This year at the Passover seder we got to see our tuition dollars at work. R. was so well prepared for Pesach we were rather blown away.
The day before Pesach bread R. brought home a Hadagadah that she had made in school. Each page was simple. It had the name of one part of the seder written in Hebrew on the top of the page. The pages were printouts, but one each page she had added the vowels into title words that didn't have them, added printouts of prayers or visual clues to the page, or drawn and colored on it. It was obvious that a lot of work had gone into this. It was nicely bound with plastic rings and the cover was laminated. I had a look, complimented her work and stuck it into the bag we were taking out of town. At that time I didn't really expect it to be used at the seder.
The seder night came. We went to my Sister's home were she had 23 people. R. sat down in her seat, ready to start, and the FOLLOWED THE SEDER with her Hagadah from school. When my Brother-in-law announced that we were moving from Kadesh to Urchatz to Karpas, etc, she found the page on her own , looked at her page, listened, and enjoyed feeling like she was a part of it all. Sometimes there was a little back and forth between her and my Brother-in-law or other people at the table..."Are we here yet? Isn't this next?" etc.
Then, she sang the Four Questions, solo. I needed to help briefly by reminding her the first syllable of a word her or there, but basically, she sang it by herself. They had practiced it once every day in school for a couple of weeks and had to practice at home each night. Although R. is not shy, she has stage fright and we did not expect her to pull this off completely.
I am not telling you all of this to brag about my child. Obviously I think my kid is great, but we all have great kids and they all achieve all sorts of things. I'm telling this story to show how well prepared she was for what, in the Jewish world, is an important yearly event. If she is able to enjoy and understand a Passover seder at this level in kindergarten, I really look forward to the depth of experience and understanding that she will have at the Passover seder in a few years, as she advances through the Jewish Academy of Wake County.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Rabbi Solomon visits Shabbat Circle
Rabbi Solomon from Beth Meyer synagogue was the visiting Rabbi at Shabbat circle on Friday.
When he walked in the door of the K-1 class the three girls that attend Beth Meyer (including my daughter) were so excited they surrounded him, jumping up and down and making lots of happy noise. We had been working on a greeting card project in art, so a few of the kids made cards to welcome him and all the kids had signed their names. Then, the class dragged him around giving a tour of their K-1 classroom. They were so proud to show off their classroom and so excited to have him visit.
At Shabbat circle he began to tell a story about Miriam being the first to brave that first step into the Red Sea. Rather than it being a story that he told, it turned into a lively exchange, as the kids were familiar with the story and wanted to give their two cents as well. With all of the hand raising and back and forth, he did manage to squeeze a good lesson in there about how when something is hard but is the right thing to do, you just need to have faith and take that step.
Then the teachers and kids did the usual Shabbat circle thing, sharing what they had learned and achieved over the week. The first graders showed off their cursive, a few of the kindergartners read a story, and the 2nd-3rd graders read one paragraph each of their social studies essays on the Stamp Act. They sang a fun repetitive chant of the order of the Pesach Seder and the first and last of The Four Questions.
Rabbi Solomon's visit made Friday and Shabbat circle very special for my child. I thank him for coming.
When he walked in the door of the K-1 class the three girls that attend Beth Meyer (including my daughter) were so excited they surrounded him, jumping up and down and making lots of happy noise. We had been working on a greeting card project in art, so a few of the kids made cards to welcome him and all the kids had signed their names. Then, the class dragged him around giving a tour of their K-1 classroom. They were so proud to show off their classroom and so excited to have him visit.
At Shabbat circle he began to tell a story about Miriam being the first to brave that first step into the Red Sea. Rather than it being a story that he told, it turned into a lively exchange, as the kids were familiar with the story and wanted to give their two cents as well. With all of the hand raising and back and forth, he did manage to squeeze a good lesson in there about how when something is hard but is the right thing to do, you just need to have faith and take that step.
Then the teachers and kids did the usual Shabbat circle thing, sharing what they had learned and achieved over the week. The first graders showed off their cursive, a few of the kindergartners read a story, and the 2nd-3rd graders read one paragraph each of their social studies essays on the Stamp Act. They sang a fun repetitive chant of the order of the Pesach Seder and the first and last of The Four Questions.
Rabbi Solomon's visit made Friday and Shabbat circle very special for my child. I thank him for coming.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Morah Erin
I thought I'd write a few words about our K-1 general studies teacher, Morah Erin.
