The MJDS Lower School is a place of transition and excitement as children become independent and responsible lifelong learners. We provide a warm and safe learning environment where children in our lower school move from an awareness and respect for themselves to a broader appreciation of the world around them. Our experienced teachers work to maximize each individual's intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development while incorporating Jewish ideals through partnership with our families.

General Studies

The primary goal of our language arts program is to help children develop effective communication skills, to use language more accurately, to listen attentively, and to learn to read and write. Through a basal series, supplemental trade books and phonics materials, we present children with a balanced reading program and give them the tools necessary to help them become proficient readers. More complex thinking is encouraged through character studies, making inferences, and analyzing ideas . 

At MJDS, math is about critical thinking. Our emphasis focuses on teaching our children strategies and skills that will enable them to think clearly, analytically and creatively. Because it emphasizes logical thinking skills and problem solving, we use the Comprehensive School Mathematics Program (CSMP). In lower school, children will develop and explore the following topics: fractions, graphs, decimals, Venn diagrams, factors, divisors, percent, averages, greatest common divisor, least common multiple, square and triangular numbers, volume, area, symmetry, perimeter as well as exploration of chance in a variety of situations.

The science program uses a hands-on approach that utilizes each child’s natural curiosity and wonder of the world around them to teach specific skills. Throughout their lower school years, children acquire knowledge and understanding through the development of process skills—observing, identifying, predicting and generalizing. Using a variety of materials in a cooperative learning setting, students learn to problem-solve and to “think like scientists.”

The social studies program begins with a look at the 1st grade child and the family. As they progress, this develops into a study of Milwaukee, the State of Wisconsin, the United States, and finally expands to a panoramic view of the world in which they live. Our Biannual Folk Fair helps children learn about, appreciate, and respect diversity as they participate in an in-depth study of another country. Their study culminates in presentations to other students, parents and the community.

Hebrew and Jewish Studies

Instilling a love for learning and an appreciation for our Jewish heritage is at the heart of our mission of educating children at MJDS. Our study of Hebrew places emphasis on the development of Hebrew reading, writing and language skills. Our talented and knowledgeable Hebrew teaching staff help Hebrew come alive for our children through the use of songs, workbooks, reading books, dramatizations, and posters. Along with vocabulary, Jewish values and holidays are woven into classroom lessons. Grammar is formally taught, and conversational and written Hebrew is developed. Students learn and experience concepts, values, prayers, blessings, laws and customs in Hebrew, and develop Hebrew literacy and language skills.

Our Jewish studies program provides students with the experiences and skills necessary for developing a positive Jewish identity and a foundation for a lifetime of Jewish learning. Jewish studies classes include the study of weekly and Shabbat Torah portions and daily prayer as a community, where children take turns leading services. We build upon students’ growing knowledge of Jewish prayer and the siddur, and study the cycle of the Jewish year. Our connection with the land and people of Israel is integrated through the celebration of Jewish holidays and our strong commitment to Israel’s Sovev Kinneret region. Children have frequent contact with Israeli classmates through letters, e-mail, and video-conferencing.