B‖H
MAZEL DAY SCHOOL
November—Kislev 2010
We hope to create a forum where parents can network, learn new ideas, laugh and generally gain insights into our collective parenting experiences. Each month, we will focus on another Parenting Help! Question, to which YOU can respond by sending an email to:
IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome to Mazel Day School’s Parents Page. Every month, each Mazel family will receive one copy of this school-wide newsletter updating all parents of important information and events, as well as focusing on relevant parenting issues. After all, parenting in the 21st Century is oh-so complicated!
Warmly, Chani Okonov Educational Director Editorial Team: Anna Ashurov Irene Gabo Chani Okonov Alla Vasserman
Weekend Activities for the Family
PAGE3: INBOX—Editor’s Corner Letters to the Editor / Cartoons
PAGE4: Help! I wish my child was more obedient! Getting him to cooperate takes every ounce of my energy. There are days when he absolutely refuses to listen to anything that I say. He will ignore my instructions, says “No!”, and walks off to do his own thing. I‟m exhausted!
PAGE7: Parent Talk Interview This Month: Irene Gabo
PAGE8: Teacher Talk Interview This Month: Kindergarten Class
mazelnewsletter@gmail.com
We do not in any way hope to present ―the best‖ parenting techniques, but rather a range of different points of view and perspectives on raising children. May we all merit lots of Nachas (Jewish joy and pride) from our children.
PAGE2: Irene’s November Picks
PAGE6: Recipes
mazelnewsletter@gmail.com. You can also post questions of your own at the same email address. Each edition will also feature an interview with a different Mazel parent and classroom team of teachers. In addition, we will include excerpts from renowned parenting books, delicious and health-conscious recipes, and weekend activities to enjoy with the kids.
ISSUE ONE
Center Pull-out Section PARENTING BOOK OF THE MONTH The Blessing of a Skinned Knee By: Wendy Mogel 2nd Annual Fall Parent Party Sun, 11/14, 5 – 8 pm 2915 Brighton 6th Street, 2nd floor Thanksgiving – School CLOSED Thur-Fri, 11/25 – 26 (Fri – candle lighting 4:14pm) Mazel Night @ Brighton Beach Menorah Lighting 12/1 First Night of Chanukah Details to follow Annual Chanukah Lights Benefit Dinner Sun, 12/5, 6:00pm Look out for your invitations School Chanukah Recital Thurs, 12/9, 10:00 am
1
B‖H
IRENE’S WEEKEND PICKS Nature Crafts Prospect Park, Audubon Center, Brooklyn, NY - 718965-8951, www.prospectpark.org Date: November 07, 2010, Hours: 1-3pm Ages: Pre-school & younger Cost: Free Description: Make crafts using natural materials culled from the park itself. Preservation Detectives Hunt for History Each Sunday from 11/07/10 - 11/28/10 Time: 1pm Ages: 5-10, Cost: $15/Family Address: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge Street, New York, NY 212-219-0302 http://www.eldridgestreet.org Description: Hunt for history in the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue! During November's Preservation Detectives series, families sleuth their way through the building using magnifying glasses, flashlights, and other tools to explore the mysteries and history of the historic landmark building and its contents. Blooming Babies series: Balloon Art - Brooklyn Children's Museum Date: November 07, 2010, Hours: 11:30am Address: 145 Brooklyn Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11213 / 718-735-4400 Ages: Pre-school & younger Cost: $7.50; free for museum members and children under Description: Discover the world of balloons and make some balloon art using paint Baby Loves Disco at LePoisson Rouge Date: November 07, 2010 Hours: Noon, Ages: Pre-school & younger Cost: $20 single admission; $60 for family of four Address: 158 Bleeker Street, New York, NY, www.babylovesdisco.com Description: It's never too early to introduce your toddler to the mirror ball, and Baby Loves Disco is nothing short of a discotheque experience for the wee ones. Authentic '70s disco tracks are spinning as the diaper set shake their rumps. 2nd Annual Mazel Parents Fall Party Date: November 14, 2010, 5-8 p.m. at F.R.E.E. of Brighton Beach, Check your email for invitation
Compiled by Irene Gabo
Beauty and the Beast – Puppetworks Date: November 14, 2010, Hours: 12:30pm & 2:30pm Ages: All Ages, Price: $8 Adults; $5 children; $5 per person for groups of 20 or more. Address: 338 Sixth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY www.puppetworks.org Description: This season's production of Beauty and the Beast features the same artfully crafted marionettes and lively character voicings as everything Puppetworks has done for decades. Reservations are required, call 718-965-3391 Big Apple Circus: Dance On! Address: Lincoln Center, 140 West 65th Street, New York, NY. 888.541.3750 http://www.bigapplecircus.org, Ages: All Ages Time: Showtimes vary; check website for schedule. Cost: $15-$92; Children (under 3) free, on ticketed adult's lap I ENCOURAGE YOU The Big Apple Circus celebrates TO VISIT its 33rd season with a brand new WWW.BROOKLYNPUBLI show, under the Big Top at LinCLIBRARY.ORG AND coln Center's Damrosch Park. CLICK ON “EVENTS CALENDAR” TO SEE
Sunday Crafts: Thanksgiving ALL THE WONDERFUL STORY READING AND Daily 11/21/10 / check with locaSTORY PLAY TIMES tion for exceptions Time: 2pmHAPPENING IN YOUR 5pm NEIGHBORHOOD Children's Galleries for Jewish LIBRARY. Culture, 515 West 20th Street IRENE G. Suite 4E, New York, NY 212.924.4500, http://www.cgjc.org Ages: 5-12 Cost: Free with paid admission Description: Kids can celebrate Native Americans and immigrants to America, design dream catchers, make a yarn painting, learn origami, and try other multiethnic crafts. Workshops: Just Drop In Each Sun 09/03/08 - 12/31/10 Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 212.423.3500 http://www.guggenheim.org Ages: 3-10 Time: 1pm-4pm; holiday schedule may vary Cost: Free with museum admission Description: Families are invited to stop by to explore a different gallery each Sunday through creative, interactive projects. Meeting location is posted on the museum's electronic signboard in the main lobby.
2
B‖H
EDITOR’S CORNER Letters from PARENTS Each month we will feature letters or comments submitted by the parents. Please feel free to ask questions, opine on the material from the previous issue or just tell us what is on your mind. You may submit your comments by emailing mazelnewsletter@gmail.com Editorial Team
FYI: School STAFF Directory ADMINISTRATION Rabbi Avremel Okonov, Executive Director rabbiavremel@mazeldayschool.com Rabbi Dovid Okonov, F.R.E.E. Synagogue Outreach Director - rabbidovid@freeofbrighton.com Chani Okonov, Principal morahchani@mazeldayschool.com MAZEL TOV to Sarah Cherzin, Principal's Assistant Morah Batya morahsarah@mazeldayschool.com on the birth of Inna Ishbulatova, Secretary her newborn office@mazeldayschool.com baby girl, Esther Gittel!
