Grown Ups Learn Through Play!

Our amazing teachers appreciate the importance of keeping pace with their very young students. That means constantly challenging themselves to learn and grow professionally, just as our children are rapidly learning and growing . We know that the sort of active learning we offer our children is really the best way for anyone, of any age to learn.

This week our Judaic Studies teachers participated in a long-awaited workshop given by Aviya Feuer. Aviya is a Yavneh parent and a Medical Clown, with extensive experience in drama and community theater. Her workshop focused on storytelling, just in time for Purim. Our teachers are wonderful sports, having lots of fun while learning important techniques to use in their classrooms.

Chanukah Art

Following our Election Day conference on process art, we purchased some 3 sided acrylic easels. Morah Alana and Miss Judy stood a chanukiah inside their new easel, and the children were able to carefully observe as they painted. Today, the Pre-K children had "play dates" between classes, and Amira got a chance to use bright colors to paint the chanukiah. When the children are done, the teachers capture the work by placing a large sheet of paper over it, and having the children press. Beautiful!

Professional Development

Yesterday, while the children were home enjoying a day off from school, the teachers became students! We participated in a full day conference on Process Art, along with our colleagues from BPY, Noam, and Bnai Yeshurun. We learned many new ideas, and followed up with our own staff meeting, at which we formulated plans to put some of those ideas to work in our classrooms. Watch future newsletters and blog posts for examples!

Process art is the wonderful freedom of exploration, experimentation, creativity, and self-expression that happens when children try things out without worrying about the final product. Children become totally engrossed in making a work of art. It is a calming activity, contributing to all aspects of child development.

To encourage your child's art at home, provide blank paper, crayons, colored pencils, watercolors, or chalk. Talk with him or her about the process, rather than the product. For example, point out the lines, shapes, colors, textures that you notice, or ask him or her to tell you about their work. Children learn differently, and creative activities such as art provide rich, positive, and satisfying experiences for all.