The Spivak Hebrew Academy Elementary school provides a competitive academic Secular and Jewish Education.
Our secular program includes creative learning experiences to enhance the learning within the classroom. Our Judaic Studies program provides the students with the opportunity to explore their Jewish identity, culture, history, and practice in the Orthodox tradition and law. Our students participate in routines that foster their moral and ethical character based on our Jewish values – Midot and Mitzvot. Our deep cultural heritage with which we are blessed as a Jewish people is infused in all that we do at Spivak Hebrew Academy!
Language Arts
Our Elementary Program utilizes the Houghton Mifflin California Journeys program. This language arts program contains all of the components necessary for students to master written and oral communication. We believe in the Balanced Literacy Approach, which allows students to cultivate a genuine appreciation for literature and literacy skills. Our instruction includes the components of phonics, grammar skills, reading and comprehension strategies, as well as writing forms, and skills. A balanced literacy plan is most effective when children are given differentiated instructional support. We include a variety of daily reading and frequent writing experiences that are necessary within the complex process of becoming independent readers and writers. A balanced literacy approach integrates literacy into all curricular subjects.
Mathematics
Spivak Hebrew Academy utilizes the Houghton Mifflin Go Math program, which emphasizes California Common Core Standards. This program stresses problem solving and abstract thinking. Students encounter math in a meaningful way by translating mathematical skills from the concrete to the abstract. Students first encounter mathematical concepts through the use of manipulatives. They then move on to the pictorial stage in which pictures are used to model problems. When students are familiar with the ideas taught, they progress to more advanced or abstract stages in which only numbers, notation, and symbols are used. By focusing on mathematical understanding, the program aims to help students develop logical thinking and critical lifelong problem solving skills.
Science
Spivak Hebrew Academy teaches the K-8 National Standards for Science. The modules we cover are Physical Science, Earth Science, and Life Science. Spivak Hebrew Academy incorporates the use of observation, hands-on exploration, experimentation, and Scientific Reasoning. Students learn important scientific concepts and develop the ability to think critically.
Social Studies
Spivak Hebrew Academy believes that all students should have a strong background in cultural and global awareness, world affairs, and in connecting the present to past historical events. Our curriculum includes map and globe skills to determine different locations as they discover ancestry, famous people, national holidays, and symbols of the United States. Our learning focuses on changes in the world, places, and people over time using intellectual reasoning, reflection, and research skills, both individually and in a group.
Physical Education
Physical Education at Spivak Hebrew Academy emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and social skills building, which includes following directions, patience, taking turns, sharing, participation, as well as positive communication and interaction. Students will acquire foundational knowledge of skills in various sports activities, which will develop hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and a basis to build upon further development in sports and athletics. Students are encouraged to build confidence and esteem for themselves and fellow students alike in relationship to physical activity.
Hebrew/Ivrit
At Spivak Hebrew Academy, we approach Ivrit – Hebrew as a living, breathing language. Through an experiential approach, we connect text and spoken language into the daily lives of our students. We practice reading, writing, and conversational Hebrew daily, using Biblical and modern Hebrew language. We do not translate Hebrew into English, but rather speak Ivrit B’Ivrit, helping students build their vocabulary and grammar skills. Students learn to decode modern and Biblical text, as well as davening text, by understanding the mechanics of Hebrew grammar. We carefully select learning materials from a wide range of relevant media in order to advance language skills. This approach is proven to keep students interested and engaged, and show them that learning Hebrew is meaningful, challenging, and fun.
Jewish Studies – Limudei Kodesh
Limudei Kodesh – Jewish Studies is highly valued on an academic level as well as cultural level of who we are and what we do as Jewish people. Each year we build upon skills of comprehension and reading, weaving Torah into weekly parsha lessons as well as reading directly from the Chumash and Navi with foundational commentaries. We incorporate content into creative activities to bring the Torah to life! Annual Chagim – Holidays become an experiential learning opportunity that allows students to grasp stories, traditions, and halacha in a fun and exciting way! We strive to build the foundations of Jewish identity and skills that our students will carry with them beyond their Elementary years.