PRESCHOOL DIVISION TEACHERS Rivky Pinsky, Preschool Music Teacher Perel Rotenberg, PreNursery Head Teacher morahperel@mazeldayschool.com Bella Ashurova, PreNursery Assistant Teacher Chana Calmenson, Nursery Head Teacher morahchana@mazeldayschool.com Etty Hanukaev, Nursery Assistant Teacher Inna Izman, PreK General Studies Teacher morahinna@mazeldayschool.com Minna Caplan, PreK Judaic Studies Teacher morahminna@mazeldayschool.com
LOWER SCHOOL DIVISION TEACHERS Dawn Horowitz, Kindergarten General Studies Teacher morahdawn@mazeldayschool.com Mushkie Fine, Kindergarten Judaic Studies Teacher morahmushkie@mazeldayschool.com
Gabriella Levitis, First Grade General Studies Teacher morahgaby@mazeldayschool.com Chaya Blasburg, First Grade Judaic Studies Teacher morahchaya@mazeldayschool.com Batya Engel, Second Grade Teacher morahbatya@mazeldayschool.com Rochel Novosoletsky, Second Grade Assistant Teacher Rivki Cheruff, Third Grade General Studies Teacher morahrivki@mazeldayschool.com Ariella Paim, Third - Fifth Grade Girls Judaic Studies Teacher - morahariella@mazeldayschool.com Nechama Dena Bergstein, Fourth - Fifth Grade General Studies Teacher morahnechamadena@mazeldayschool.com Rabbi Naftoli Rotenberg, Fourth Grade Boys Judaic Studies Teacher - rabbinaftoli@mazeldayschool.com
LOWER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT TEACHERS Irina Zinger, K-5 Art Teacher Bracha Kreyderman, K-5 Russian Language Teacher Ariella Paim, K-2 Hebrew Language Teacher Osnat Kot, 3-5 Hebrew Language Teacher Coach Brandon and Coach Miguel, K-5, Physical Education/Soccer Teachers Michelle Paskar, Grades 2, 3 and 4-5 Girls, Yoga Teacher Dan Aran, K-5, Music Teacher Katherine Buckell, 3-5, Music Teacher
3
B‖H
MODERN PARENTING I wish my child was more obedient! PART 1 My son seems to be adjusting nicely to school. The teachers say he plays well with other children and pays attention to learning. At home, though, it‟s a whole different story. Getting him to cooperate takes every ounce of my energy. There are days when he absolutely refuses to listen to anything that I say. He will completely ignore my instructions, says “No!”, and walks off to do his own thing. I am exhausted! Chani: Oy! As a mom, I completely empathize with your situation. It can be so discouraging to have to come home with your child, and instead of enjoying a pleasant evening together, all your energy goes toward addressing challenging behavior. What I find to be the most helpful approach is for us, as parents, to stop repeating ourselves/threatening/ shouting, and to start thinking about: ―How might I be contributing to this cycle? How am I helping or not helping my child learn to listen the first time?‖ In order for things to truly improve in situations such as these, we need to be ready to make major (as well as some minor) changes beginning with our own self. Teaching a child to be ―obedient‖ is a long and difficult process that does not happen overnight. Nor is it something which children learn on their own. But it‘s worth the effort, since the longer your son‘s behavior continues, the harder it will become for things to change. Firstly, it‘s important to point out that lots of children ―behave better‖ when they are in school than when they are at home. Some of this has to do with the fact that in the school environment the rules are very clear and consistent. Children know what to expect both for positive as well as negative behaviors. Also, teachers are pretty good at ensuring that children receive just enough freedom of choice to feel ―independent‖ while the adults still remain obviously in charge. Of course the fact that teachers are not as emotionally attached to the children makes it a
by Chani Okonov whole lot easier for them to remain calm under stressful situations. However, even ―over-emotional‖ parents and ―stubborn and defiant‖ children can learn how to manage behavior better.
Who’s in Control? The first area to focus on is parental control. At home, we need to be the Parents (with a capital P). This does not have to mean that we are Dictators. There is a balance that can be found between the amount of control we allow our children and the amount of control we maintain as the Parents. When a child is given an inappropriate amount of control at home, it becomes very difficult for a parent to assert authority when needed. Although this may seem to not be directly linked to your child‘s behavior, it is an important contributing factor. Let‘s ask ourselves: does our child get to make decisions about the family and home that should really be delineated to an adult? When our child makes demands that are rude or disrespectful, do we give in? When our child invades private spaces or possessions that belong to other family members (even our own), is it tolerated? Sometimes parents look aside at a lot of disrespectful behavior since they are afraid to ―clip the child‘s personality‖. This is not the Torah way. Children can certainly make a request about something, and they should know that parents will hear them out and truly consider what they are saying. However, they should also know that at the end of the day, the decision will be made by the adult and the adult alone. In this way, the child can be told, ―I hear what you are asking, and I will think about it. But I might decide to do it the way that you asked, or I might not. Whatever I decide, you will accept and that is what we will do happily.