The first year of Hebrew, which begins with the study of the alphabet, develops the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The comprehension of simple spoken Hebrew and the development of the ability to express oneself simply in conversation are course goals. Grammar and vocabulary are studied to develop the students' facility to read simple material and to write original paragraphs employing the vocabulary and structures learned.
Israeli culture is studied to give meaning to the study of the language.
As in the first year course, the development of the ability to express oneself in conversation is a major course goal. Students will demonstrate their increasing knowledge of grammar concepts and vocabulary through writing original stories and dialogues. The study of Israeli culture will be a continuing component of the curriculum. In the classroom the students and teacher communicate almost exclusively in Hebrew. Students continue to work in cooperative teams and students demonstrate their growing knowledge of Hebrew through group and individual Hebrew presentations.