Curriculum

English Literacy - Communication - listening, speaking, reading, and writing— is necessary for all learning. Literacy enables children to use language to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to facilitate learning, thinking, and self-expression. Literacy is the key to acquiring knowledge and achieving life-long independence in learning. MetroWest Jewish Day School's (MWJDS) "literate classrooms" provide stimulating environments in which many possibilities for language experiences exist and where all the tools of learning language are available. Students read and write stories, letters, messages, recipes, activity charts, and other materials. Teachers work with children in small groups as they acquire and define language and reading skills in ways appropriate to their learning styles. As children grow older, literacy activities are refined and broadened to include skills of inference, reference, and language structure. Children experiment with phonetic spelling then continue on to standard spelling. As students move along the curriculum, they further hone their decoding and comprehension skills. MWJDS uses a balanced approach to literacy, incorporating a literary-based program with direct phonics instruction, spelling rules, handwriting, and other mechanical skills and language processes.

Reading is the basic tool for all discovery and will be a key focus of our curriculum. Our instruction in reading emphasizes the best in children’s literature as we equip students not only to read but also to analyze and discuss texts. We will use the "Sunshine Reading Series"* to enable students to advance at their own pace. Reading aloud is continued even in the oldest grades so that children can share in the enjoyment of good writing. As they hear and read folk tales, myths, poetry, novels, plays, and criticism, they learn to appreciate the language of authors from many cultures.

Our instruction in writing gives students the structure and freedom to process information and express ideas. From early on, children learn to rewrite and edit, basing their revisions on classmates' responses to their rough drafts. They learn that rethinking and revising are natural and essential parts of the writing process. Our teachers respect the ability and creativity of each learner and encourage them to think of writing as a natural and necessary tool of self-expression.

At  MWJDS, our ancient and revered Jewish texts are woven together with modern curriculum to give students a firm academic grounding and pride in their identity as American Jews.  MWJDS strives to instill in our children a love of learning that will enable them to become life-long learners. In a world of instant information youth are expected to master an unprecedented and ever-growing body of knowledge. Competency in reading, writing and mathematics is crucial but not sufficient. Our children must be prepared for a highly technological world where process skills, such as information management and critical thinking, make sense of the massive amount of information available. They must acquire individual competencies while understanding their own learning styles and strengths, learn to work well in groups and communicate with peers. They must have a foundation of basic knowledge and the ability to know where to find information. They need a strong sense of self and community in order to achieve happiness and realize their personal goals. Our students build upon their experiences to gain an ever-expanding understanding of the world. Our interdisciplinary curriculum empowers them to learn by doing. An integration of Judaic and secular themes is emphasized while assignments and field trips reinforce and consolidate learning. MWJDS encourages students to use critical thinking skills to define issues and problems, to consider alternatives and to make decisions. Although learning can be a solitary process, it is equally as often, a social process. Children at MWJDS collaborate on projects and share ideas and responses with one another in small and large groups. Teachers and other adults involved in the school guide the students as they plan and implement experiences from which children construct meaning with increasing depth and complexity.

Our curriculum has been developed to align with the Massachusetts Frameworks, so that our graduates leave MWJDS with concepts, knowledge and skills that will support successful careers in the high school environment of choice.  For futher curriculum-related information, contact , MWJDS Curriculum Coordinator at  508-620-5554 x105.