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

תִּשְׁכַּח – You will forget

סְפָרִים – Books

לָמָּה – Why

מַחֲנֶה – Camp

בְּדִיּוּק – Exactly

תִּצְטָרֵךְ – You (feminine) will need

הוֹרָאוֹת הַפְעָלָה – Operating instructions

מְכוֹנַת כְּבִיסָה – Washing machine

Solution:

Parent: “Don’t forget your books!”

Kid: “Why? It’s camp!”

Parent: “Exactly. You’ll need instructions for the washing machine….”

Teacher insight:

As a Hebrew teacher working with children learning Hebrew as a second language, I’ve seen firsthand how the line between learning and fun can blur—especially in the summer months.

When kids say “Why do I need my book? It’s camp!”

I hear it as an opportunity to reframe their experience.

Hebrew class, even in a camp-like setting, is about more than just vocabulary and grammar. It’s about giving children tools they can use to navigate new spaces—whether that’s a bunkhouse, a playground or even the laundry room.

The book isn’t just a book. It’s a guide. It’s a road map. It’s the bridge that helps your child turn new words into real-life skills—like reading instructions on a washing machine or asking for help when they need it.

In our classes, we create an environment that feels like camp: songs, games and plenty of laughter. But we also ensure there’s structure—a path that leads to confidence and independence in Hebrew. That structure comes from the book, from taking notes, from showing up prepared.

So when you remind your child, “Don’t forget your book!” you’re not just keeping track of homework. You’re teaching them that learning is about showing up—just like showing up for camp activities with a smile and a sense of adventure.

Let’s keep making Hebrew feel like camp—fun, active and full of life—while staying focused on the tools that will help our children grow.

— Your Hebrew Teacher

Maya Yehezkel is a Hebrew teacher at Yeshivat Noam middle school. For private tutoring, all levels, email yayhebrew@gmail.com.