Languages
Learning languages opens pathways in the mind. Bialik is unique in Toronto's Jewish day school community because we teach four languages. Our school offers comprehensive educational curricula in English, Hebrew, French and Yiddish. Research shows that the study of languages enriches the linguistic skills and abilities of the students' mother tongue. Students are immersed in cultural experiences across our language programs. From a Yiddish-language "Shtetl Wedding", to a French-language "Paris Vacation"; from a "Coffee House" featuring English creative writing, to a Hebrew-language "Purim Shpiel" ...these experiences and countless others like them contribute to well-rounded students who feel comfortable in their Jewish/Canadian home.
ENGLISH: Our English language curriculum follows the Ontario Ministry of Education. Through a variety of oral, visual and writing activities, our students develop excellent language and communication skills. Language is taught across the curriculum, and is fully integrated into the study of literature, social studies and science and technology. By being exposed to a variety of literary genres, our students develop a love of reading and hone their thinking and analytical skills. Internal and external assessments confirm our students' excellent achievements.
HEBREW: Our Hebrew language immersion program begins in grade 1. We emphasize a modern approach to teaching a modern spoken language. Conversational fluency and comprehension are of the utmost importance. In the primary grades, the emphasis is on the acquisition of basic Hebrew language and vocabulary skills. As students progress, we build on the language skills learned by encouraging creative writing, pen pal programs and the use of computers. Students in the upper grades further refine their language skills by reading from a balance of classic and modern original texts and literature. Our instructional strategies offer a multi-faceted approach, including cooperative learning, drama, music and technology.
FRENCH: The French program at Bialik focuses on language acquisition through oral communication, reading and writing. As with all languages at Bialik, French is taught with a holistic approach, incorporating elements of French and French Canadian culture and song. Jewish holidays and celebrations are also taught in the French language, adding further continuity to our rich language program.
YIDDISH: Our Yiddish language program, unique among Jewish day schools, creates a wonderful bridge between our past and present, between grandparents and grandchildren. The Yiddish culture of the pre-Holocaust era is taught through song, drama and humour, and through the study of classic Yiddish authors and poets.
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