SIXTH GRADE
Grade: 6
Theme/Topic: Israel and Zionism
Synthesis Project: Israel Map and Portfolio
Special Event: Blessing for the Dalet students, Friday, May 16th, 8pm
Even though students at Congregation Beth Israel learn about Israel every year, sixth grade is a year we set aside for in depth study of the Israel. Students learn about Israel from a number of different points of view, such as: geography, history, politics, and culture. Sixth graders wrestle with the meaning of complicated concepts like patriotism, nationalism, and Zionism.
Sample Vocabulary Words:
Zionism
Eretz Yisrael - The Land of Israel
Medinat Yisrael - The Nation of Israel
The Middle East
Knesset
IDF – the Israeli Defense Forces
Sample Objectives:
By the end of this course, all students will be able to…
- Point out the State of Israel on a map of the modern world.
- List at least two neighboring countries of Israel
- Name at least two people who contributed to the establishment of the modern State of Israel.
Questions our Students Might Ask:
How can I be loyal to two countries – both the USA and Israel?
Why should I go to Israel?
If America is safe, why do we need Israel now?
What’s it like to be a soldier in Israel?
Do I have to agree with Israel all the time?
Sample Classroom Texts:
- The History of Israel, written by David Bianco, published by Torah Aura Productions
- For the Sake of Zion: Pride and Strength Through Knowledge, by Tuvia Book
- The Virtual Knesset, published by the New Israel Fund
- The Jerusalem Report: Covering Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish World, www.jrep.com
- BabagaNewz: Jewish Kids Exploring the World, www.babaganewz.com
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