The Kohelet Prize Database

Database Entries Tagged with: English

What Makes a Good Story?

What makes a good story? In this project-based learning unit, students explore that question in a variety of modes, including reading and analyzing exemplary short fiction, learning narrative theory, and writing and peer-revising their own stories. This unit culminates in a panel presentation as well as a published magazine of student work.

By: Lily Rabinoff-Goldman from Gann Academy

Grade(s): 9, High school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning

View complete entry »

Abstract, Bridge, Create- Using the ABC’s of literature and language to manifest concrete connections in learning

Literature and language are difficult ideas for students to grasp. My students translate these ambiguous concepts into tangible projects requiring them to explore abstract ideas, bridge their connections, and create symbolic representations with technologies and strategies that commit their analyses to long-term memory and store them as knowledge.

By: Bethany Webb from Margolin Hebrew Academy Feinstone Yeshiva of the South

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Social Studies, literature

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

View complete entry »

Pupkis: Travelling Yiddish Puppet Theater

Our students adapted a recently translated Yiddish short story for performance as a puppet show. They wrote the script, built the puppets and stage and performed the puppets. The show was performed for local Jewish elementary schools as well as for the rest of the student body at the Weber School

By: Drew Cohen from Weber School

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Music, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning

View complete entry »

Integrated English 11/Media Arts: A Failed Attempt to Institute a Progressive Educational Program into a College Preparatory High School

There is hubris in imagining that just because we developed a program that would lead to enhanced student learning that it should happen. But we did do our best to identify a problem, recruit faculty and students, present funding opportunities, and further the school mission in the areas of Judaic integration, integrity, and personalized learning.

By: Roger Blonder, Tony Soltis from de Toledo High School

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Technology

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Soulful Education, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Jewish Literature and Jewish Identity

The class explores the complex development of Jewish identity through the analysis of novels, short stories, poems and graphic novels written by European, American and Israeli authors. It also brings Torah, Talmud and religion into these conversations to help students reflect on and shape their own Jewish identities.

By: Na'amit Sturm Nagel from Shalhevet High School

Grade(s): 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Gemara, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social and Emotional Learning, Tanach, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Hevruta Learning, PBL - project based learning, Socratic Method, Soulful Education

View complete entry »