We here in Kindy B are overachievers!  We have learned all of the letters Aleph through Kuf and are so excited by how many words we can start to recognize and write.  By focusing on physical manipulation of materials, as opposed to worksheets, we have managed to hone in on our passions to drive our learning.

One example of "passion driven" learning occurred extemporaneously one day as we all sat in the circle.  A word was written and the children were asked if they could try to figure out what word it was.  Not only could they, as a group, decode that word, but they were able to decode more and more and MORE words that the teacher wrote out for them on her whiteboard.  They enjoyed it so much that they ended up going to the tables and copying words we had learnt as a class onto whiteboards.  Then, they became the teachers and asked their fellow classmates to try to read the word.  Not only was this a great review of the letters and letter sounds we know so far, it is also an organic way to start recognizing nekudot, leadership skills, turn taking, and beginner reading skills.

We also apply this form of learning to our upcoming chag, Purim! We are making our own megillah.  The students were asked their preference regarding making their megillot, would they want coloring sheets, similar to what other classes their age group might be doing, or blank pages to fill in themselves.  With an overwhelming majority, they decided that they wanted to make their megillot truly their own. 

We discuss each page first, deciding what part of the story is going to go on the page as well as some story ideas.  They are also given some important words that they can choose to copy such as the names of people in the story, Shushan, Hebrew words we have learnt for the scene (i.e. Mishte for party), or a mitzvah for them to copy in themselves.  They are coming out great!  Each child's unique ideas are coming through and their interpretation and knowledge of the events in the megillah are clear to all who see their work.  We cannot wait to see what their passion will yield when they finish making their very own megillahs! 

Morah Esther