Time to Prep

Anshai Torah

I spent the last two evenings subbing for the Director while he was at a conference. On Tuesday, I was able to prep for Hebrew activities for my 2nd grade Sunday Religious School class.

On Sunday, November 6, I went to the Learningfest at the JCC hosted by the Center for Jewish Education. I went to Ruth Schor's session on teaching Hebrew through games. She had so much energy and so many ideas. In class, we are working on the t'fillah -Baruch She'emar. I printed it, cut out the words, and taped them to a ball. We will play a game of "catch" and wherever a learner's thumb lands, they will practice reading that word. I also printed out their names in Hebrew to take attendance using "po" and "ani po." Finally, I got my tzedakah chart finished to encourage participation. Of course, organizing my class closet might of been my favorite part.

On the second night, I was busier with administrator duties. I dealt with a missing LCD projector computer, checked on dinner for the 7th graders later in the evening,and opened the snack closet.

Then, I dealt with a rowdy class. I went in and "highly encouraged" them to settle down and focus. I did have to text two parents before the night was over. One of them was a favorite of mine. I am always disappointed when one of my favorites kiddo acts up. :(

I had a childhood flashback when I walked into a classroom to see Jack Molad, my childhood Religious School Director from Shearith Israel, teaching the learners a song for a service they are leading. He was using an overhead projector, 1970's technology. That's exactly how he taught us! We've come a long way, but the old ways still work for him.

Finally, I made sure dinner was ready (with help from cooks and volunteers) and was ready for my class. Class went well. There is one girl who has improved so much since I substitute taught her class in 5th grade. She was arrogant thinking she knew everything (she attended a Jewish Day School for awhile). But this year, she has no signs of that attitude. She is sweet and an active participant in class. I wasn't raised like this, but you have to give kids and people second, third and maybe more chances. Who you are 2, 5, 10 years ago is not who you are today.