First, Morah Erin has boundless energy. She is a self-starter and is not afraid to dive headfirst into a project involving lots of steps, mess, and effort. Our upcoming Purim carnival is an example. She came up with the idea to host a Purim event for rising Kindergartners and immediately started enlisting help to carry it through. It is an event that is mostly going to be run by the kids. They are working hard making games for the preschoolers to play. I do hope a nice group of the little ones come because I think they'll have a good time playing with the big kids.
Erin is not Jewish, but she has worked as an educator in local Jewish schools for many years. This year she has decided that she will learn to read Hebrew with her K class. When I asked her "Why do you teach at this school?", she said, "Well, for instance, the kids are helping me learn to read Hebrew. I couldn't get that anywhere else." In the parking lot, I heard her thanking a child for helping her read Hebrew today. She made him feel very special. I could see by the smile.
She also said that she likes the fact that she can spend time every day, teaching every child individually. When I asked her this afternoon what she would want me to write about her, she said that this is very important to her. It's her favorite thing about teaching a small class. R. doesn't talk about general studies at school. When I ask her what she did in school that day she usually talks about P.E., recess, and lunch. Yet I see what an improvement there has been in R.'s reading, writing, and math skills. I have noticed that she suddenly has all sorts of information that I didn't teach her.
Erin is not stern. Her classroom is full of laughter and chatter, but there is also discipline. She speaks to the kids and to us very honestly and without mincing words. I remember at the beginning of the year R. was very unhappy that there was a 20 minute rest time every afternoon. I went in with R. to ask Erin what could be done about my child's terribly unhappiness during rest time. Erin, without pause, looked directly at R. and said "Kindergartners have a short rest time every afternoon. That is a time for you to rest quietly on your mat. We don't play or read during that time." R. accepted this as the way things were going to be and hasn't mentioned it again.
While she maintains discipline Erin distributes pounds of goodwill, and encouragement to the kids. She can be sort of cheerleader-like. She's very perky. She is also a very serious teacher and is doing a wonderful job teaching my child. R. has woken up every morning happy to go to school.
First, Morah Erin has boundless energy. She is a self-starter and is not afraid to dive headfirst into a project involving lots of steps, mess, and effort. Our upcoming Purim carnival is an example. She came up with the idea to host a Purim event for rising Kindergartners and immediately started enlisting help to carry it through. It is an event that is mostly going to be run by the kids. They are working hard making games for the preschoolers to play. I do hope a nice group of the little ones come because I think they'll have a good time playing with the big kids.
Erin is not Jewish, but she has worked as an educator in local Jewish schools for many years. This year she has decided that she will learn to read Hebrew with her K class. When I asked her "Why do you teach at this school?", she said, "Well, for instance, the kids are helping me learn to read Hebrew. I couldn't get that anywhere else." In the parking lot, I heard her thanking a child for helping her read Hebrew today. She made him feel very special. I could see by the smile.
She also said that she likes the fact that she can spend time every day, teaching every child individually. When I asked her this afternoon what she would want me to write about her, she said that this is very important to her. It's her favorite thing about teaching a small class. R. doesn't talk about general studies at school. When I ask her what she did in school that day she usually talks about P.E., recess, and lunch. Yet I see what an improvement there has been in R.'s reading, writing, and math skills. I have noticed that she suddenly has all sorts of information that I didn't teach her.
Erin is not stern. Her classroom is full of laughter and chatter, but there is also discipline. She speaks to the kids and to us very honestly and without mincing words. I remember at the beginning of the year R. was very unhappy that there was a 20 minute rest time every afternoon. I went in with R. to ask Erin what could be done about my child's terribly unhappiness during rest time. Erin, without pause, looked directly at R. and said "Kindergartners have a short rest time every afternoon. That is a time for you to rest quietly on your mat. We don't play or read during that time." R. accepted this as the way things were going to be and hasn't mentioned it again.
While she maintains discipline Erin distributes pounds of goodwill, and encouragement to the kids. She can be sort of cheerleader-like. She's very perky. She is also a very serious teacher and is doing a wonderful job teaching my child. R. has woken up every morning happy to go to school.
Monday, March 2, 2009
What the parents like about the Jewish Academy
I've been asked "What do you like about the Jewish Academy?"
There are so many things that I like, that I'm just going to choose my favorite, and then encourage other parents to comment and add their own favorites.
My favorite thing about the Jewish Academy is the atmosphere of happiness. The kids are loved and nurtured. The faculty is warm and approachable. The kids love each other. Everyone is very nice to one another. The teachers and volunteers really care about the total well-being of each child.
