What have I seen that I wonder about within the school, classroom, etc.?

• I wonder why so much more time is given to General Studies subjects than Judaic and why of the Judaic time a majority is spent on Hebrew Language.
• I wonder how much a school resources (space, money, etc. ) affect the work environment and how that affects the students and teacher's creativity, morale, state of mind and overall attitude.
• I wonder how much of a range of Jewish attitudes and observances does a Community Jewish Day School offer?
• I wonder at the level of Judaism that a student with a limited background will get from a judaic education that focuses almost exclusive on Hebrew language.
• I wonder how extensive the male presence at the school's are?
• I wonder what the average age of the teacher at the schools are?
  

What have I learnt from the visit to the classroom?

The classrooms were being fully utilized to create a strong learning environement. Posters, school work and colorful presentation coverered the walls. The teachers attempted to enage all the children in interesting conversations that relied on their personal experiences. If a student answered a question with something totally off, both Ruth and Esther, would acknowledge the student, not dismiss, not say wrong, and just ask for another option. Morning meetings were awesome, a chance for each of the kids to establish themselves and take a breather. I like how in Sonya's class it was made into a game.

What questions does this visit raise for me as a new Jewish Day school teacher?

I realize that I feel much more comfortable in an environment where kippahs are worn at all times and at least some of the kids come from observent homes. I like a school with a very direct, distinct and explicit Jewish Ideology. I believe that a lot of the ideas and philosophies that we all wish could easily be put into the classroom are not always so easy because often the resources available to us, or the ideology or philosophy of the instituation, administration or school doesn't match up. I realize that most of the kids at Jewish Day schools come from somewhat priveleged homes, but often with limited Jewish knowledge.