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General
Studies Curriculum
The academic program at PJDS provides students with a values-based
Jewish education within the context of a rigorous academic
program. The program provides for both enrichment and remediation
when needed. Children learn in a variety of ways and teachers
utilize multiple modalities of teaching. Small group instruction
is used in order to enable students to attain higher academic
goals and success.
The General Studies program is divided into five broad categories:
Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and World Language
(Middle School only). The program develops confident, accomplished,
and thoughtful graduates.
Language Arts
The Language Arts program includes reading, written and spoken
expression, listening skills and developing an appreciation
for many genres of literature. It provides a balanced literacy
program. Children are encouraged to communicate and use language
effectively and creatively in both written and oral communication.
The overall curriculum uses an eclectic approach to language
development, using a wide variety of techniques and materials
so that each child can learn in a way most appropriate for
his/her learning style. Students are surrounded by the written
word from the time they enter the school. The language arts
program provides an opportunity to teach morals and ethics,
to encourage deeper thinking and reasoning, to emphasize respect
for other cultures and individuals, and to help children grow
cognitively, emotionally and socially.
In the Middle School, the Language Arts program is more focused
on content areas. The Language Arts program is comprehensive
and integrated with Social Studies. Assignments in Language
Arts are often based on Social Studies topics.
Mathematics
Through the study of mathematical concepts students develop
life long problem solving and thinking skills. Children become
proficient in applying mathematics to everyday situations.
The mathematics curriculum emphasizes problem-solving strategies,
hands-on experiences, and a complete set of computation skills
and methodologies. Additionally, children learn to value mathematics,
to communicate mathematically and to reason mathematically,
as they become confident in their ability as problem solvers.
Students are encouraged to use multiple strategies and multiple
solutions to solve a problem.
The PJDS approach encourages students to apply their knowledge,
to effectively communicate ideas, to explore and discover ways
to solve all kinds of problems, to think divergently and to
know how to use math to convey information. Emphasis is on
implementation of the National Council of Mathematics Standards
to strengthen critical thinking skills. The curriculum stresses
moving from the concrete, to semi-concrete, to abstract levels.
The inquiry approach involves students as active participants
developing skills and strategies to become mathematically literate.
Science
An inquiry-based approach is used to study science. Whether
the students are engaging with materials in the lab or doing
research from trade books, they constantly ask questions and
develop strategies to answer them. Laboratory experiences/activities
form the core of our science program. Science-related reading,
writing, research or math activities in the classroom form
a meaningful, natural integration of this curricular area.
Social Studies
A multi-disciplinary, thematic approach is used to teach Social
Studies. Units are developed according to developmental appropriateness,
curricular guidelines, and teacher interest. The children learn
about society and the connection between the past, present
and the future. The purpose of the Social Studies Curriculum
is to provide an understanding that permits students to appreciate
how ideas, events and individuals produce change. PJDS encourages
students to develop a profound sense of concern and respect
for the world in which they live.
The study of cultures exposes students to different belief
systems. Children are naturally curious to know their historical
roots and to locate themselves in time. The study of people,
places, and environment assists students as they create spatial
views and geographic perspectives of the world beyond their
personal locations. PJDS creates young, knowledgeable citizens,
who aspire to civic ideals and best practices of citizenship.
World Language
In addition to Hebrew, students in the Middle School also study
Spanish beginning in the seventh grade.
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