My son/daughter doesn't like their Hebrew school – what should I do?

And now - the movie (book trailer)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF7K58xZ0VI

"My daughter doesn't like going to her Hebrew school. Though we have tried switching her to another religious school, she keeps complaining that it's too boring and that she learns nothing there. As a result, she says she will never be able to read the Parasha for her Bat Mitzva. What should I do? Should I force my kids to go to Hebrew school? Should I hire a tutor instead"?

As a Hebrew and a religious school teacher and as a mother I can assure you that you are not the only one facing those dilemmas.

Here are a couple of do's and don't do's from the book by award winning author Roni Rosenthal-Gazit, who recently published the book 101 Let's Have Fun (www.101letshavefun.com(

DO NOT blame your child (or yourself) - there may be many reasons why he or she feels reluctant to go to Hebrew school. Maybe they don't get along with the other kids in the class? Maybe they feel behind in Hebrew reading/writing skills? Perhaps they would rather just play outside with their other friends who do not go to religious school.

Do Talk to your child honestly. Let your child know how you feel about Hebrew school. Share with them your own experience and love for Judaism. Listen to your child and try to find out what's really bothering them.

Do try to remember how you felt when you went to Hebrew school. Was it always so fun? As a child, wouldn't you rather do something else instead? Think about what you gained from attending religious school.

Be positive about Hebrew schoolE .ncourage your child by emphasizing fun or interesting activities in Hebrew school other than learning Hebrew. You could mention interesting Torah stories, the weekly Parasha, or arts and crafts projects for Jewish Holidays.

DO NOT blame the teacher/s -- In my experience, I have met some great teachers at work who faced"  unhappy" students and vice versa.

DO talk to the teacher to explore other options for getting the student more involved and challenged in his school activities. It is possible that drama and acting the Torah story will be more appealing for your child; maybe the student can compose or play an instrument to show their understanding of the main idea of the Parasha? Modern dances can also reflect students’ understanding.

Also, think about how YOU get along with Hebrew. Get more involved in learning the Hebrew language yourself. How about getting a tutor for both you and your child to learn together?

Unfortunately, we can't all spend a year in Israel right now (although it may be interesting and challenging), but there are many other things you can do to help your child be motivated toward his Hebrew school studies. The important thing is to listen to your child ,talk to their teacher, try to make certain concessions, be positive and supportive about your child's learning. 

For more information:

http://www.101letshavefun.com

 

Keywords: Learning Hebrew, learn a language, Jewish schools, religious schools, Judaism, reading Torah, Hebrew, Hebrew schools, teachers, Ulpan.

About the author

Roni Rosenthal-Gazit is a published author, a Jewish and Hebrew school teacher and a mother. Roni holds a Master degree in counseling and Education.

Contact me at: RoniRG@101letshavefun.com

 

 And now - the movie (book trailer):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF7K58xZ0VI