Grades K-2 Curriculum

Reading and Writing Foundations

In our early elementary classrooms our teachers use an evidence-based science of reading approach to teaching literacy that focuses on the fundamental skills necessary for reading success. We use the UFLI scope and sequence to design a comprehensive program that aligns with the latest research in literacy development. Our instructional program focuses on:

• Phonological Awareness: The program emphasizes the development of phonological awareness, helping students recognize and manipulate the sounds of spoken language. This foundational skill is crucial for early reading success.

• Systematic Phonics Instruction: UFLI incorporates systematic phonics instruction, teaching students the relationships between letters and sounds in a structured and logical manner. This approach ensures that students build a strong foundation in decoding words.

• Vocabulary Development: The program addresses vocabulary development, recognizing the importance of a rich vocabulary in reading comprehension. Students will engage in activities that expand their word knowledge and understanding.

• Comprehension Strategies: UFLI Science of Reading includes strategies to enhance reading comprehension. Students will learn how to actively engage with texts, ask questions, and make connections to deepen their understanding.

• Individualized Support: Our teachers will use ongoing assessments to identify each student's specific needs and provide targeted support. This individualized approach ensures that every child receives the necessary instruction to thrive in reading.

Living and Growing as Readers

Lower School readers live with curiosity, empathy, and a sense of responsibility to understand stories that reflect diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Guided by Oregon's Language Arts Standards, students develop foundational reading skills, comprehension strategies, and literary analysis. We cultivate kavod (respect) for every voice, and tikkun olam (repairing the world) through the books they read. Whether  diving into fiction or nonfiction, our readers engage with texts that challenge them to think critically, ask questions, and make meaningful connections to themselves, their community, and the broader world.

K-2

In the early grades, our students live as readers by discovering joy, connection, and meaning in stories. Through read-alouds, shared reading, and independent book choices, children build foundational literacy skills—like phonemic awareness, decoding, and early comprehension by discussing stories, and responding to text through art, movement, and action. Students practice empathy as they listen to voices different from their own. As they explore picture books and short texts, students begin to recognize how stories help us understand ourselves and others.

Living and Growing as Writers

Lower School writers explore writing as a practice of self-expression, reflection, and contribution. Students grow to see themselves as authors with important stories to tell and ideas to share. Anchored in Oregon’s Language Arts Standards, our students learn to write narratives, informative pieces, and persuasive texts with clarity, structure, and voice. Whether crafting a personal story, responding to literature, or composing a letter to make change, students use writing to understand themselves and to speak out for others. Our writers are nurtured to become thoughtful communicators who know their words matter.

K-2

Our youngest learners live as writers by seeing themselves as authors with important ideas and stories to share. Through drawing, labeling, and writing simple sentences, they develop early writing habits for opinion, narrative, and informational writing. Anchored in our Jewish values, writing also becomes a tool for expressing gratitude, sharing kindness, and telling the truth. Whether writing about a favorite animal, a family tradition, or a classroom mitzvah, students learn that their words have power, and that even our youngest voices can bring light into the world.

PJA uses Bridges in Mathematics, a comprehensive curriculum for grades K–5. Bridges is a rigorous program designed to address the new math standards in a way that’s enjoyable and accessible to all learners. The curriculum focuses on developing in students a deep understanding of math concepts, proficiency with key skills, and the ability to solve new and complex problems. Learning activities tap into the intelligence and strengths all students have by presenting mathematically powerful material alive with language, pictures, and movement. PJA students talk about math, describe observations, explain methods, and ask questions. They are encouraged to find multiple ways to solve problems and show different ways of thinking. This is a vital way to help students build more flexible and efficient ways to solve increasingly complex problems. Our math program features a combination of whole-group, small-group, and independent activities that are problem centered. Hands-on activities engage them in exploring, developing, testing, discussing, and applying mathematical concepts.

PJA students experience Hebrew as a living language. Students are exposed to everyday authentic Hebrew language by speaking and acting in Hebrew, playing games in Hebrew, singing Hebrew songs, celebrating holidays in Hebrew and learning the language through all of these experiences. Students learn vocabulary and basic language patterns which enables them to understand and express themselves in Hebrew.

What if my child has not studied Hebrew in the past?

We are prepared to assist your child with their Hebrew studies. We offer small group instruction at a beginner level for children entering PJA who have little or no knowledge of the Hebrew language.

Jewish Studies combines the studies of Torah, Hagim (Holy Days), Israel, and Tefillah (prayer). Central to PJA’s Jewish studies program is student reflection about the school’s middot (Jewish values) and consideration of the ways they express the middot in their own lives. Along with the themes of family, personal, and communal responsibility, students develop a personal connection to and consider the relevance of these themes to their own lives. Art, music, storytelling, and drama all play a major role as students experience the vibrancy and joy of Jewish life and traditions.

Students explore major themes about the world in which they live through interdisciplinary units of study that incorporate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) and social studies skills and concepts. Using the resources of the classroom, Learning Commons, Makerspace, and gardens, students begin to see themselves as researchers, engineers, and creative problem solvers, and approach learning about our world in an authentic and participatory way. They share their learning with a wider audience through writing, acting, art, music, and building.

Art, music, PE, and class time in the Learning Commons and Makerspace are central to the Lower School experience. All students in kindergarten – fifth grade have two periods each week of PE and a weekly art, music, and library class. In addition to these regularly scheduled “specials,” students and classroom teachers work collaboratively throughout the school year with our school librarian, maker educator, science, art and music teachers on integrated projects.