‖ The Torah places great emphasis on the mitzvah of ‗Kibud Av V‘Eim‘ (honoring and respecting parents). It is included in the Ten Commandments and is the only one of the ten to state the reward of its observance (long life). Even more so, the Ten Commandments are divided into two groups. The first five commandments are mitzvahs between man and Gd and the second five are between one man and
4
B‖H
MODERN PARENTING another. Honoring parents is grouped with the commandments that are between man and G-d. This is because Judaism understands that in order for one to be able to develop a relationship with G-d that is both loving as well as filled with awe, one must be trained from childhood to respect authority, beginning with one‘s parents. What is so beautiful about the Torah‘s perspective on the mitzvah of ‗Kibud Av V‘Eim‘ is that it does not encourage a dictatorial approach to parenting – as was prevalent in the general society at the time the Torah was given. Instead the Torah takes the perspective that children will learn to respect their parents when parents create an environment in the home that encourages respectful behavior toward all adults in the home. For example, the Halacha (Jewish law) states that a parent should have a set place at the table which the child cannot sit in without explicit permission from the parent. A child should be taught not to contradict a parent unless they find sensitive, respectful words to indirectly explain what they see as the truth (―Mama, isn‘t it possible that ___________?‖). A child should be encouraged to bring his or her parent food or drink and always with a smile. This must all be taught in ways that are loving, as well as respectful of the child, so that they do not feel that they are being belittled. Moms and dads rely on each other to train the child how to treat the respective spouse (Dad: ―Why don‘t you go bring Mom a drink? She looks tired. You will do a Mitzvah and make her so happy.‖)
Am I Being Clear? Another very important area to focus on is how directions are given to the child. This is often overlooked by adults instructing children. We often assume that they should do what they are supposed to because ―you know already‖, ―I told you ten times‖, or (my favorite) ―I love you/take care of you/ give you things‖. Instead, it is much more helpful for your child, to never assume that they ―know‖. Always state your expectations clearly, reiterate what will happen if they are not met, then be consistent and follow through. Parents sometimes make the mistake of giving elaborate speeches about why a particular expectation should be met, or launching into a bargaining/pleading session with their child to negotiate for appropriate behavior. The simplest
by Chani Okonov (but hardest) trick I‘ve learned is to be direct, short and to the point. When stating the expectation: 1. Stop what you are doing. Preferably, move close to the child, take their hand, and make sure that the child has stopped as well. 2. Hold their eye contact and 3. State the instruction simply and clearly. Tell the child what to do (not just what not to do). For example: Let‘s clean up now. (Instead of, don‘t… or stop…) If applicable, it helps to associate the child‘s compliance with permission to do something they want. Such as: If we clean up the toys, we will be able to play a game together. 4. Check to make sure that the child understands what they need to do by asking them ―what are we going to do now‖. Then (this is the most important part), 5. Watch to see if the child will do what you said. One primary reason that children don‘t always do what they are told is because they do not really believe that they will actually be held accountable to our directions. We‘ve lost credibility. One simple way to build credibility is to actually stay with your child until they do what you instructed. Walking away after you‘ve given an instruction and expecting that you will return to see it completed is unrealistic. At least wait until they have begun doing what you said, and if you need to leave, you can say, ―I will be back in two minutes (not long). When I come back I want to see that you ___________.‖ Sometimes, it is better to just do the task together with the child. Some children need to feel your support and involvement in order to follow through (Come, let‘s do it together). Next issue: What are Appropriate Consequences? Chani Okonov, Educational Director To comment on our Help! Column or propose a question for the next month, email us at mazelnewsletter@gmail.com.
