21st Century Learning Collaboration Opportunity

Education is taking a new, interactive technological turn and I'm excited about it. So excited, I want to be a part of it. That's why I would like to engage you in a unique 21^st century learning collaboration, using some of my books as a way to integrate multiple disciplines with an unusual, virtual author visit.

I'll give you an example. Take the holidays of Hanukkah and Passover. Your curriculum calls for teaching why and how these festivals are celebrated. I can breathe new life into your teachers' lesson plans through my books Hanukkah Around the World and Passover Around the World. These books consist of original stories revolving around unusual holiday customs from countries across the globe. Each story is accompanied by brief background information on the Jewish community of a specific country. That means we have four subjects wrapped in one book: Jewish history, geography, Hanukkah/Passover customs and background information, PLUS literature.

Now for the FULL PACKAGE. I have developed interactive PowerPoint presentations around each book. By working out all details and using your school's smart technology, I can enhance your school's learning experience through a 50-60 minute virtual author visit and program.

I have other books that lend themselves to these visits as well. Try a new twist in teaching Bible stories through my two books Tasty Bible Stories and Green Bible Stories for Children – the latter being perfect for teaching about the environment or creating a unique Tu B'Shvat program.

What better idea for a grandparent program than one of my two Jewish Heirloom Stories – Mayer Aaron Levy and His Lemon Tree or Lotty's Lace Tablecloth?

Your students can participate in my programs, read stories together with me, and then engage in a Q&A with the author. Each presentation is limited to 30 students. Fees for single and multiple presentations can be worked out with me.

To find out more about my books, please visit my website. It's friendly and easy to navigate. Afterwards, contact me through my website so that we can continue the conversation (email or Skype) and work together on how to strategically replace learning materials for the specific subjects my books deal with.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Kol Tuv...Tami 

Smart Board photo credit

In Poland the "Shulklapper" Hammered Home the Message of the Month of Elul

Back when there were no alarm clocks (remember them?) Jews in Poland relied on the gabbai's Shulklapper to wake them up for the Selichot prayers.

What exactly was this instrument used to klap -- knock -- on the door in order to make sure everyone got to shul -- synagogue -- on time?

Nothing more than a hammer for hammering home the message "it's time to get up and pray."

The connection to today? While we no longer knock messages into our children's heads, the underlying beauty of Rosh Hashana and its preceding days should be gently conveyed. Rosh Hashana is much more than an occasion to eat, drink and be merry. The Jewish New Year is a time for contemplation, a time to review what we've done wrong and how we can better ourselves.

Want a more practical, hard hitting message? How about a real-time wake-up call? The school year is just is around the corner. Kids rely on the pleasing alarm tones of their mobile phones to wake them up. Will that be enough after the long summer break?  It's hard to get back into an early morning routine. Perhaps a little "klap" on the door will help?

Synagogue Photo Credit 
Hammer photo credit