Elizabeth—The JEC’s Early Childhood Division Nursery class celebrated Tu B’Shvat completely in Hebrew by emulating the trees during their daily Chalav U’Dvash session.

Chalav U’Dvash introduces children to the Hebrew language through conversational instruction. It is based on proven research that the optimal method of language acquisition is through exposure to conversations and internalization of natural speaking patterns. Chalav U’Dvash completely immerses the children in the language and puts them in the center of learning, creating a fascinating environment. During a daily 30-minute session given by the skilled and trained Morah Batsheva Kent, only Hebrew is spoken. A broad range of interactive activities stimulate the children’s imagination, making it truly fun and exciting to learn. A charming puppet, Bentzi the Turtle, teaches the language by using the language and introducing basic vocabulary to the children. Illustrated cards feature bright and attractive pictures and augment word recall with visual imagery. Original music and songs teach and reinforce words and terms. Storybooks act as springboards for conversations and beautifully designed posters and exciting games are all part of the total language immersion process, teaching the children to speak and understand Hebrew in a truly enjoyable and effective way.

By Adina Abramov