On Wednesday 30th January 2013, Jewish Interactive’s Channah Goldblatt hosted a new type of CPD event for Jewish Studies teachers, a JSTeachMeet. This was a free event organised “for teachers by teachers” following the TeachMeet format. The JSTeachMeet focused on “Teaching Purim in Primary Schools”.
There were 13 attendees from 7 Jewish schools in London, England. The atmosphere at the event was relaxed and friendly. The event was an example of active and relevant CPD for teachers with short presentations (2-7 minutes long) and much discussion. Every attendee was able, and encouraged, to present an example of something they are currently doing in the classroom, sharing good practice and ideas. This resulted in a session that was relevant, practical and useful to each attendee’s current practice.
The presentations covered various areas of teaching Purim including: linking Purim to literacy (using wow words to describe the characters); using puppets to bring the story alive; retelling the story using ToonTastic (an iPad app); and crafts such as hamantashen shaped graggers and megillot.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. On the feedback form attendees wrote:
“Session was well led with care taken to ensure that everyone had a chance to speak – very professional.”
“Very worthwhile – sharing ideas for range of age-groups”
“(I) was very impressed by the new approach of JS teachers to link so well to secular lessons”
“I found it extremely beneficial. It was extremely informative.”
“I enjoyed hearing others ideas and bouncing ideas off each other”
Five schools (so far) have offered their premises to host a JSTeachMeet. In order
for a school to be considered as a venue, it must have a large room, projector and internet access (preferably wireless) for the attendees to use. If you would like to offer your school as a venue please be in touch with Channah.
The next JSTeachMeet will be on Tuesday 12th March at 7:30pm in Morasha Jewish Primary School.
The session is entitled “Can teaching Hebrew Reading be fun?”. If you would like to attend please visit www.jsteachmeet2.eventbrite.com and if you would like to present, please email Channah.
It may be possible to arrange virtual (i.e. over the internet) access for those unable to make it to Morasha on the night. If you are interested in attending or presenting virtually please contact Channah.
Brilliant idea! Like the early days of Limmud , by teachers for teschers.
Teachers even!