Aleph Champ - ChabadWichita.com

Hebrew Literacy Program

The Aleph Champ Hebrew literacy program is changing the way children in Hebrew Schools across the world feel about reading Hebrew.

What is Aleph Champ?
At JUDA we utilize a highly successful Hebrew reading program called Aleph Champ. This program is designed with a theme and motivation similar to a traditional Karate system: using different colors to represent a hierarchy of levels in proficiency and skill. This system is an incredible tool for our students since it enables each student to work at his/her own pace and take pride as they master each level and move up to the next. Beginning at the most basic 'White' level, students learn to identify the first half of the Hebrew alphabet. As the levels progress, the entire alphabet is mastered along with its accompanying vowels. A student completes the Aleph Champ program at the ‘Black level’, at which point they are able to read Hebrew fluently from a Siddur (Prayer book).

Who is it for?
This program is geared for grades 1 through 6. In the Kindergarten class students are introduced to the letters and vowels with tactile, kinesthetic and visual stimulation. By second grade, children are ready to begin working at their own pace and are responsible enough to complete their work in their own workbooks.

What makes it so successful?
Rather than trying to find a level of reading where the class average is holding, Aleph Champ enables each child to work at his/her own pace. Additionally, there is a constant motivation for each student to want to read better so that they can graduate to the next level. With the Aleph Champ system, students are able to have clear and attainable goals that help them feel confident of success.

How does it work?
Every Sunday at Hebrew School, each class will be spending 30 minutes on the ‘Aleph Champ’ program. During this time slot, they will be divided into small groups according to their ‘color’. Each group will be working under the guidance of a teacher, acquiring new reading skills and reinforcing these skills to mastery.