I'll give one example that I saw while setting up for art class. A kindergartner had fallen asleep during rest time on a Friday afternoon. The K class rests for 20 minutes every afternoon. The rest of the class got up to go to Hebrew but Morah Erin decided to let this one child sleep. The child was obviously very tired and needed the nap. Rabbi Aaron came into the room and saw that there was a child still asleep on a mat instead of in Hebrew. He stood there looking at the kid for a minute, smiling, and then said something like "Kindergartners are so small. They are still our babies." (paraphrased) Maybe this doesn't speak to all parents, but it speaks to me.
It shows that while the school teaches the kids all of the things they are supposed to learn for their perspective grade, plus Hebrew, Judaics, P.E. and Music, they feel that for a kid to really achieve they must be nurtured, loved and healthy.
There are so many things that I like, that I'm just going to choose my favorite, and then encourage other parents to comment and add their own favorites.
My favorite thing about the Jewish Academy is the atmosphere of happiness. The kids are loved and nurtured. The faculty is warm and approachable. The kids love each other. Everyone is very nice to one another. The teachers and volunteers really care about the total well-being of each child.
I'll give one example that I saw while setting up for art class. A kindergartner had fallen asleep during rest time on a Friday afternoon. The K class rests for 20 minutes every afternoon. The rest of the class got up to go to Hebrew but Morah Erin decided to let this one child sleep. The child was obviously very tired and needed the nap. Rabbi Aaron came into the room and saw that there was a child still asleep on a mat instead of in Hebrew. He stood there looking at the kid for a minute, smiling, and then said something like "Kindergartners are so small. They are still our babies." (paraphrased) Maybe this doesn't speak to all parents, but it speaks to me.
It shows that while the school teaches the kids all of the things they are supposed to learn for their perspective grade, plus Hebrew, Judaics, P.E. and Music, they feel that for a kid to really achieve they must be nurtured, loved and healthy.
It's a common question "Are you still happy with the school?" Yes! We are still happy, and more importantly, R. is still happy. She is very, very happy and loves school. She never complains about getting up and going in the morning.
The kindergarten class is doing great. They are all reading at some level by now. They have all moved into the 1st grade math and 1st grade spelling books. They are all learning to read Hebrew and are each moving along at their own speed.
They are planning a Purim carnival for any rising K kids that want to come. I really hope that some of the preschool parents bring their kids to the JCC on the afternoon it is planned, because our kids are working really hard at making the games for them to play.
The kindergarten class is doing great. They are all reading at some level by now. They have all moved into the 1st grade math and 1st grade spelling books. They are all learning to read Hebrew and are each moving along at their own speed.
They are planning a Purim carnival for any rising K kids that want to come. I really hope that some of the preschool parents bring their kids to the JCC on the afternoon it is planned, because our kids are working really hard at making the games for them to play.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
What I like the most.
The Beth Or Preschool's four year old class came to visit the Jewish Academy a month or so ago. One of the Moms asked me "What do you like the most about this school?"
I think what I really like the most are all of the benefits that a child gets from being in a small school. My favorite examples are experiential, about teamwork and thoughtfulness. Here are some examples.
For Thanksgiving the children had a mitzvah (good deed) project. They were required to earn money for tzedakah(charity) by doing chores at home for two weeks. They were each expected to earn a minimum of five dollars. It was made clear to the parents that we were not supposed to just send $5 to school for this. In the end, the children all worked hard and exceeded their earning goal. Then, a week before Thanksgiving the school went to Kroger's to buy the supplies for Thanksgiving dinner for two families that are being helped by Jewish Family Services. Each child got a note card with one item they were responsible for finding (written in English and Hebrew). Each child got to help with the self-checkout and feed a few dollars into the checkout machine to pay. Jewish Family Services came to the school to pick up all the food later that day.
Every Friday afternoon the whole school sits in a circle. The general studies teachers for each class talk about what they studied that week and usually engages the kids in some sort of exchange about the topic. Rabbi Aaron or a guest Rabbi shares some wisdom about the Torah portion of the week. Often a Mom comes with her guitar and everyone enthusiastically sings songs. Parents often come to visit at this time and join-in. The nice thing is that all the students sit together and get a chance to participate in the group conversation.
For Hanukkah the school went to a retirement home with many Jewish residents, to sing Hanukkah Songs. The children have practiced every day. They understood that they are doing this to bring happiness to others. They had a good time, had outstanding behavior, and the residents really enjoyed the luncheon. A couple of children even went around to each resident at the table and wished them individually a happy Hannukah. They got lots of hugs and smiles in return.
