Learn the words in Hebrew to figure out the joke below:

שיחקנו—played

משחק—game

ניחושים—guessing

מבחן—test

מתמטיקה—math

Solution

Mom: “What did you do at school today?”

Jack: “We played the guessing game.”

Mom: “But I thought you had a math test?”

Jack: “That’s right! … ”

Teacher’s Corner:

Jack’s response highlights the power of engaging and interactive learning. The “guessing game” served as a fun and creative method to reinforce math concepts while keeping students entertained. This approach illustrates how we can integrate enjoyment into the learning process, making it both effective and engaging for preparing students for assessments.

Despite the playful nature of the game, Jack was able to connect it to his math test, showing his understanding of the learning objectives and his active participation.

In our classroom, we focus on creating an environment that is both fun and interactive. We incorporate games and encourage turn-taking, fostering active participation and creating a welcoming atmosphere that helps students feel comfortable and engaged. I also encourage students to repeat or mimic my sentences, which allows them to absorb new language structures in a natural, conversational way. This method is especially effective for learning Hebrew—as it supports language acquisition while promoting practical communication skills.

When students encounter new words in stories or videos, I prompt them to infer their meanings by considering the context. I encourage them to guess the meanings, creating a safe space where they can take risks and explore new vocabulary without fear of making mistakes. This not only strengthens their language skills but also

builds their confidence in using Hebrew in real-life situations.

Maya Yehezkel is a Hebrew teacher at Yeshivat Noam middle school. For private tutoring, all levels, email [email protected].