#OnwardHebrew - there is no one right way!

At its core, #OnwardHebrew is a grassroots initiative that supports sound-to-print Hebrew learning in part-time synagogue settings. The rest, as we say, is commentary. It is not formal curriculum, nor a prescribed list of do's and don'ts, but an approach based on the research of how children learn languages sound-to-print.

#OnwardHebrew had its beginning about ten years ago when several education directors began chatting about their frustrations with Hebrew "reading" skills of children who completed sixth grade. Informally, the directors committed to piloting experiments that could change assumptions about Hebrew learning in part-time/synagogue settings.  In the fall of 2017, they gathered in Cleveland to share successes, challenges and hypotheses for future efforts. From this beginning, #OnwardHebrew launched.

Five years later, what have we learned? 

• Indeed, it was time to challenge the decades-old assumptions of how to teach Hebrew in part-time/synagogue settings. In recent years, this became especially poignant in light of decreased annual weeks/days/hours for Hebrew learning and the much spottier attendance patterns of our students. 
• Over the years, Hebrew learning in synagogues had been tweaked, but not meaningfully changed. Often, the less success children had, the more years were added ("let's begin decoding in third grade instead of fourth", or "second instead of third") or a new textbook was purchased with its accompanying technology. However, those "in" with #OnwardHebrew have come to believe that success is achieved by adapting what we know about language learning to the parameters of synagogue educational environments. More time is not the answer, but a different approach is.
• #OnwardHebrew isn't "all or nothing." For some, it will be only about supporting their teachers in taking a sound-to-print teaching approach. Others will never move their initial decoding to fifth grade. Both are fine! There's at least one synagogue that is deeply committed to Project-Based Learning and doesn't want to interrupt the flow of learning by introducing Hebrew Through Movement. Not a problem! Really it's a "no judgement zone." Directors have to figure out what works for their program, but with commitment to sound-to-print learning that builds children's confidence and competence along the way. 
• There is no one way to adopt/adapt the learning approach. In the spring of 2022, there were one-on-one conversations with three-quarters of the 44 education programs "in" (formally defined as On-the-Way or All In). Not one exactly matched another program. Read their stories here.
• Many places begin by experimenting with low-hanging fruit, often attention to Hebrew t'fillah or Jewish Life Vocabulary. Also, starting with a pilot allows time for continued conversations and reflection with clergy, teachers, parents and children.
• It can (and should) take years to fully bring the #OnwardHebrew approach into an educational program with serious planning, iterative reflection, lots of teacher support and patience. This is definitely not a one-and-done process!
• There is no set curriculum, required textbooks or structure. Choose what you wish! If Tiyulim works for you in introducing decoding, great. If you're working with one-on-one learning and want to try Let's Learn Hebrew Side-by-Side or Alef Bet Quest, go for it. If you like Hebrew in Harmony, then use it. Prefer the JEC's jPrayer curriculum, that's fine! Can't set up learning one-on-one? Do what works for you, but as you gain more experience, keep in mind the voices of your colleagues who say one-on-one is a game changer. As noted earlier, whatever you choose, the bottom line is supporting children sound-to-print. To that end, check this helpful teacher resource.
• While nothing is in stone/required, #OnwardHebrew has developed curricular supports for sound-to-print. Let's Learn Hebrew Side-by-Side was originally created for older students (5th grade up) who were learning decoding for the first time, working one-on-one. ​Hebrew Through Movement efficiently and quickly builds Hebrew language. Over 20 years, HTM's learning principles and supports have been refined; indeed, a deep revision of the curriculum guide will be out by early summer 2023. And an earlier JEC curriculum (jPrayer) teaches the Sh'ma and Its Blessings plus Amidah, sound-to-print. Use them, or not. Other than the online HTM seminar, all are available at no charge.
• The #OnwardHebrew Leadership Team developed new assumptions for Hebrew learning in the 21st Century. You might want to check them out here.

You don't have to go it alone! 

• I (Nachama) am happy to have a conversation with anyone interested in more info, in figuring if/how this could work in your setting, in helping you find just what you need on the OnwardHebrew.org website, etc. Contact me by email. 
• The #OnwardHebrew website is filled with all kinds of free-to-download resources. 
• Our Facebook Group is a good place to ask for help from colleagues. Also, have conversations at conferences and with local educator groups.
• This fall, we began a pilot group of experienced #OnwardHebrew education directors coaching newbies to the initiative. If you might be interested in participating next year, feel free to let me know any time.

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#OnwardHebrew started with innovators who were willing to experiment and share their successes and challenges. Early adopters soon followed. In these initial stages of development, the initiative worked on growing its cache of "existence proofs," stories that answer the question, "does this really work?"  Five years later, #OnwardHebrew has not only grown its base, but education directors and synagogues across North America happily share their own stories of success and satisfaction.

If #OnwardHebrew won't work for your educational program, that's fine, really. But if you are intrigued and find yourself questioning or struggling, don't give up too early!  A change process takes time and benefits from outside support. How can we help?
Nachama Skolnik Moskowitz,
​on behalf of the #OnwardHebrew Leadership Team

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