The entire school plays together on the playground at recess. The big kids play with the little kids. The kids are all nice to each other. I don't hear about meanness or teasing.
The academics are terrific. R.'s brain is challenged and grows every day. But the sort of experiences written above are really shaping her heart and her soul. That is my favorite thing about the school.
I think what I really like the most are all of the benefits that a child gets from being in a small school. My favorite examples are experiential, about teamwork and thoughtfulness. Here are some examples.
For Thanksgiving the children had a mitzvah (good deed) project. They were required to earn money for tzedakah(charity) by doing chores at home for two weeks. They were each expected to earn a minimum of five dollars. It was made clear to the parents that we were not supposed to just send $5 to school for this. In the end, the children all worked hard and exceeded their earning goal. Then, a week before Thanksgiving the school went to Kroger's to buy the supplies for Thanksgiving dinner for two families that are being helped by Jewish Family Services. Each child got a note card with one item they were responsible for finding (written in English and Hebrew). Each child got to help with the self-checkout and feed a few dollars into the checkout machine to pay. Jewish Family Services came to the school to pick up all the food later that day.
Every Friday afternoon the whole school sits in a circle. The general studies teachers for each class talk about what they studied that week and usually engages the kids in some sort of exchange about the topic. Rabbi Aaron or a guest Rabbi shares some wisdom about the Torah portion of the week. Often a Mom comes with her guitar and everyone enthusiastically sings songs. Parents often come to visit at this time and join-in. The nice thing is that all the students sit together and get a chance to participate in the group conversation.
For Hanukkah the school went to a retirement home with many Jewish residents, to sing Hanukkah Songs. The children have practiced every day. They understood that they are doing this to bring happiness to others. They had a good time, had outstanding behavior, and the residents really enjoyed the luncheon. A couple of children even went around to each resident at the table and wished them individually a happy Hannukah. They got lots of hugs and smiles in return.
The entire school plays together on the playground at recess. The big kids play with the little kids. The kids are all nice to each other. I don't hear about meanness or teasing.
The academics are terrific. R.'s brain is challenged and grows every day. But the sort of experiences written above are really shaping her heart and her soul. That is my favorite thing about the school.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Learning Hebrew
R. is learning to read and speak modern Hebrew in kindergarten and she loves it. She has about 10 minutes of Hebrew reading homework Monday through Thursday, and after three months is just beginning to read consonant/vowel combinations phonetically. All the kids in the class are at different levels with their Hebrew reading at this point, as it should be. They are only 5 yrs old.
R. has already used her Hebrew. When we were in Ft. Lauderdale over Thanksgiving break we stopped in a beachwear shop to buy her flip flops. The owner of the store was an Israeli woman and I was speaking to her in my rusty Hebrew . I asked R. (with whom I never speak Hebrew) what color flip flops she wants "Eze tzeva?" and R. answered "adom" (red). The store owner was just blown away. Perhaps she was too easily impressed, but she was so excited about this little American girl learning Hebrew that she ignored all of her other customers for almost 10 minutes and then threw in a stuffed animal and a mini-license plate with R's name on it as a gift.
"They" (the experts) say that learning a second language is terrific for the young brain. I'm pleased that we've been able to send her to a school that teaches a second language that is also meaningful to us as Jews. She will use it every time she attends a religious service and, G-d willing, when we take a family trip to Israel one day. One thing's for sure. When R. finds herself in an Israeli owned store again, I am sure that our little fashionista and stuffed animal aficionado will use whatever Hebrew she can to receive good service.
R. has already used her Hebrew. When we were in Ft. Lauderdale over Thanksgiving break we stopped in a beachwear shop to buy her flip flops. The owner of the store was an Israeli woman and I was speaking to her in my rusty Hebrew . I asked R. (with whom I never speak Hebrew) what color flip flops she wants "Eze tzeva?" and R. answered "adom" (red). The store owner was just blown away. Perhaps she was too easily impressed, but she was so excited about this little American girl learning Hebrew that she ignored all of her other customers for almost 10 minutes and then threw in a stuffed animal and a mini-license plate with R's name on it as a gift.
"They" (the experts) say that learning a second language is terrific for the young brain. I'm pleased that we've been able to send her to a school that teaches a second language that is also meaningful to us as Jews. She will use it every time she attends a religious service and, G-d willing, when we take a family trip to Israel one day. One thing's for sure. When R. finds herself in an Israeli owned store again, I am sure that our little fashionista and stuffed animal aficionado will use whatever Hebrew she can to receive good service.
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