Lower School
Lower School Limudei Kodesh
The foundation of Limudei Kodesh at CTA rests on two central goals: to inspire a genuine love of Torah and to develop the skills necessary to learn Torah independently. Our classes emphasize both the beauty and relevance of what we are learning in our lives and the passion and excitement embodied by our morahs and rebbeim are indispensable to this mission.
Our curricula are carefully selected to ensure a balance of methodical skill development and rich Torah proficiency. It is with a persistent focus on these goals that, b’ezras Hashem, we aim to nurture lifelong Torah learners.
Lower School Math
Our Lower School math program is built on the Math in Focus Curriculum (Singapore Math), which emphasizes deep understanding and problem-solving. Students learn through a Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach: they begin by exploring concepts hands-on, then use visual models to represent their thinking, and finally apply what they’ve learned with numbers and symbols. The curriculum is research-based and designed to engage students with hands-on activities that make math meaningful and enjoyable.
Aligned with the Common Core Math Practices, our program helps students think critically, reason mathematically, and solve real-world problems. They learn to explain their thinking, identify patterns, select appropriate tools, and approach challenges with confidence. By combining strong conceptual understanding with practical problem-solving skills, our math program ensures every student builds a solid foundation for lifelong mathematical learning.
To further support student growth, a math specialist joins each classroom, allowing us to create differentiated groups. This enables targeted support and additional practice for students who need reinforcement, while providing enriched challenges for those ready to extend their learning. By tailoring instruction in this way, we ensure all students are both supported and challenged, helping each child reach their full potential in math.
Writing Curriculum grades 1-8
Our writing program is fully integrated with reading, social studies, and science, helping students apply their skills across subjects. Students learn narrative, persuasive, informative, and creative writing, with a strong focus on editing and writing mechanics.
We use graphic organizers and rubrics as standard tools to guide students in planning, revising, and improving their work. Beginning in 2025, all students in Grades 1–8 will benefit from The Writing Revolution (TWR), a new research-based curriculum designed to strengthen thinking and writing skills across all grade levels.
The Writing Revolution Approach
The Writing Revolution (TWR) is a research-based writing program that helps students build strong thinking and communication skills through clear, structured writing. Unlike traditional writing programs that focus primarily on the final product, TWR emphasizes step-by-step strategies for expressing ideas logically and coherently.
Key features of the approach include:
- Sentence-level instruction: Students learn to write clear, complete sentences before moving on to paragraphs and essays.
- Explicit teaching of grammar and syntax: Grammar is taught in the context of meaningful writing, so students understand how it strengthens their ideas.
- Structured thinking: TWR teaches students how to organize their thoughts, make connections, and build arguments logically.
- Integration across subjects: Writing skills are applied in reading, science, social studies, and other areas, helping students communicate effectively in all disciplines.
- Scaffolded practice: Students progress from simple sentences to complex writing through guided exercises, graphic organizers, and ongoing feedback.
By focusing on writing as a tool for thinking, TWR prepares students to express their ideas clearly, reason critically, and succeed in academic work across subjects.
Lower School Phonics & Spelling Program
K–3: Fundations
Our youngest students use Fundations, a multisensory, structured literacy program that teaches reading and spelling skills systematically and sequentially. This approach helps students build strong foundational skills in phonics, decoding, and encoding. Progress is monitored through weekly dictation and the DIBELS assessment, administered three times a year, to ensure each child is mastering key skills.
Grades 4–5: Spelling Connections (Zaner-Bloser)
Upper elementary students follow Spelling Connections, a word study program that supports vocabulary growth, strengthens comprehension, and improves writing skills. Students are assessed with a pretest on three different word lists, a post-test, and progress is further tracked through MAP assessments to guide instruction and provide targeted support.
Lower School Reading Comprehension
Grades 1–5
Students use the Into Reading Anthology and participate in novel studies to build strong comprehension and vocabulary skills. Reading is connected across subjects, with cross-curricular projects in writing, social studies, and science, such as:
- 1st Grade: Insect Flip Book
- 2nd Grade: Habitat Diorama
- 3rd Grade: Inventor Biography
- 4th Grade: Natural Wonders Brochure
- 5th Grade: Hero Essay
Assessment includes comprehension tests, written responses, projects, book reports, and essays, ensuring students understand and can communicate what they read.
Handwriting & Keyboarding
Why Handwriting Matters?
Good handwriting helps students express ideas clearly, stay organized, and complete longer writing assignments with confidence. It builds a strong foundation for success in all subjects as they progress through school.
Grades K–2: Students begin with Handwriting Without Tears – Print, learning proper letter formation and developing legible, confident handwriting.
Grade 3: Students transition to Handwriting Without Tears – Cursive, building on foundational skills while learning fluid, connected writing.
Grades 4–5: Students focus on keyboarding skills using Typing.com, gaining proficiency in typing accuracy and speed to support digital learning and future academic success.
Content Area Studies: Social Studies & Science
In the younger grades, social studies and science are integrated into the dual curriculum to strengthen reading, writing, and math skills. These subjects provide rich opportunities for students to collaborate, think creatively, and solve problems through engaging group work and hands-on projects. Each project is designed for an authentic audience, creating meaningful learning experiences that students will remember long after they leave the classroom.