Summary:
Teaching your kids Hebrew can be a rewarding experience filled with joy and laughter. In this article, I share my journey with Elliott and Hannah as we explore creative methods to learn the language together. From engaging games to incorporating music, I’ve discovered fun ways to make Hebrew learning enjoyable for our family.
1. Start with the Basics
When I first began teaching Elliott and Hannah Hebrew, I realized that starting with the basics was key. We began with simple words and phrases, like greetings and common expressions. I remember sitting at the dining table, where Meyer joined us for our little lessons. We practiced saying “Shalom” and “Toda” while enjoying a snack of challah. It was such a sweet bonding moment, and I felt proud to see their excitement when they remembered the words.
Key Phrases to Start With:
- Shalom (Hello)
- Toda (Thank you)
- Lehitraot (See you later)
2. Make Learning Interactive
I discovered that the more interactive our lessons were, the more engaged the kids became. One afternoon, I set up a mini scavenger hunt around the house with Hebrew words on sticky notes. Elliott and Hannah raced to find the notes and read the words out loud. Their laughter filled the air, and I felt like we were having a blast while learning. This hands-on approach helped them connect the words to their surroundings, making the learning process fun and memorable.
3. Incorporate Music and Songs
Music is a fantastic way to learn a language, and I love using it to teach Hebrew. I found a few catchy children’s songs in Hebrew that we listen to during car rides. One of our favorites is “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav.” I thought it was adorable when Elliott started singing along after just a few listens. We even made up silly dance moves to go with the songs, turning our learning into a fun little dance party.
Suggested Songs:
- “Tzena Tzena”
- “Hevenu Shalom Alechem”
- “Yesh Li Tziyul”
4. Use Visual Aids
I believe that visual aids can really enhance the learning experience. I printed out colorful flashcards with pictures and Hebrew words. We often play games where I hold up a card, and the kids have to say the word. One day, while practicing with the card for “dog” (כלב), Hannah squealed with delight and ran to our pet, saying “Kelev!” I thought it was such a special moment, connecting the language to something she loves.
5. Celebrate with Cultural Activities
To deepen their understanding of Hebrew, I also like to incorporate cultural activities. We often cook traditional dishes together, like latkes for Hanukkah or matzah ball soup for Passover. As we cook, I teach them the Hebrew names of the ingredients. I experienced a joyful moment when Hannah helped me make latkes and proudly shouted, “Potato—תפוח אדמה!” It’s heartwarming to see them not only learn the language but also appreciate our culture.
Teaching Hebrew to Elliott and Hannah has been a delightful journey filled with laughter and creativity. By starting with the basics, making learning interactive, incorporating music, using visual aids, and celebrating our culture, I’ve created a fun and engaging environment for them. I cherish these moments and look forward to more adventures in language learning with my family!