The Kohelet Prize Database

Database Entries Tagged with: Kohelet Prize 2016-17

OROT Teacher

OROT provides a Jewish day school education to the diverse learner in many of Philadelphia's area Jewish day schools.

By: Mrs. Susie Wohlgelernter from OROT/Politz

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Literature, Math, Science, Tanach, Chumash, Language Arts, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design

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Morah Nechama Konigsberg

In this presentation, I describe three elements that combined make my Judaic studies learning environment unique: whole group and small group learning, using the classroom environment as a tool and resource, and multi-sensory learning.

By: Mrs. Nechama Konigsberg from Yeshivat Noam

Grade(s): 2, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Ivrit, Tanach, Chagim - Jewish Holidays

Pedagogy: Blended Learning

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Machshava Beit Midrash

Students today are busy, often overwhelmed, and increasingly stressed at school. The Machshava Beit Midrash is a learning environment where students are able to choose from a number of different philosophical and thought provoking books to learn alone or together with a chavruta. In addition, inspirational video and mindfulness training stations allow students to settle and better take control of their thoughts, creating a spiritual and meaningful atmosphere that hopefully permeates beyond the walls of the classroom.

By: Rabbi David Teller from Fuchs Mizrachi School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Halacha, Tanach, Jeish Philosophy, Jewish Ethics

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

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Learning Environment – Jennifer Dolny

My presentation displays the learning environment in my classroom. This learning environment encourages student centered learning and promotes academic, social, and emotional growth.

By: Mrs. Jennifer Dolny from Yeshivat Noam

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Music, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, 21st Century Skills

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Kindergarten Learning Environment

A classroom environment utilizing nine distinct stations. Stations provide for student exploration, and help them develop deeper connections to their learning.

By: Mrs. Devorah Locker from Yeshiva Day School of Las Vegas

Grade(s): K, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Halacha, Ivrit, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Integrated Girls High School Program

Ashira is an integrated girls' high school program providing small classes with individualized learning to girls whose primary deficiency is in the academic domain. Ashira is housed in a mainstream high school, enabling maximum socialization which is so crucial during the high school years.

By: Mrs. Bracha Cohen, Ms. Sarah Levy from Ateres Bais Yaakov

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

Subject(s) of entry: Halacha, History, Literature, Math, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy:

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Innovative Learning in a Flexible Space

Our new innovation studio houses iPad Pros, Chromebooks, a green screen and a 3D printer. We offer flexible seating to accommodate a variety of educational needs, as well as a movable wall so our space can expand as needed.

By: Ms. Deborah Harris, Mrs. Marci Rubinstein from Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago

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: Computer Science, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Science, Tanach, Design Thinking

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Hitbodedut as a Learning Environment

This learning environment was first introduced during T'fillah, prayer, time to expose students to an additional, non-traditional way to grow spiritually and emotionally. Students spent time learning about Hitbodedut, and then practicing it on their own for 4 months.

By: Ms. Hannah Perlis from Carmel Academy

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

Subject(s) of entry: Tefila

Pedagogy: UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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First Grade Flexible Seating Environment

As education shifts to chromebooks, cooperative learning, small group instruction, and personalized learning, so must the classroom furnishing and arrangement. With flexible seating, and no assigned seats, my students are free to sit, stand or lay on the floor as they learn. I have observed increased motivation and engagement as well as a higher rate of student interaction since implementing flexible seating. My first graders are doing their best work ever!

By: Ms. Cheryl Cooper from Scheck Hillel Community School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Science

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, 21st Century Skills

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Flexible Seating in The Classroom

I found that by giving students a choice they tend to take more ownership. In the classroom, I wanted them to take ownership in learning. I chose to try flexible seating in the classroom which gave students a chance to have a choice in where/ how they sit while learning. I found by giving students a choice in seating very successful and I found the focus in my classroom to rise.

By: Ms. Danielle Levin from Perelman Jewish Day School (Stern Center)

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Science

Pedagogy: 21st Century Skills

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A Little Google with a Jewish Twist

Our school has been transformed to replace traditional classrooms with opportunities for project-based learning that emphasizes 21st-century skills in creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication. The physical design facilitates these educational goals, and impacts student-centered learning in increased motivation and achievement. It has put Hillel at the forefront of the paradigm shift in education, wherein student-driven inquiry develops tomorrow's problem-solvers, and gives children the skills they need to inherit their world, and not the factory-model, outmoded 20th-century model of education that no longer aligns with the skills students need in an ever-changing global world, and does so, most importantly, through the context of a Jewish education, which gives them the moral and ethical, values-based foundation they need to navigate a complex world.

By: Mrs. Joan Freedman from Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit

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, Computer Science, History, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Science, Tanach

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

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A Learning Environment that promotes academic, social, and emotional growth

The best way for students to learn optimally is for them to learn in a physical environment, which meets their diverse needs. It is vital for all children to develop the tools of Executive Functioning in order to discover their own sense of self, intrinsic motivation, self confidence, curiosity and exploration. Students who have the opportunities to develop Executive Functioning Skills are able to succeed in their learning and development, while participating in a learning environment which optimizes success.

