Setting the Table for Rosh Hashanah

What do we need at the Rosh Hashanah table? This was the question Gan Aleph asked while learning the simanim of Rosh Hashanah and why we use them. We 'set' the table with round challot, apples and honey, a new fruit, a rimon and a real fish head! Gan Aleph learned the symbolism of these items and why we do them on Rosh Hashanah. Their knowledge will certainly enhance their own Yom Tov tables!

Learning About the Shofar

Rosh Hashanah is in the air in Ganon Aleph! We welcomed Rabbi Penn into our classroom and we learned about the different shofar sounds (tekiyah, shevarim, teruah, and tekiyah gedolah). We learned that a shofar comes from a ram and that they come in all different sizes. The children laughed and giggled as Rabbi Penn made some soft shofar blasts and then some loud shofar blasts!

SEL UPDATE

We began our Social Emotional Learning in Ganon with a special “feelings mirror name game.” The students got a chance to make “feeling faces” in the mirror and share their names. This game led to conversations about what feelings are, what makes us feel this way and what we do when we have these feelings. This discussion will be the foundation for our SEL program, which will include lessons on feelings and foundational social skills.

International Dot Day

1A joined International Dot Day celebrating creativity, courage, and collaboration. We read "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds, sang the dot song with hand movements and the children then made incredible dots on the iPad. The enthusiasm was infectious. Then we watched classes from all over the world celebrate Dot Day. Dots were everywhere, making dots with our feet, dot necklaces, collaborative dot posters. Quiver augmented reality dots and even healthy dot fruit snacks. We learned that if you love something, be courageous, try it and see where it takes you. Our International Dot Day in 1A took us on a creative, lively journey. We will always remember the mark we made. What a success! 1A joined more than 27 million people in 200 countries celebrating Dot Day. Happy Dot Day!  

A Year of Discovery in Fifth Grade Judaics

What is a fun challenge to transition students from summer’s recreational activities to meaningful discovery of learning? Of course, an exciting lesson in Guided Discovery!

Students were presented with scavenger-type questions about people, places and events on the various subjects they will be exploring this year. Several examples (the questions were all in Hebrew):

1. What is today’s date on the Jewish calendar?
2. How many books comprise the TaNaCh?
3. In the Book of Judges, name the female judge.

Collaborating in groups, students successfully completed the challenge. 

How did the students discover the information? See the accompanying photos for the answer!

Middle School Commemorates 9/11

Yavneh Academy Middle School Students commemorated 9/11 by exploring and discussing primary sources about the events of September 11, 2001. In 6th grade, some students read nonfiction picture books that explained the events through the experiences of people in various roles. Some groups saw the day’s events through the eyes of boat captains who rescued people evacuating the city. Other students analyzed collections of newspaper headlines and photographs from journalists and photographers who witnessed the recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Students expressed that the emotions shown in the photographs helped them understand the gravity of the events of September 11. As each group read and discussed their book they also completed a graphic organizer poster with information. The students summarized their books, defined challenging vocabulary and identified important national and local leaders who played crucial roles on 9/11. The posters also included a reflection section for students to write how their book gave them a deeper understanding of the tragedies of September 11. As the groups presented their books to each other it was clear that all of the children recognized the heroism shown by so many on that day, as well as the lasting effects on our country and all those who lost loved ones.

7th grade students explored oral histories, artifacts, and artistic renderings curated by the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Students read inspirational narratives, like the story of Abraham Zelmanowitz, who selflessly chose to stay with a wheelchair bound colleague, rather than evacuate the North Tower. Students also watched poignant footage of former President George W. Bush, as he received news of the attack while reading to preschoolers. The footage prompted a discussion about the impact of emergent crises to the presidency and corollary tests of his or her leadership skills. Finally, students engaged in an immersive learning activity that explored the symbolic and strategic value of 9/11 attack sites. The students reflected on our national response and the powerful rebuttal of preserving the

values that the terrorists sought to destroy.

The 8th grade students learned about September 11, 2001 by watching newscasts and analyzing photographs. The resources explored America’s response to these terrorist attacks and showed how local communities and people from across the country united to support all those affected by the attacks. Some 8th grade students participated in the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum Anniversary Digital Learning Experience. The presentation included the stories of police officers, school leaders and doctors who were in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001. The students also learned how the effects of September 11 are also felt by heroes who became ill, years after they volunteered to help the recovery efforts at Ground Zero.