January 2019

Flip the Script on Your Learning Environment

On NPR’s podcast, Inivisibilia, the hosts explore the “invisible things” that shape human behavior. In one particular episode, “Flip the Script,” they highlight stories of how people did the opposite of their natural instinct.

Since we’re trying to inculcate a language, culture, religion, philosophy, and more into our students, we have a tendency to think we have to follow a particular script. Mainly, we think we need to be in the classroom, at desks, instructing our students in the same pattern that we always do.
But what would happen if we flipped the script? What if we deviated from our normal patterns, locations, and instruction?

That’s just what this month’s newsletter seeks to explore. We will look at the ways in which we can create memorable moments, perhaps endearing our content to our learners a bit more easily and stronger. While getting “off book” as it were may require more work than we are used to, it can also reap enormous rewards. In this month’s newsletter, you can take a look at:

• Leveling-Up Your Youth Group – Advice on getting your post-b’nei mitz’vah teens engaged.
• Oh, The Places You’ll Learn – Getting out in nature - and elsewhere!
• Magic (Religious) School Bus – Let's get you thinking about some of the "magical" local spots you can take your classrooms/communities to visit!
• Adult Education: Beyond Traditional Text Study – There are many ways to meaningfully engage with Jewish texts... here are a few to get you started.
• Welcome Home,Judaism! The most important Jewish classroom? Your own home.

 
​Many happy returns on your script-flipping endeavors!