PARENTING IN THE TORAH: QUOTE OF THE MONTH ―A person should not promise to give a child something and then fail to give it, lest he teach his child dishonesty.‖ - Talmud, Sukkah 46a
5
B‖H
KIDS’ FAVORITES
This recipe comes to us courtesy of Ruta Okonov, Menny‟s mom (Nursery). It was the recipe used to prepare challahs in F.R.E.E.‟s monthly Jewish Women‟s Circle meeting in May „10. Ingredients: 5 lbs (1 bag) of unbleached flour 3 eggs 2 tablespoons salt 1 ¼ cup of sugar 1 cup oil 3 ¾ cups of warm water ½ cup of hot water ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 2 oz. fresh yeast or 3 tablespoons of dry yeast Directions: Combine ½ cup of hot water, ¼ tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar and yeast. Set aside. Combine all dry ingredients. Create a ―well‖ in the dry ingredients. Add oil and eggs. Add yeast mixture. Add 3 ¾ cups warm water. Mix well. Let dough rise for one hour. Separate Challah and make a blessing. Shape Challahs. Let rise for another 45 minutes to an hour. Glaze Challahs with eggs. Add sesame or poppy seeds. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until golden brown. For instructions on braiding a 6 braid challah, go the link below: http://www.facebook.com/ home.php?#!/album.php? aid=176453&id=204558886942
NUTRI TION
TRADI TION
Ruta’s Challah Recipe
Compiled by Alla Vasserman
Zucchini Grilled Cheese Trying to get your kids to eat more veggies can require creative measures. Here‟s a recipe that is sure to be yummy too! Be careful—since the grownups just might finish them all before the kids even get to it. Ingredients: 3 zucchini 4 slices Cheese Splash Extra Virgin Olive Oil Bread crumbs 2 eggs Directions: 1. Slice zucchini lengthwise in half and than half again into 4 slices each. 2. Steam slices in 1/4 cup water for 5 minutes over medium heat. 3. Place a slice on plate and cover with cheese. Add another zucchini slice, another piece of cheese and cover with the third zucchini slice. 4. Dip gently in egg wash and then into breadcrumbs and grill in skillet on medium high in the olive oil until cheese is melted and the zucchini is crisp and golden. 5. Serve with Ranch Dip or any low fat dip.
6
B‖H
PARENT INTERVIEW Dear Parents, Each issue of the Mazel Day School Parent Page will post an interview with a parent from Mazel, so we can get to know each other better. Our first issue features Irene Gabo, member of the Mazel Parents Association and this year‘s President of the Association. Going forward, we would greatly welcome your input and desire to participate. If you wish to be featured in the next issue of the Newsletter, please email mazelnewsletter@gmail.com. Anna Ashurov IRENE GABO is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, having emigrated in 1989 and currently residing in Gravesend area of Brooklyn with her husband and their three kids. Her oldest children, Yonni and Rachel, attend Mazel in pre-k and nursery classes, respectively. She received her Bachelor‘s Degree from New York University, and her Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School. She is a practicing attorney with offices in the Empire State Building, specializing in medical malpractice and personal injury cases. What made you choose to become a lawyer? My mom and dad said two things: ―you are paying for your own college, but then you can only be a doctor or a lawyer‖, so it was almost like flipping a coin. What did you want to be? An archeologist, but it would be a little far to drive the kids to Mazel every day. What’s your favorite book? ―One Hundred Years of Solitude‖ What book are you currently reading? ―The Outlander‖, but then pangs of guilt reach me and I grab ―How to Talk to Your Kids so they will Listen‖. What is your guilty pleasure? Shopping for the kids. If children‘s clothing and toys were tax deductible, I‘d get a refund every year. Do you have an easy recipe to share with other parents? I take any soft bread, usually wheat, spread sour cream on it, like I would butter, then put on it thinly sliced rounds of cucumber and tomato, salt on top. Easy and the kids love it. How do you balance work and family? Now with an infant it‘s very hectic, but we try to carve certain amount of time to spend with each child. It‘s often very limited on weekdays but on weekends we belong to our kids. We go to zoo, gardens, museums, parks. My husband says he is more tired after the weekend that he is from working 5 days a week.
