#OnwardHebrew is changing the culture of Hebrew learning in part-time/congregational educational programs. Hebrew is no longer confined to 45-60 minute classes, but rather it moves (literally!) with Hebrew Through Movement, is brought into the minds and hearts of children via Hebrew-rich t'fillot/worship, and key Hebrew heritage words are infused regularly in English sentences. About half of the educational programs "in" with #OnwardHebrew teach decoding skills in fifth grade or later ... which means that about half teach them in third or fourth grade.
The four elements that make up the sound-to-print focus of #OnwardHebrew are:
Curious? Spend some time with this great overview webinar "#OnwardHebrew - For the Curious or Not Yet Convinced" AND/OR check the "Getting Started" brochure, linked below. |
Resources are linked to the photos and videos below. Click on what interests you!
START here:
ABOVE: The "GETTING STARTED" brochure offers short explanations of #OnwardHebrew and offers clues for integrating its elements into an educational program.
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ABOVE: After you've read through the "Getting Started" brochure, spend some time with this curated list of resources that provides a good foundation for moving forward.
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ABOVE: The links on this page will take you to the key resources that explain each element: HTM, JLV, t'fillah, decoding on a foundation of sound-to-print.
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wHAT COLLEAGUES SAY:
ABOVE: What do education directors have to say about #OnwardHebrew? You are invited to peruse their sound-byte-size quotations.
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NEW! ABOVE: Practitioner research that helps answer the question, "Does sound-to-print Hebrew learning REALLY work?" Featuring a conversation between Linda Duke (Hebrew teacher) and Nachama Moskowitz (#OnwardHebrew director), as well as data from Linda's research on the teaching of Hebrew decoding in a part-time/synagogue setting.
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ABOVE: Rabbi-Educator Nicki Greninger and Cantor Leigh Korn talk about #OnwardHebrew from each of their perspectives. Great conversation starter for synagogue leadership teams. (Webinar; 60 min)
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Great for STAKEHOLDER discussions :
ABOVE: The research on reading and the available learning time in part-time settings points to the need for big change in our programs. A great article to discuss with synagogue stakeholders.
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NEW! ABOVE: Findings from the 2024 study of students in "All In" #OnwardHebrew synagogue programs. What are learners' experiences and perspectives on Hebrew learning?
There is both a report in slide deck form, as well as a discussion guide. |
NEW! ABOVE: The "New Hebrew Narrative" webinar recording that shares the findings. This session was facilitated by Dr. Roberta Goodman, one of the study's researchers.
Interestingly, among the various findings, students reported that they felt "safe" when learning Hebrew in their #OnwardHebrew programs. In this blogpost, Nachama Moskowitz considers what in the #OnwardHebrew approach might be creating those feelings of safety. |
ABOVE: Amazingly, not one #OnwardHebrew educational program looks exactly like the others. And that's okay - it's an initiative, a philosophy, not a specific curriculum.
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ABOVE: The first half of this resource offers a variety of activities that are great for introducing #OnwardHebrew to various stakeholders - clergy, educators, parents, and committees. Adopt or adapt what fits your goals and culture. The second half of the booklet offers PD resources that support the introduction of and experimentation with research-based teaching strategies. For the latter, also check the "Conquering the Challenge of Decoding" webpage.
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other resources:
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