Israeli school builds cool classroom for ADHD teens

Bouncy chairs, distraction-free décor, walled-off workstations, desks on wheels and a living green wall provide a winning educational environment.

By Abigail Klein Leichman for Israel21c

Imagine the perfect classroom for kids with attention and learning disorders: bouncy chairs made from yoga balls, distraction-free décor, walled-off study/tutoring cubicles, desks on wheels and a touch of the outdoors.

Only there’s no need to imagine it. The unique “Yes I Can!” classroom at Darca High School in Kiryat Malachi opened this school year. And if it proves to be a good working model, the Darca network will implement this totally Israeli innovation in its other 24 high schools serving the socio-economic periphery of Israel.

“The students already report that it is much easier for them to study and concentrate in the new classroom, thanks to the clean design – no notice boards, posters, accessories, decorations etc., as in a regular classroom,” principal Michal Hazan tells ISRAEL21c.

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5 Tips for an Awesome Bar/Bat Mitzvah–From a Teen Who’s Been There

Hannah Elbaum for Kveller

In my synagogue, each young woman and man has an opportunity to write their own prayer as part of their b’nei mitzvah service. Most of my friends spoke about health and happiness, and their passions for soccer, drawing, or seeing their friends. After thanking God for my family, I talked about becoming a Madricha, a teaching assistant in the Hebrew School, and a member of the youth group board.

I understand that I’m a little strange in this sense.

Usually, parents beg and nag their kids to attend a Jewish learning class, not the other way around—especially around the time of bar and bat mitzvahs. As a current freshman in college who’s done just about every program my local Jewish community has to offer, I know a little bit about what works and what doesn’t in engaging kids and teens in meaningful Jewish practice. Here are five tips to helping you and your child create a bar or bat mitzvah experience filled with meaning and connection.

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Sippur, the first Jewish online literary journal for teens

Sippur, the first Jewish online literary journal for teens, provides teenagers with the opportunity to create and publish high-level creative writing and art relating to Jewish themes.
Call for Submissions:


Sippur is currently accepting submissions for the Winter 2015 issue. The theme for the upcoming issue is Bravery. We welcome any form of Jewish fiction, poetry, or art that relates to  this theme. We can't wait to view your work!
All work is due by November 18th.

INTERESTED IN PUBLISHING YOUR WORK?

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Jewish Teen Funders Network

The Jewish Teen Funders Network (JTFN) serves as a central resource for the quickly growing field of Jewish teen philanthropy. We work to grow and strengthen the field of Jewish teen philanthropy in North America.

We support professional and lay leaders to create and improve Jewish teen philanthropy programs in synagogues, Jewish federations, summer camps, JCCs, Jewish community foundations, social service agencies and day schools. We provide training and networking opportunities, educational and programmatic resources, and one-on-one consultations to help troubleshoot challenges or brainstorm new ideas.

Jewish teen philanthropy programs introduce teens to collective grantmaking. This group process is guided by Jewish values and provides teen philanthropists-in-training with opportunities to gain new leadership skills. We believe that this early experience with strategic philanthropy will both strengthen their engagement with Jewish life and ensure their commitment to lifelong giving based on Jewish values.

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