Elementary

List of 8 items.

• Language Arts/Drama

  The comprehensive Language Arts program is based on a balanced literacy approach where students are engaged daily in meaningful and developmentally appropriate reading, writing, oral and listening activities. Students focus on developing their skills through the study of the science or social studies unit making their work relevant and therefore more engaging for them. Included in these thematic units is the focus on creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration and communication skills.

• Mathematics

  Students work collaboratively to develop their conceptual understanding and procedural skills in math using problem-based learning. They explore the grade-level specific expectations of the Ontario Curriculum and receive extra support or enrichment as needed. They are engaged in everyday problem solving as they investigate guiding questions that ask them to reason and prove their answers, reflect on their thinking and represent their learning in a variety of ways.

   

• Science and Technology

  An integrated, inquiry-based approach to science engages students in meaningful investigations. Students explore the scientific concepts through critical thinking questions while at the same time develop their language arts skills. They expand on their knowledge of the world by exploring scientific problems that are similar and different in Israel.

• Social Studies

  Students have the opportunity to explore, wonder and inquire into a variety of topics as they build a deeper understanding of the world around them. The social studies program is based on the new Ontario social studies curriculum and is integrated with the language arts program.  Students extend their understanding as they explore problematic situations through critical thinking questions using a variety of resources including novels, short stories and real world documents.

• French

  Meaningful communication is at the center of all language learning activities. Beginning in grade one, students participate in two plays each year giving them the opportunity to develop their oral and written proficiency and comprehension in engaging scenarios. Teachers use a multimodal approach called the Accelerative Integrated Methodology (AIM) where students use gestures, keywords, dramatic arts and literacy activities. The focus is on building high frequency and functional vocabulary to accelerate meaning and spontaneous language usage.

• Physical Education

  Students are actively involved in a range of physical activities that promote healthy, active living. Students begin the day with a morning meeting.  At this time, students participate in a variety of activities that promote physical activity and collaboration skills. Students learn skills based upon a developmental continuum.  For example, students learn how to handle a ball through various activities and games with clear expectations for each grade. Students are given the opportunity to participate in intramurals at lunch time giving all students the opportunity to participate in team sports in addition to outside sports teams.

• Art

  Students are exploring and creating personal connections to the art world as seen on display in the halls, the art room, classrooms, and online. All of the Arts (Visual Arts, Music and Drama) play a significant role in providing a rich context for learning Hebrew and actively immerse the students in the Jewish culture. The art program is developed in conjunction with RHA’s overall themes making connections to the “world community”. Each open-ended project focuses on a question such as “What is art?” which helps develop students’ creativity and critical thinking skills.

  Students are introduced to various artists such as Kandinsky and Goldsworthy, as well as specific time periods such as Renaissance and Abstract Expression. 

• Music

  Students experience and explore music through singing, playing instruments and moving.  They develop an appreciation of contemporary and traditional music while they learn about different cultures. They are always eager to participate in services and develop a sense of history and traditions as they learn Jewish holiday songs and Israeli melodies.