Source: Hebrew through Movement
The Jewish Education Center of Cleveland offers this website as a way for teachers near and far to learn more about "Hebrew through Movement", a language acquisition strategy in which students learn Hebrew by hearing and responding to Hebrew commands. "Hebrew through Movement" starts with a foundation in modern, spoken Hebrew but has as its goal making the prayers in our siddur, as well as synagogue and Jewish vocabulary, more easily accessible to those with limited learning time.
"Hebrew through Movement" was developed by Dr. Lifsa Schachter with the support of other faculty at Siegal College through courses and community workshops. It is based on an adaptation of James J. Asher’s Total Physical Response (TPR). As with other TPR curricula, it introduces Hebrew in a playful and meaningful way, creating a positive first link between children and Hebrew. It is supported by the latest brain research on learning, providing an aural foundation for Hebrew that opens the door to more facile Hebrew decoding and reading.
"Hebrew through Movement" is based on ways that children learn naturally:
- They learn by moving about and doing
- They learn in an environment of positive emotional support
- They learn when they feel safe from the embarrassment of not knowing
- They learn when they can move forward at their own pace
- They learn best when learning is joyful and playful
- They learn through songs, chants and rhythmic activities
The "Hebrew through Movement" website contains:
- Detailed BACKGROUND information,
- Three pages including learning units (FOUNDATION, HOLIDAY and SYNAGOGUE),
- a BLOG page providing a narrative on teaching,
- The TEACHER TALK page provides an opportunity for others to enter into the conversation.
- Interspersed short videos and mini-presentations which bring the teaching techniques and learning principles to life.