by Anna Ashurov Now, let’s talk a little about Mazel. How did you hear about the School and why did you choose Mazel? Through a recommendation of a relative. My husband is Israeli and when we met I was a very secular person. He taught me about the Jewish religion, history and practices. The more I learned the more it became important to me that my kids know what it means to be Jewish, that they know the rich traditions of our heritage. What do your kids like about the school? To say it simply, ―everything‖. They like the environment, their friends, teachers, baking Challah and celebrating Shabbos on Fridays, going to the gym … even having chores, though that liking is strictly limited to Mazel‘s premises! How do you see it as different from other schools? Have you tried other schools? The environment is very unlike the Russian ―sadik‖, to which my oldest was unfortunately subjected to for about one month. There, kids were left to their own devices, for the most part, with half a day being spent watching TV. At Mazel, the kids have structure, warm environment and caring, dedicated teachers. They want to learn, participate and create. Can you please tell us a little more about your Mazel Parents Association involvement? Why did you get involved? I became a member of the Mazel Parents Association almost two years ago, when it formed. I saw how much thought and care went into my children‘s well being and education and wanted to lend a hand, and see if I could be useful. I believe that working closely with teachers and other parents helps in the development of our children. Can you tell us what events MPA is planning this year? We have a lot of exciting events planed for this year: Fall Parents Party (11/14), Chanukah Celebration (December) and Reading Month (early 2011), to name a few. More information will be distributed to parents as we get closer to the events. In addition, this year our goal is to build a playground for our children between the school and the synagogue and we will need people to donate their time and resources to complete the project for our kids‘ enjoyment. Any parent that is interested in participating is welcome to contact our Association, administration or me directly. Irene’s Contact Info: irenegabo@msn.com
7
B‖H
TEACHER INTERVIEW Dear Parents, What makes Mazel our Mazel is its Morahs. They are among the most influential people in the lives of our children. They know our children very well and often spend more time with them then we do. It felt only natural to take this opportunity and learn more about Mazel's Morahs. We also hoped to pick up a few tips on how we as parents should participate in the learning process for our children's best experience at school. With this in mind let us introduce the Morahs of the month... Alla Vasserman DAWN HOROWITZ is the Kindergarten General Studies Teacher at Mazel Day School. Morah Dawn received her BA from Queens College and went on to receive her Masters in both regular and special education from Touro College. She has over 10 years of experience working in a variety of educational settings, from general ed to special ed. During the summers, she worked as a para educator at B.O.C.E.S. working with disabled individuals and those with Autism. Most recently, she ran two homes for woman with various disabilities as a Residence Manager at OHEL BAIS EZRA. I became a teacher because… for the longest time it is all I ever wanted to be. I can‘t remember a time when I truly wanted to be anything else. A teacher has a classroom of students so eager to learn, with their innocent, bright eyes and open minds. To be able to teach children the tools they need to expand their knowledge is extremely rewarding. My vision for our children... is to have a classroom full of children eager and excited to learn, to have them wanting to come back for more each and every day. I joined Mazel because... of the wonderful environment. The staff is so kind and the children are so enthusiastic to learn. I was excited at the prospect of working for a school where there is so much hands on experience that one learns from. The staff here is constantly trying to be better at what they do, for example by researching new and innovative ways to teach in order to keep the children stimulated. My favorite memory from being a student... is the friends I made. Now, I am a wife with two children and I still have some of those friends to this day. The most difficult part about teaching 5 year old children... is their attention span versus their want to grow. Here are these children who want to know everything about everything while at the same time their attention span is limited. They want to learn but at the same time… recess is just right around the corner!
by Alla Vasserman To raise a caring, considerate-ofothers child... we should instill those values from the very start. It is never too early to teach your child to be considerate of others. Teach them how important it is to treat someone like you would want to be treated. In our classroom we are constantly role playing or reading books on what the proper way to act towards each other is. We should not ignore negative behavior but rather catch it right away. I recently explained to my students, it‘s not just negative words that hurt people but it‘s facial expressions as well. Reinforce and praise when they are acting with kindness & consideration. To raise a child who loves to learn new things parents should... constantly challenge and encourage them. The child obviously has a spark inside of him that wants to grow. A parent could be lackadaisical and allow that spark inside their child to fizzle or they could take it and run with it. A parent and even a teacher should take the opportunity to get to know the child. It‘s through getting to know them that we can know their interest and incorporate it in their learning. If I could teach my student only one thing it would be... that they can be anything they want to be as long as they set their minds to it. They should not let anyone get in their way. If I would not have become a teacher, I would have become... a physical therapist or lawyer. A PT because being able to help someone rebuild something they once had and allowing them to regain who they were or to the other extreme helping those who didn‘t have much to start with and giving them even a glimpse of hope and accomplishment, is extremely rewarding. I would have considered being a lawyer because I like to debate and play devil‘s advocate. I love a challenge. To encourage a child to work on homework independently parents should... take a step back. They should be there if the child needs their help and guide the child by giving them the tools that they need. However it is important to allow the child to work on their own to put their skills to the test. Telling them the answers or doing their work for them does not allow them to grow. The child can not assess himself and see where he needs help. There will be times a child will want to give up and feel like a failure but when a parent allows the child to grow at their own pace and not put pressure on them, they will see the best results.
