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Magic (Religious) School Bus

By ISJL Education Fellow  Joshua Altshuler 

The Scholastic television program and book series The Magic School Bus displayed a constantly evolving classroom experience. At the beginning of each episode or story, the fabulous Ms. Frizzle leads her class to a smiling, yellow school bus that transports them on educational adventures in a plethora of settings: the solar system, the human body, birthday cake, and other astonishing locations.

Ms. Frizzle’s creativity and warmth is an inspiration for all educators. Additionally, the value of learning in non-traditional spaces is meaningful for religious school lessons. Students and teachers benefit from breaking out of established routine and learning in new places. Judaism’s personal and communal focus lends itself to a variety of instructive and meditative environments. Below are a few recommendations of unconventional learning sites and the ways they can be employed for class sessions.
 

1. Recreational Park/Wilderness Preserve – Educators should take advantage of outdoor spaces that beautify their local communities. These resources offer open areas for movement and imaginative play. For students that are kinesthetic learners and those who struggle to repress energy in the classroom, the opportunity to learn in a location without walls is impactful. Among the outdoors, these students are freer to be wild and, therefore, can later act attentive to core lessons. The natural environment also serves as a powerful background for programs about t’filot (prayer). A shadowy forest, ocean front, or grassy hill conveys a unique character which enhances spirituality and colors the intention of reflection. Consider designating one hav’dalah (separation/ ceremony marking the end of Shabbat) each month to perform by sunset; students and adults may connect to the image of Shabbat physically departing. As Tu biSh’vat approaches, the outdoors can play a fruitful role in a congregational seder, displaying the blessing and cycles of ecological life.
2. Art and History Museums – A field trip to a nearby museum or cultural center could be a fun alterative way to spend a Judaics class or youth group event. These institutions express information in a visually-pleasing and impressive manner. Many museums skillfully organize programs for young adults and children that communicate different subjects through activities and cultivate memorable moments as students interact with exhibits. The ISJL Eight Grade Curriculum begins exposing the age group to Jewish history and the traumas of the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. Educators of these older classes can sponsor a trip to a local Holocaust museum to impart more personal stories. Although spaces displaying disturbing events are difficult to unpack, their use of media, diverse perspectives, and opportunities for dialogue enhance students’ social awareness. Younger kids might enjoy a day exploring the gallery of one artist. Viewing paintings, sketches, or photography is not only stunning but serves as an excellent introduction to the topic of creation and other spiritual values. 
3. Performing Arts/Cinema/Concert – The sights and sounds of a performance are an upbeat substitute for the conventional Sunday school routine. Judaism and theater have a long-standing relationship dating from the production of early Yiddish plays. Instructors might research community and professional shows that incorporate a Jewish character, theme, or relevant time period. Productions like Fiddler on the Roof are entertaining and relate familiar material. Similarly, scheduling a time for a class to travel together to view a movie facilitates further outside education in an appealing location. High school students, for example, can attend an Israeli feature film at a local cinema to supplement their current events discussion. Music also is another medium that inspires amazing outings. Rather than leading a thirty minute song session or auditory klezmer exercise, encourage classes to take a jaunt to the symphony or a concert venue to appreciate the joys of Jewish music live.

 
Religious school is tasked with the noble mission of preparing Jewish children and young adults to be dynamic community members. However, teachers can look beyond the traditional building to give students an excellent Jewish education.
 
As Ms. Frizzle would say, “Get out there and explore!”

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