I love when we get to the point in the year when the atmosphere in the classroom is such that the students are asking the teachers for lessons, instead of the other way around. When the teachers ring the clean up bell and a child says, “but I wanted to do my Alef Bais with you!” I can’t help but smile, because once we have gotten to the point of the students having that motivation and excitement, I know it is uphill from here.
The Talmud teaches us, “A person should learn Torah only from a place that the heart desires.” Young children embody this concept naturally. They are born with curiosity and an inner drive to understand the world. Our responsibility as parents and educators is to fuel what already exists, and to be careful not to extinguish it. This requires a delicate balance between encouraging children to learn new things and push themselves out of their comfort zone, while not pushing them too hard that they then resent learning or feel that they are not capable. That exact balance will look different for each child, hence the need for constant observation, reflection, and a space where each child can learn at their own pace!
By offering children choice, honoring their interests, and allowing them to move at the pace that is perfect for them, we give children a sense of autonomy and ownership of their learning. By also providing clear and consistent expectations and guidelines, the children get to stretch their learning muscles each day, and feel proud while doing so! To quote a student this week who said to her friend who had just mastered all her Alef Bais, “you should be so proud of yourself!”
Our goal is that our students will grow to love all areas of learning, and that this love for learning lasts a lifetime!
-Mushky
The Talmud teaches us, “A person should learn Torah only from a place that the heart desires.” Young children embody this concept naturally. They are born with curiosity and an inner drive to understand the world. Our responsibility as parents and educators is to fuel what already exists, and to be careful not to extinguish it. This requires a delicate balance between encouraging children to learn new things and push themselves out of their comfort zone, while not pushing them too hard that they then resent learning or feel that they are not capable. That exact balance will look different for each child, hence the need for constant observation, reflection, and a space where each child can learn at their own pace!
By offering children choice, honoring their interests, and allowing them to move at the pace that is perfect for them, we give children a sense of autonomy and ownership of their learning. By also providing clear and consistent expectations and guidelines, the children get to stretch their learning muscles each day, and feel proud while doing so! To quote a student this week who said to her friend who had just mastered all her Alef Bais, “you should be so proud of yourself!”
Our goal is that our students will grow to love all areas of learning, and that this love for learning lasts a lifetime!
-Mushky
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