Introduction

Teaching is a journey of discovery—not just for students but for educators as well. Over my 20 years in education, I’ve learned that no two classrooms are alike, and no two students learn in the same way. Some days are challenging, others deeply rewarding, but all offer opportunities to innovate and grow.

In this blog, I’ll share lessons from my experiences and strategies that have shaped my teaching philosophy. These ideas stem from moments in my classrooms, schools I’ve visited in Israel, and inspiring educational models I’ve encountered. I hope these reflections spark creativity in your practice and help you make a lasting difference in your educational community.

Start with Curiosity

Plant the Seed

The heart of effective education lies in cultivating curiosity. Every child is born with an innate desire to learn, but how do we keep that spark alive?

Story:

I’ll never forget Maya, a second grader who had a million questions about the sun and moon during our lesson about the 4th day of creation. Inspired by her curiosity, I transformed our ordinary Bible lesson into a "Space Exploration Mission." Maya and her peers researched the sun's energy and the moon's cycle and presented their findings to the class. By turning her interests into a project, she not only excelled but inspired her classmates to ask each other big questions in their Chavruta (study group).

Takeaway:

We need to create spaces where questions are celebrated. Project-based learning encourages exploration and critical thinking.

Design the Classroom as a Dynamic Environment

A classroom should feel like a living ecosystem where students thrive. That means offering choices in how and where they learn.

Experience:

In the past few years, we have been piloting a flexible seating classroom in second grade, offering a variety of seating options to meet the diverse needs of our students. Each day, students are encouraged to choose from foam chairs, bean bags, Hokkistools, and even standing options, allowing them to find a setup that works best for their learning. There’s also a designated area for large group gatherings, such as our community circles, where we share experiences and feelings.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “Students can choose a different seating option every day, which keeps them engaged and comfortable,” says one of our teachers. Not only does this foster independence, but it also teaches the importance of community. At the end of each day, all students work together to clean up, put chairs back, and organize supplies.

Reflection:

Flexible seating is about more than just comfort—it’s about promoting engagement, collaboration, and a sense of responsibility. It’s been inspiring to see how this initiative has improved focus and participation in the classroom, allowing students to engage more actively in their learning. If this pilot proves successful, we plan to seek additional funding to expand this program, providing even more seating options and opportunities for students to personalize their learning spaces.

Nurture Each Child’s Strengths

We see every student as an individual. We recognize the unique interests and strengths of each child, and instruction is tailored to meet their developmental stage. By designing a personalized academic approach, we empower students to take ownership of their learning. This is paired with positive, nurturing relationships, where students feel supported both academically and emotionally.

Through an integrated curriculum, which includes both general and Judaic studies, we offer students the opportunity to challenge their strengths and explore their interests. The small class sizes ensure that every student is known and supported—helping them feel safe to cultivate independence and take risks.

Throughout elementary school, we teach an array of life skills that help students become active learners, good friends, and positive role models among their peers. We build self-confidence, teach problem-solving, foster sound decision-making, and mentor students as they analyze situations thoroughly. In addition, life skills classes integrate Coding, Executive Functioning, Mindfulness/Yoga, and Emotional Intelligence, providing a holistic approach to student development.

Insight:

When students feel known, supported, and challenged, they can grow in confidence, take intellectual risks, and develop the skills they need to succeed. Personalized learning isn’t just a strategy—it’s the foundation for a thriving, dynamic classroom community.

Nurture Creativity Through STEAM Integration

We know that integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) with Judaic studies deepens students’ understanding and connection to their Jewish heritage and the world around them.

Examples:

First Graders design Yom Kippur games and activities that do not require writing or technology to better understand the restrictions of the day.

Second Graders learn about drip irrigation in Israel and create their own systems to use in the garden as part of the ‘Tu-Bishvat’ celebration.

Third Graders design a Sukkah using 3D design software, printing models to a specific scale as part of the ‘Sukkot’ holiday.

Fourth Graders create Rube Goldberg machines to tell a part of the Passover story, promoting creativity and problem-solving.

These projects allow students to engage with both their Jewish identity and the world of design and technology, encouraging them to think critically and creatively.

Build a Strong Language Arts Foundation

Language Arts instruction in second grade is focused on developing reading fluency, comprehension, and writing skills. Using a workshop model, students receive individualized support to grow as independent readers and writers.

Critical Thinking Questions:

How do I know that I am comprehending what I read?

How do writers express their ideas, feelings, and thoughts?

Why is it important to know myself as a reader and writer?

Through Writer’s Workshop, students generate ideas, write drafts, use thinking maps, and work through revisions until they reach the final publication. This process builds communication skills, fosters collaboration, and improves self-expression.

Foster Social and Cultural Awareness

In second-grade social studies, we focus on understanding diverse cultures and environments, using both Georgia’s history and their identities as reference points. Students learn about Jewish American historical figures, Creek and Cherokee cultures, and cultural systems across the globe, connecting these lessons with Jewish communities and traditions worldwide.

Critical Thinking Questions:

How does geography affect how you live?
How are historical figures influenced by their environment?

To what extent are traditions affected by regions?

This approach helps students develop a deep, global understanding of their place in the world and their connections to diverse cultures and traditions.

Develop Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is central to academic and personal growth. Our students engage in mindfulness and yoga, along with social-emotional learning activities that promote self-awareness, empathy, and resilience. These practices are interwoven into our daily routine to support students’ emotional well-being and social development.

Real-World Application

We regularly ask students to reflect on their emotions, helping them become aware of how they feel and how to manage their emotions in challenging situations. This self-awareness builds emotional intelligence, which is crucial for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Conclusion

Education is not just a profession—it’s an art and a calling. By fostering curiosity, creating inclusive spaces, and blending technology with creativity, we can inspire the next generation to dream big and think deeply.
These strategies aren’t theoretical; they’re drawn from classrooms where I’ve seen students flourish. I hope they inspire you to try something new and create your own “aha” moments in teaching. Together, we can shape a future where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.