Secular Curriculum


Pre-School
The pre-school years, the education of our three to five year olds, is not "pre" learning, but an integral part of the learning process. A child's language development, knowledge of self and ability to interact acceptably with others, the acquisition of basic skills and most importantly, self-confidence are also fostered during this integral stage. The Shalom programs provide a learning experience geared toward each level within a relaxed atmosphere of fun, play and creativity. Basic skills, as well as important cognitive skills are covered. Through the various activities and interest centers provided, children awaken their developing senses and become encouraged to explore, observe, listen, question, express feelings and interact with others. The content areas of math, science, social studies, reading readiness, as well as the enriching inclusion of art, music, gymnastics and computers, are contained in pre-nursery (three year old), nursery (four year old), and kindergarten (five year old) levels.

In addition to addressing the proper learning and social skills, a special emphasis is placed on moral values and a heightened sense of Jewish awareness.  Children learn about the positive aspects, ethics and values of modern Jewish life. Pleasurable and meaningful association with Jewish heritage is offered through learning about holidays, the land of Israel, stories from the Bible, Hebrew phrases and words, famous Jewish personalities and the weekly Shabbat party.

Primary Grades
Shalom believes the primary grades are the foundation for a solid and successful education. The reading and math skills gained will provide the tools for future study. The literacy program in Grades One, Two and Three, is geared toward reading development through a balanced literacy program incorporating comprehension, phonics, spelling and writing. Penmanship, oral and written language development is mastered. Math concepts, number theory, place value, and fractions, as well as skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, time, money, problem solving, graphing, and measurement are taught. A science program centers around children's experiences with life science, physical sciences and, earth science. Hands on activities make each topic studied come alive. In social studies, children learn about self, family and community where they read stories in class as well as independent books. Topics in current events and social issues are handled at age appropriate levels. Gym, music, computer literacy and art are also encompassed by this curriculum.

Middle Grades
In Grades Four, Five and Six the emphasis begins to shift from basic skills to more highly developed cognitive and thinking skills. Students, through the use of curriculum material that follows in sequence from earlier grades, utilize their own thought process more independently. Critical thinking, coupled with more well defined organizational skills, allows the student to develop individual learning strategies. Students delve into higher level math concepts including geometry and pre-algebra and science content areas such as ecosystems and the environment. Social studies encompassing a focus on the the United States and world civilization is seen from historical, economic, geographic and political perspectives.  Written language development is emphasized in these grades with a fine tuning on proper usage and structure skills. Students learn research skills as they explore into new topics. Vocabulary is enhanced through weekly study.  Reading is extended to include the integration of classic works of literature on a whole class, small group, and individual level.

Upper Grades
In our Seventh and Eight grades, students are given the tools to prepare them for high school. With an emphasis on knowledge of the world economically, politically, socially and technologically, teacher and students proceed together using acquired skills through new and rewarding areas of learning.  Algebra, physics, biology, chemistry, American literature, and world and American history are a few of the curriculum content areas covered.

Ivrit
In order to attain a solid background in Hebrew, students in grades 4 - 8 learn the language in a classroom format.

In addition, for younger grades a core vocabulary is taught and integrated into the classroom dialogue. In this manner, students become familiar with basic terms and phrases.

Library/Computer Lab
The school's computers add to the diversity of resources and methods used to develop early learning skills.  Our media center houses the english and judaic library and includes a Holocaust Studies center. Pre-nursery through third grade visit the library once a week to foster a love of books as well as develop fundamental library skills.

Children receive weekly computer instruction according to our strong curriculum. Children in grades 1 and 2 focus on familiarity with the computer as well as using software for improvement of writing, reading, and math skills. For those in grades 3 - 5, the stress is on word processing skills; while in grades 6 - 8 the emphasis is on researching skills. In addition, eight graders publish their school yearbook using their computer skills.  Our state-of-the-art computer lab with an Internet connection is accessible to all.

Our Holocaust Studies center has materials and information available to all. We are pleased that our center has been chosen by the state as a repository  for Holocaust education

Music
Our music program consists of creative song and instruction.  Chlidren learn the basics of music notation as well as how to play the recorder and piano.

Art Appreciation
In our art studio, students enhance their knowledge of the masters. Through various media, creative activities are intertwined with major themes and movements in art history.

Special Education
For children with special needs, our special education teacher is available on a daily basis.  She provides excellent instruction in both secular and Judaic studies.

Writing Across the Grades
We focus extensively on improvement of writing skills at all grade levels. Creative writing, as well as expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive writing, is stressed according to grade level.

Woodworking Program
Our sixth, seventh and eighth grade boys meet weekly and hone their skills as they create different projects from wood. This past Spring, they built a shed in the backyard if the school.

Curriculum Focus Month
Enhancing our curriculum is of paramount importance. To help students attain a more extensive knowledge of each subject area, we devote a different month for in-depth studies in each curriculum area. November is the kick-off for our language arts focus. Each grade concentrates on a specific area dealing with reading and writing by concentrating on a particular author, genre, or literary style. Guest speakers and trips are coordinated according to the topics to be studied.

Similarly, January is designated for mathematics, February is earmarked for science, and May centers on social studies.

"Food for Thought" Discussion Program
"Food for Thought," an innovative forum of informal talks given on a monthly basis, offers exciting and enriching discussions given by local experts, including professionals as well as parents. Please submit any suggestions of specific people and topics to Mrs. Nora Horn.

Class Trips
Early Childhood Trips
Visiting such places as a zoo, museum, farm, post office, hospital, fire station, matzo bakery, doctor and dentist offices, park, library, nature trails, factory tours and much more have always enriched a child's early school years. 

Elementary School Trips
Trips focus on each of the following areas: social studies, science, language arts, and culture such as the arts and music. In addition, the students take trips related to their class work in Judaic studies. These trips, designed to foster educational growth through a hands-on approach, add excitement and a better understanding of concepts taught in class. Fun trips to berry picking, picnics and more add to the enthusiasm children have for school.
Pre-School: Farm, Discovery Museum, Community Helpers (Dentist, Doctor, Police Station, Fire Station, etc.).
Kindergarten: Theatrical performances, Zoo
Primary Grades: One Room Schoolhouse, Theatrical performances, Gardens
Middle Grades: Tenement Museum, Liberty Science Museum, Theatrical performance, Natural History Museum
Junior High: Historical trip to Philadelphia, Franklin Museum, Theatrical performances, Planetarium

Shalom Torah Academy
639 Abbington Drive - East Windsor, NJ 08520
PH: 609-443-4877
FX: 609-443-3493