The Foundational Language Unit

INTRODUCTION
The Foundational Language Unit lays the groundwork for all subsequent HTM units. It introduces students to the Hebrew Through Movement method and provides the vocabulary that enables students to move about and to begin to manipulate objects. It can be introduced at any age level from early childhood on. 
  
GETTING STARTED
With the children sitting in a semi-circle, and with props you will be using at hand, introduce the program.  In English, tell the children that they are going to learn to understand Hebrew by hearing Hebrew, seeing what it means and then following along.

Explain that their job is to listen to what you say (point to your ears), to watch what you do (point to your eyes), and then when they are asked, to do what you say (point to the students).   Emphasize that this is going to be a fun and easy way to learn Hebrew! This first day you use English to start, but your goal is to quickly move to all (or almost all) Hebrew.
 
During the initial sessions invite two students to come forward, one to sit on either side of you. These two children will be the first to do the actions with you. With pantomime, remind the students to listen to what you say and watch what you do.  

• State the command – and then model it.
• State the command and, through hand gestures, invite the students sitting next to you to do the action.

After several times, watch to see if the children perform the action before you model it.  Repeat this process with other pairs of children, then with larger groups within the class, and then with the entire class.  When approximately 65% of the children perform the command without looking at you, it indicates their readiness to be introduced to new vocabulary.  When introducing new vocabulary, do so in sets of three terms.  A “set” is a coherent unit of teaching.

For charts of the new vocabulary, instructions, sample scripts, flashcards, and even some videos for each unit, please select the appropriate level from the drop-down menu, above. 

For a worksheet that will help organize your script writing, click here (and then "yes" for making a copy). A video explaining how to use the worksheet is here. 

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