Hebrew

Teaching Hebrew Through NETA

The NETA curriculum, for all middle schoolers, is sequential and based on a structured linguistic progression. The curriculum consists of four levels: the Mechina (preparatory) level, beginners, intermediate, and advanced. The Mechina is designed for one year of study, while the other levels are each designed for two years of study. Lessons are centered on themes of interest to teenagers, ranging from computers and sports to friendship and freedom. Each theme is presented from three perspectives:Jewish tradition, modern Israeli culture and general world knowledge, including art, science, mathematics, literature and philosophy. Each unit of study incorporates art, music, prose, poetry, news articles and Jewish texts, in layers of language ranging from biblical Hebrew to current scientific Hebrew terminology and common colloquialisms.

A unique and important feature of the NETA curriculum is its adherence to a steady pace that allows students to experience tangible progress in their Hebrew proficiency so that by the end of the advanced level students will be able to study subject matter in Hebrew. The curriculum specifies clear goals and measures of achievement, and is accompanied by standardized tests written by the curriculum development team and educational evaluation experts.

Dividing the students into small groups according to their Hebrew level allows the teachers to conduct all lessons in Hebrew. Using current Israeli music, poems, short stories, basic literature make the class time stimulating and allows for higher level thinking.