By: Mrs. Lorna Joffe from Perelman Jewish Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Ivrit, Literature, Math

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Montessorri, 21st Century Skills

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“Unity in the School Community”

Jewish Day Schools often face a dichotomy between the Judaic and General Studies Departments. The Jewish Academy is making a priority of tackling this challenge through innovative means. Our goal is to create a seamless curriculum.

By: Mrs. Chaya Teldon, Ms. Sarah Kugelman, Mrs. Yudit Kasowitz, Miss Colleen O'Brien, Mr. Dani Hak, Mrs. Mindy Rogers from The Jewish Academy

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Halacha, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Music, Science

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

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The Torah Times, Creative Torah Journalism

"The Torah Times" presents Torah events as "Breaking news" Happening right now! All the text and presentation are developed by Maimonides students, blending Torah knowledge with creativity, humor, writing, and graphic design.

Highly creative, The Torah Times engages students to find the soul /essential messages of the Torah that connects to life & current events today. Protagonists such as Abraham/Lot, Moses/Pharoh, or Aaron/Korach shed their ancient robes and venues to address current issues; Midrash/commentaries become our news outlets with the inside scoop. This personifies Rashi's Translation of the Shma: "Hayom Al Levaech" -not as an old chronicle, but as actual, new, and current.

By: Rabbi Israel Rubin, Rabbi Michael Caras from Maimonides Hebrew Day School

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: Computer Science, Gemara, History, Literature, Mishnah, Tanach, Creative Writing

Pedagogy: IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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The Rosh Chodesh Calendar Project

The Rosh Chodesh Calendar project is a two year multiweek integration program which has been successfully incorporated into our school for the past four years. Year one involves integration between the science, technology, art, Ivrit/Hebrew language and Judaic teachers for grade five; year two integrates Humanities, physical education, math/engineering, art and Judaic instruction for grade six/Middle School. Each of the multiweek learning units culminates in a presentation showcasing student individual and class research projects for parents, and occasionally the greater Indianapolis Jewish community

By: Mrs. Miriam Gettinger, Dawn Bick, MaryEllen Fellegy, Maya Shmoel from Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis

Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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The N.E. Miles Jewish Day School Social Justice and Leadership Initiative

The N.E. Miles Jewish Day School social justice and leadership initiative is guided by the core beliefs and values on which our school is based. To that end, we provide real-life experiences for the students to participate actively in three of the guiding Jewish values- Menschlichkeit, Tikkun Olam, and Torah Study.

By: Ms. Liora Chessin, Mrs. Lynn Raviv from N.E. Miles Jewish Day School

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Literature, Tanach

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

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The Living Haggadah: From Slavery to Freedom

The grade 5 students study the Exodus narrative through the lens of the Big Idea topic: “Who goes out from slavery to freedom? One who understands the meaning of a miracle and responds to its call.” This unit involves study in many disciplines, including Chumash (Torah) study, Hebrew language, Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Language Arts, and Social Sciences. Learning in all disciplines contributes to the final project, the Dramatized Haggadah performance, which is written and performed by the students.

By: Marissa Unruh, Dr. Isaac Hollander, Shachar Leven, Judith Leitner, Betty Lazebnik from The Toronto Heschel School

Grade(s): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, History, Ivrit, Literature, Music, Tanach, Dance, Dance/Movement

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design

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The Jewish Academy’s Reflection Integration

Our team integrated the theme of reflection across all grades as well as across all subjects. Reflection is an overall strategy and theme for the school. Laying the groundwork in our first unit is key to a successful year of reflection and revision.

By: Miss Colleen O'Brien, Mrs. Sarah Kugelman, Mrs. Yudit Kasowitz, Mr. Dani Hak, Mrs. Chaya Teldon from The Jewish Academy of Suffolk County

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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The History of Light

A 4-6 week long interdisciplinary unit, which ties together research and presentation skills, Chanukah, Israel, New Jersey History, the science of electricity, and the use of light as a medium in art.

By: Mrs. Bonnie Drazen, Rabbi Yossi Berg, Mrs. Batsheva Blum, Mr. Craig Brimmer, Ms. Laura Carroll, Mrs. Lexi DiFiglia, Mrs. Gittel Goldberg, Rabbi Avi Herzog, Mrs. Naava Hess, Mr. Sean Lang, Rabbi Meir Lipschitz, Mrs. Barbara Mastic, Mrs. Calah Reisman, Mrs. Aliza Ross, Mrs. Sophia Shweky from Yeshiva at the Jersey Shore

Grade(s): 3, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Science, Tanach, Israel

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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The Akiva Broadcasting Network

The Akiva Broadcasting Network (ABN) is an interactive, team-oriented program of study where students develop communications skills; broadcast technology and technical skills; and critical life skills, integrating Jewish and Secular Studies across the curriculum.

ABN is part of the Kid TV program developed by Professor Larry Katz with the objective to teach cross curricular skills to students through the creation of TV newscasts that are shared with other members of their school community via an internal broadcast network and are also shared on the school website. Student select the news items, prepare the D’vray Torah, and stories on famous Jewish personalities, write the scripts, shoot and edit the stories, do the interviews, take on the roles of anchors and reporters, manage the broadcasts and handle all of the technical jobs
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj_uSY53-dM&feature=youtu.be).

By: Rabbi Michael Greenwald, Rabbi Chaim Goldenberg, Professor Larry Katz, Ms. Alexandra Sibson from Akiva Academy

Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Mishnah, Music, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning

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