Middle School Hebrew Curriculum Overview and Class Expectations Introduction We are proud and excited to offer students ongoing education in Hebrew language and literature. The curriculum spans all three years of Middle School and is flexible enough to be responsive to the needs and abilities of each of the students. The Middle School Hebrew courses place reading, grammar, verbal comprehension, speaking, and translation at the center of their focus. Texts have been selected to introduce students to the wide variety of Hebrew literature ranging from antiquity to modernity. Students develop their ability to converse in the language by discussing in Hebrew the content of what they read and study. All classes are held in Hebrew to the greatest possible extent. Learning language is not simply a building block of linguistics, but also a synthesis and broader comprehension of culture. Key to Middle School Hebrew is an understanding of the history of the Middle East with a focus on Israel. Israeli society, music, literature, and the societal currents within the country are crucial to gain perspective of the bigger linguistic picture.
Goals My goal is for students to develop their love of the Hebrew language and feel that they possess the tools necessary to read and comprehend Hebrew texts that they encounter. Study of language and culture is not simply a one or two year endeavor, but a lifelong pursuit; this class prepares students to excel in their study of language for years to come.
Teacher Josh Goldberg Email: jgoldberg@mcgillisschool.org Phone: (801) 583-0094 Ex. 511 Office Hours Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:15-4:00 Website: http://mcgillishebrew.weebly.com/weeblylink_new_window Materials The first trimester introduces students to two books, Hebrew From Scratch and Darkonim. Our emphasis is exposure to Modern Israeli Hebrew through various media including music, film, websites, and simple conversations. During the second trimester we continue our rhythm, yet assignments will increase and expectations will rise. By the third trimester we explore both Modern Hebrew works of short fiction as well as some ancient materials. Students are expected to keep detailed notes in a notebook specifically dedicated to Hebrew. Behavior Students at the McGillis School have the responsibility to: Respect All Respect Learning Respect School Property and Property of Others Respect Yourself Any behavior that is continually disruptive in class will result in lower citizenship grades and parental involvement. For questions on behavior please consult the Student and Parent Handbook. Homework Most of the work we do is in class, yet there is often homework to solidify certain skills. Homework consists of prepared worksheets that contain the selected texts, grammar lessons and necessary vocabulary for each lesson. Late homework may be accepted for partial credit depending on the circumstances such as the type of assignment, date received, quality of work, etc. Students excused from school for illness or other reasons will have flexibility with turning in homework.
Grades Hebrew Grades are based on the following components: Participation and Effort (A daily grade from 1-5 will be given based upon performance) 25% In-Class Assignments 25% Tests and quizzes 25% Homework 25%
