In 1969, Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik (also known as “The Rav”) began a lecture on Purim, and asked the audience to ponder the “basic discrepancy between Purim and Hanukkah,” two holidays that share a similar status or recognition…
Chodesh Adar: Does Humor Work in the Classroom?
If you’ve ever been in a class where the teacher makes you laugh or where the teacher is willing to laugh at herself or himself, you’ve probably found that the learning becomes lighter and easier.
Doing Something New with What We Know
Recently, the daughter of one of my relatives showed me her exam on the laws of mezuzah. The test showed she could cite the relevant sources in the Torah, Talmud, and Codes competently. She definitely “knew her stuff.”
Is the Menorah Still in Rome (and Does it Matter)?
A few years ago on Chanukah, I heard a Jewish day school educator mention in a speech at an event that the menorah of the Temple “we believe is somewhere in Rome right now.”
Do You See Trash Bins in Your Future?
How do we help our students gain mastery in Hebrew language so that they feel a sense of mastery in oral and written language skills? There is no single answer especially given cultural factors that work against Hebrew language acquisition (e.g. English on the streets...
Preparing for the First Day of School
What does the first day of school look like for your students? Does it involve reviewing the rules, reading a syllabus, and filling out some forms?
How to Get Students to Read Our Essay Comments
Summer is a good time to reflect on what worked this past academic year and what didn’t and what changes we can make to ensure greater success in the fall.
Benefits and Typologies of Parental Involvement
I am a mother of four, but I was not, and in fact, am still not, an involved parent at my children’s school. Mea culpa. But I have always looked at those parents in the forefront and wondered…
Filling the End-of-Year Parties with Reflective Content
Many teachers and students organize end-of-year parties to celebrate their accomplishments. This post is not meant to talk against this widespread practice.
The Educator Is the Midwife to the Birth of Questions
As is well known, the Passover seder was constructed in such a way to arouse curiosity. We pour wine for the diners even before they ask.