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

July 29, 2009 - PRLog -- "My daughter doesn't like going to her Hebrew school. Tough we have tried another religious school, she keeps complaining that it's too boring, that she learns nothing there and that as a result, 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 tips from the book award winning author Roni Rosenthal-Gazit, who had recently published the book: 101 Let's Have Fun (www.101letshavefun.com).

* First of all, DO NOT blame your child (or yourself) - there can be many reasons why he or she feels reluctant to go to Hebrew school. Maybe they don't get along with other kids in class? Maybe they feel behind in Hebrew reading/writing skills? Or it could be that they want to play outside with other friends who do not go to a religious school?

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

Try to remember how you felt when you went to Hebrew school. Was it always so fun? Wouldn't you (as a child) rather do something else instead? And what did you gain from attending religious school.

Be positive about Hebrew school. Encourage your child by emphasizing other fun or interesting activities in Hebrew school, other than learning Hebrew. How about interesting Torah stories? the weekly Parasha?, Arts and craft 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 be interesting too and reflect students’ understanding.

How do 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