; My Life curriculum, children learn the stories of B’reshit (Genesis) and Shemot (Exodus), exploring the first 2,000 years of Jewish history with an emphasis on the values and lessons they can apply to their own lives.
To bring these ideas to life, children work on year-long projects that they proudly showcase at the end of the year. Past projects have included interactive LEGO timelines, treasure chests filled with creations representing important values, and glowing globes filled with the mitzvot they explored throughout the year.
Hebrew Reading & Language
Our Hebrew Reading & Language Curriculum uses the popular, color-coded Aleph Champ system to help children systematically build their Hebrew reading skills. Inspired by the progression system of Karate, Aleph Champ divides Hebrew reading into 10 colored levels, with students working their way up to the “black level.”
Fun games and activities help students practice and reach their goals. Moving up a level is a source of pride and accomplishment, encouraging children to stay motivated and take ownership of their progress.
Ivrit Betil is a visual Hebrew language program created by Chany Zagury. Children build their Hebrew vocabulary through colorful flashcards, challenges, and group-based activities.
Once children have completed all 10 Aleph Champ levels, more intensive Hebrew language study can be introduced.