Today, we toured a kibbutz in the Jordan Valley that started on March 21, 1937. We met up with people who will come to Milwaukee in April and made new friends fast. At the kibbutz, we learned all about their philosophy for learning, starting at about 8 months and continuing up to 1st grade, and thereafter through their after school programs at the kibbutz. There is a 1:4 teacher to student ratio, and this is higher than the government expects from them. The kibbutz values learning through dramatic and imaginative play, building your independence, sharing and community over selfishness, and self-control, even from a very young age.

In each age group there is a big focus on learning experiences and contentedness throughout each school year. For example, when the kids learn about winter, on their daily walk, they see how the trees change, the weather, and what you wear.  The next year, they might add a level of learning by then using the alphabet to name things from winter. Then, in the classroom the students make boards together with their teachers to document and remember their learning. Students pick up stuff on their walk and use it to play and learn. They each have their own treasure bins of learning through their senses. The teachers frequently see the kids mimic the happenings of the kibbutz. When they saw a group of men fixing something, they went back to their playground and mimicked this act. They play what they see, and they learn what they play. There is also a big focus on conservation and the environment and the arts. All learning allows the kids to learn independence and self control.

My big takeaways were the fact that Ris has one child at a kibbutz school and one not, and she can see the higher level of independence her child at the kibbutz school has developed from their philosophy of learning. I have many photos and ideas to bring back to share with our lower school. I was also very impressed with how they took on the government’s new laws about inclusion of special education students. They are already doing this, despite the challenges because they see it as right for the kids.

I wondered how you joined a kibbutz and learned for theirs, they have a two year trial period, and then they must be voted in. Don’t worry Aaron, I’m not leaving…..YET!

Afterwards, we had the best hummus lunch yet. The place had a huge relish bar and if you have ever eaten with me you know how I feel about sauces. Now, I am with my teaching partner Lee and her family getting ready for a big Sabbat dinner. Life is good, and Israel is great! Shabbat Shalom to all.