General Studies

At each grade level, children at Beth Hillel Day School have access to projects and materials that engage them in a way best suited for where they are both academically and developmentally.

Reading and Writing Workshop, developed at Columbia University, is at the heart of our Language Arts Curriculum. Students are taught to read using a balanced approach that integrates all aspects of the reading process. The children read books that are “just right” while learning the thinking strategies they need to understand complex texts. Reading and writing are integrated daily; students learn to write with purpose as they select topics of interest to them. Students learn to communicate their ideas and understand that their writing conveys meaning while studying spelling and grammar. Best of all, this highly differentiated approach means that every child works at an individual level at all times, ensuring that students are ready to be effective communicators in middle school and beyond.

Singapore Math emphasizes mastery of math concepts and trains students to connect different mathematical ideas using words and word problems. Using objects, pictures, songs, stories, and drawings, students learn number sense, mental math, and algebraic thinking from the youngest ages.

Our project-based social studies curriculum allows children to learn essential concepts from history, geography, and other social sciences through an integrated study.   They acquire knowledge of the past to understand the present and plan for the future. Social studies at this level provide students with the skills needed for problem-solving and decision-making and for making thoughtful value judgments.  All grades incorporate experiential learning through various field trips to introduce aspects of our diverse, multicultural society.

Teachers use technology, authentic texts, field trips, discussions, and hands-on projects in all our subjects to ignite a love of learning and deep engagement with the information.