As usual, another busy week at Ulpan has been had. Thank G-d, Ulpan is growing and despite all the hard work it is so satisfying and inspiring to see it bloom. One of the nicest compliments I received this week was when a student arrived and as we started the lesson, told me, "Ah… now I am here I can relax and enjoy". That was wonderful to hear!
Later the same day, I was teaching another student when Sivan, a new teacher, came to observe the lesson. When discussing what she had seen she commented about how much I knew about the student's personal life. I smiled and realised that apparently teaching Hebrew is not just about teaching a language, for me it is a somewhat therapeutic relationship. Since we want students to break the language barrier, we try to use topics that are close to their hearts. This is a very useful communication tool and allows the students to forget they are learning a language and just relax and talk. Even I sometimes find myself bringing my own thoughts to the lesson, taking advice from a student or just talking about my day. I find learning a language in this setting is very useful and I also enjoy teaching like this alot. You'll just have to try it to really understand!
Shavua tov (Have a good week),
Saray Pentzak
Ulpan Aviv, Teacher
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Shalom L' Kulam! Hello everyone!
This past week has been great and quite relaxing! Things in Ulpan are going well and beginning this coming week, I have lots of new students so I will crank up the pace!
At the moment, I am teaching a very high level student which is a pleasure. This course is specifically to learn academic Hebrew prior to the commencement of University studies. The learning has predominately been Ivrit-be-Ivrit (Hebrew in Hebrew) with explanations given in Hebrew and definitions using situations and synonyms to expound on unknown vocabulary.
In Ivrit there are many similar verbs and infinitives which carry similar meanings but that describe different strengths of an action, for example to shout and to yell. At Ulpan Aviv we use a sketch of a ladder and on this we place the words according to their strength of meaning. The stronger the action, the higher it is placed on the ladder. I find this very interesting to teach because it gives me a chance to really think about our language and notice the differences between words that have formally become second nature and are used instinctively.
Other than teaching, last week I was able to indulge in my second passion: shopping!! Being a new branch we still needed some items of furniture and learning aids so I was happy to take on this job- no complaints!
Wishing you all Shabbat Shalom and a restful weekend.
Saray Pentzak
Ulpan Aviv- Teacher
At the moment, I am teaching a very high level student which is a pleasure. This course is specifically to learn academic Hebrew prior to the commencement of University studies. The learning has predominately been Ivrit-be-Ivrit (Hebrew in Hebrew) with explanations given in Hebrew and definitions using situations and synonyms to expound on unknown vocabulary.
In Ivrit there are many similar verbs and infinitives which carry similar meanings but that describe different strengths of an action, for example to shout and to yell. At Ulpan Aviv we use a sketch of a ladder and on this we place the words according to their strength of meaning. The stronger the action, the higher it is placed on the ladder. I find this very interesting to teach because it gives me a chance to really think about our language and notice the differences between words that have formally become second nature and are used instinctively.
Other than teaching, last week I was able to indulge in my second passion: shopping!! Being a new branch we still needed some items of furniture and learning aids so I was happy to take on this job- no complaints!
Wishing you all Shabbat Shalom and a restful weekend.
Saray Pentzak
Ulpan Aviv- Teacher
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Shalom everybody!
This is my first blog post and I would like to use it to introduce myself and talk a little about what I do.
I'm a teacher at Ulpan Aviv Hebrew School which I have been doing for the past 2 years and I am currently based in the newly opened Tel Aviv branch. Having gained a BA in behavioral sciences (akin to Psychology) and having a love of the Hebrew language, I found that I fell naturally into the job of Hebrew teacher, here in Israel. (I also have a strong familial background in this field, but that is a story for another time).
I began working at Ulpan Aviv when the worldwide ulpan Aviv program was established and with that, I flew to London, England to teach Hebrew. It was an amazing experience and whilst I worked almost the whole time, I had an excellent time. It was a great opportunity to meet different people wanting to learn Hebrew and at the same time experience a very different culture.
For the past 2 weeks I have been teaching some really lovely students! One of the things that I really like in my job is how week after week I continuously meet new people from all over the world! I have met people from London, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Brazil, and the US to name but a few places. Meeting and getting to know a new student every course is an adventure for me- not only are they from all around the world but they range from children to grandparents!
Each new student is a challenge for me (and one that I enjoy). Kids are in some way much easier to teach but with adults I have fascinating conversations. Because of these conversations I actually bond very strongly to my students and every time a course ends it is a little bit hard for me to say goodbye. Nonetheless I am comforted when I know we will still learn together on-line.
I think this would do for now as for introducing me. I'll write again next week and tell more about my week in Ulpan.
Shavua Tov to all,
Saray Pentzak
Ulpan Aviv- Teacher
I'm a teacher at Ulpan Aviv Hebrew School which I have been doing for the past 2 years and I am currently based in the newly opened Tel Aviv branch. Having gained a BA in behavioral sciences (akin to Psychology) and having a love of the Hebrew language, I found that I fell naturally into the job of Hebrew teacher, here in Israel. (I also have a strong familial background in this field, but that is a story for another time).
I began working at Ulpan Aviv when the worldwide ulpan Aviv program was established and with that, I flew to London, England to teach Hebrew. It was an amazing experience and whilst I worked almost the whole time, I had an excellent time. It was a great opportunity to meet different people wanting to learn Hebrew and at the same time experience a very different culture.
For the past 2 weeks I have been teaching some really lovely students! One of the things that I really like in my job is how week after week I continuously meet new people from all over the world! I have met people from London, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Brazil, and the US to name but a few places. Meeting and getting to know a new student every course is an adventure for me- not only are they from all around the world but they range from children to grandparents!
Each new student is a challenge for me (and one that I enjoy). Kids are in some way much easier to teach but with adults I have fascinating conversations. Because of these conversations I actually bond very strongly to my students and every time a course ends it is a little bit hard for me to say goodbye. Nonetheless I am comforted when I know we will still learn together on-line.
I think this would do for now as for introducing me. I'll write again next week and tell more about my week in Ulpan.
Shavua Tov to all,
Saray Pentzak
Ulpan Aviv- Teacher
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