Multi-faceted Challenges
By Talia Klein
ENP Volunteer
Student at Midreshet Moriah
This past Wednesday I began working with a handful of Ethiopian students at the Gymnasia School. Upon entering and being met by swarms of students, I was immediately excited because this was one of the first Israeli schools I had ever entered. I consulted briefly with the math teacher responsible for the children with whom I would be working and instantly found that I was really going to have to utilize my Hebrew, much more than I had expected when deciding to work with the Ethiopian National Project, which strives to integrate Ethiopian-Israelis into Israeli society. But this was the best news of the day as I was able to spend a few hours outside the confines of my midrasha (seminary program) at which I study to experience true Israeli culture and learning.
This week I had the opportunity to work with two seventh grade girls who needed math assistance. We got to know each other a little and then delved right into their assignments, during which time all three of us were able to learn from one another in different respects. I learned and utilized new Hebrew terms and these girls learned and consulted with me regarding the math problems themselves. One of the most fulfilling moments, however, during our two hours together happened as follows: One of the students answered a math problem with what she had thought was the correct answer. I looked over her work to see if she used the proper methods to arrive at her answer, but I discovered that her answer was incorrect. Without hesitation, I was able to elaborate and describe in Hebrew why the correct answer was the correct answer, following which I saw her nod her head in approval and understanding. For her, it was the completion of one of the many math problems she was assigned. But for me, it was an incredible moment of joy that I was able to properly and efficiently communicate and teach in a foreign language. This undertaking already feels so rewarding due to the fact that not only am I teaching these students, but that truly they are teaching me as well. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with my students and to mapping their progress and mine.
ENP Volunteer
Student at Midreshet Moriah
This past Wednesday I began working with a handful of Ethiopian students at the Gymnasia School. Upon entering and being met by swarms of students, I was immediately excited because this was one of the first Israeli schools I had ever entered. I consulted briefly with the math teacher responsible for the children with whom I would be working and instantly found that I was really going to have to utilize my Hebrew, much more than I had expected when deciding to work with the Ethiopian National Project, which strives to integrate Ethiopian-Israelis into Israeli society. But this was the best news of the day as I was able to spend a few hours outside the confines of my midrasha (seminary program) at which I study to experience true Israeli culture and learning.
This week I had the opportunity to work with two seventh grade girls who needed math assistance. We got to know each other a little and then delved right into their assignments, during which time all three of us were able to learn from one another in different respects. I learned and utilized new Hebrew terms and these girls learned and consulted with me regarding the math problems themselves. One of the most fulfilling moments, however, during our two hours together happened as follows: One of the students answered a math problem with what she had thought was the correct answer. I looked over her work to see if she used the proper methods to arrive at her answer, but I discovered that her answer was incorrect. Without hesitation, I was able to elaborate and describe in Hebrew why the correct answer was the correct answer, following which I saw her nod her head in approval and understanding. For her, it was the completion of one of the many math problems she was assigned. But for me, it was an incredible moment of joy that I was able to properly and efficiently communicate and teach in a foreign language. This undertaking already feels so rewarding due to the fact that not only am I teaching these students, but that truly they are teaching me as well. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with my students and to mapping their progress and mine.
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