Some thoughts from Dr. Lifsa Schachter

Dr. Schachter is the author of the curriculum, Hebrew Through Movement.  Below are some of her thoughts directed especially to those supporting teachers in the classroom:



I start from the premise, based on research and experience that it takes about five years for a new innovation to become fully entrenched in a school system.  What often makes the difference is the support that supervisors provide to teachers new to a methodology.

So here is a list of things that you can do:

• Document the use of HTM through some form for reporting.  A new form is now available on the BACKGROUND page of this website, towards the bottom (TPR Weekly Reporting Form) - it will help keep teachers on track and provides a useful resource from year-to-year as new teachers work with a particular class.  

• Encourage all teachers (not just those designated to work with Hebrew Through Movement) to use transition time for added Hebrew reinforcement (lakoom!  lalehet!  etc)

• Make sure teachers have artifacts for the various holiday units.

• Encourage teachers who are new to HTM to view videos of HTM in action (there are many embedded in the online learning seminar, and others are here on this HebrewThroughMovement.org website).

• Encourage teachers to think creatively about use of space.  Moving outside of the classroom is certainly an option!  Below is one suggestion from a Cleveland director: Regarding small classrooms and space issues… I (Marla) have a 4th Grade class who uses TPR every session.  Sometimes they go into a hallway or move to another space.  When another space isn’t available, the teachers asks all students to stand at their seats and focuses on commands on things they can do from their seats.  When the commands require them to move around the room, she invites 1 person from each table to do it at a time.  She uses lots of props and the commands focus on things the students can do at their seats with the props.
• Do not allow special events to pre-empt HTM time.  The children should be exposed to HTM every time they meet, even if it is only to reinforce previously introduced material.

• Remember to keep HTM fun, with unexpected novel use of Hebrew

• Most important, continue to use  the Teacher Talk section of this website to post your questions and share your successes. 

I look forward to the ongoing conversation.  Comments on this particular blog may be added below!

Lifsa

Dr. Lifsa Schachter, Professor Emerita

 

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