Grade 6: Exploring Our Traditions

 

Prayer is the underlying theme for the IFFP 6th Graders, who visit a variety of churches and synagogues during this field trip-oriented year. 

Religious Backgrounds: The 6th grade year begins with the students examining their own religious backgrounds. This includes asking parents, grandparents and other relatives about the different types of Judaism and Christianity practiced in their families.

Exploring Judaism and Christianity: After discussing these findings, the class begins to learn about the four main branches of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist) and some of the many different Christian denominations (with an understanding that there are three main branches of Christianity—Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant).

Visiting Worship Services: As part of this learning process, the students (and many of their parents) attend worship services at five or six different churches or synagogues during the year.

Projects: In addition, each student chooses a branch of Judaism, a Christian denomination or another religion. After researching the topic, student give presentations to the rest of the class.

Leading a Worship Service: The students conclude the year by creating and leading their own worship service—for the entire IFFP Community!

Hebrew: The 6th Grade Hebrew program concentrates on learning several Hebrew prayers.