The Kohelet Prize Database

Database Entries Tagged with: Thematic Learning

DASH Weeks

DASH is a comprehensive school wide study of a topic that is carried out in every classroom, Judaic and secular, as well as in the arts. It is cross grade, cross curricular and integrated. The school has now done two DASH units, one last spring and one in November 2017. This fall's topic, "Water: Source of Life" was engaging and exciting.

By: Gerri Chizeck, Debbie Kanter, Sarah Greenberg, Sam Spinrad, Kim Berry from Levey Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, History, Ivrit, Math, Music, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social Studies, literature

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Thematic Learning of Character Traits Through a Torah Lens

What follows is a thematic unit on Persistence created for our 7th/8th grade Jewish Thought class at Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School. It is the first in our series of units to deeply examine character traits (or middot) as a means to develop connections between our modern lives and our sacred Jewish texts. After settling on an initial definition of persistence, we studied and discussed examples found in Tanach and various other Jewish and secular sources to help us deepen our understanding and appreciation of this important and esteemed character trait. It is our hope that this creative approach to learning will allow our students to be fully engaged now, but also to reflect and think about these traits and their rich connection to Judaism at different stages in their lives. Future units this year include Heroism, Happiness and Kindness.

By: Mrs. Baila Brackman, Mrs. Alise Gold from Akiba Schechter Jewish Day School

Grade(s): 7, 8, 9, 10, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Tanach, Jewish Thought

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, Blended Learning, 21st Century Skills

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