As a Jewish educator, I have the obligation and privilege to teach the next generation of Jews. I am a firm believer that Jewish children are, not just Jewish on the holidays and Shabbat, but are Jewish every day. Yesterday the children reconfirmed my belief. I was asking them to…
Read MoreOutstanding Jewish Educator Award
My Acceptance Speech of the Lainer Outstanding Jewish Educator Award by the BJE and Lainer Family Foundation: My commitment to Jewish education began with my own children when I was determined to create a Jewish home environment where we observed Shabbat and the holidays. Over 30 years ago, about this…
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Purim Poem
“Packing for Shushan” from Fun With Jewish Holiday Rhymes I’m on my way to Shushan Town In my trunk I’ll pack my crown. I won’t be needing my toys. But I’ll take my grogger to make some noise. My Purim music I will bring. So you and I can dance and…
Read MoreCould you write your name using just your toes?
I always find it interesting that many parents in my classes want their children to write their name by the end of the school year. If you were asked to remove one shoe and hold a pencil between your toes and write your name, could you do it? Writing is…
Read MoreHow Do Children Learn?
It has been said that children learn more during their preschool years than they will ever learn during all the years they spend in college. Research in early childhood development shows that young children learn through active use of their senses as they explore their environment. There is no way…
Read MoreFood for Thought on Tu B’Shevat
The school where I work has a policy that allows for the use of food in sensory experiences. One of our teachers recently asked one of our maintenance men to fill a tactile table with beans. He said he couldn’t do it and when she asked if he had hurt…
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