8
B‖H
TEACHER INTERVIEW MUSHKIE FINE is the Kindergarten Judaic Studies Teacher at Mazel Day School. Morah Mushkie received her teacher‘s certification in Seminary Beit Chana in Safed, Israel. She has a wide range of teaching experience including, teaching 5th grade in Beth Rivka Academy Montreal, as well as teaching Kindergarten at the Chabad Community Hebrew School in Buffalo Grove, IL. In addition, Morah Mushkie has worked in various summer camp settings in Florida, California, Wisconsin, New York and Montreal in the capacity of counselor or head counselor. I became a teacher because… I love children and I love teaching. There is no greater satisfaction than being able to take part in shaping and molding the next generation. My vision for our children... is to bring out the best potential in every child and provide them with a positive learning environment. By doing this, the child has a strong sense of self confidence and thereby can have the ability to accomplish whatever he or she desires because they have a very strong backbone. I joined Mazel because... I heard that it is a great school to work for. There is a lot of positive support from the staff and parents. In the few months that I have been working here this has proven to be absolutely true.
The most difficult part about teaching 5 year old children... determining the needs of each individual student and striving to fulfill them. Every child is precious and every moment is precious. My job is to make sure that not a moment is wasted. Better yet, that every moment is used out to be a positive, Jewish and educational experience. To raise a caring, considerate-of-others child... treat the child with care and consideration. When a child feels cared for and feels that people are aware of and consider his or her feelings, that child will turn around and treat others the same way. The way a person is treated, that is the way they will treat others. To raise a child who loves to learn new things parents should... encourage questions and expose their children
to different kinds of learning opportunities. By creating a flame when a child is young, we have a much better chance at raising a child who wants to grow and learn new things. If I could teach my student only one thing it would be... to be a good person, treating others with respect. In my opinion, this is the base of everything. If a child is a mentsch and knows how to deal with friends his own age, talk to adults properly etc. we are in good shape. If I would not have become a teacher, I would have become... a nurse. I enjoy caring for people. The truth is, I like the idea of it but not the practical part of it. It would be hard for me to work with blood and wounds. To encourage a child to work on homework independently parents should... have a set time and place where homework is completed. Parents should be available for questions, discussion & encouragement. This would enable the child to do more work independently because the child knows he has an excellent support system.
Morah Dawn & Morah Mushkie’s Kindergarten class IN ACTION...
My favorite memory from being a student... was winning the Spelling Bee in third grade. It made me feel really good about myself and my ability to accomplish. I'll never forget the feeling of being up there in front of everyone, pronounced winner. I was definitely nervous but extremely excited about what i had just done and how i was recognised for my hard work.
by Alla Vasserman
9
B‖H
WE APPRECIATE IT...
SPECIAL THANKS
Special note of appreciation to those parents who made gift donations to school over the past two months. Thanks to... Irina Rakhlis for giving the 3rd grade class two games in honor of Jacklyn's 8th birthday... Anna Ashurov for books and toys donated to Nursery class for Eliana's 3rd birthday.... Michelle Doubrovkine-Paskar for the beautiful big book given to Pre-Nursery in honor of Ilan's 2nd birthday... Alla Vasserman for contributing books and puzzles... Elina Rokhkind for giving books to PreK in honor of Shimon's 4th birthday... Irene and Baruch Gabo for donating a camera to Nursery for Rachel‘s 3rd birthday, an Ipod to PreK and a printer for the office... Suzannah Oz for lots of children's DVD's from Israel… the Lempert family for bringing in many books for our school library. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Whether you want to give a gift to your child's class in honor of his/her birthday or just because... check out your class's online wish list of carefully selected items that will be greatly appreciated and used by your child's teachers.
MAZEL KIDSCARE
PHOTOS: OLEG GUREVICH
MAZEL DAY SCHOOL CHESED of the Month: Students of Grades 3-5 visit a local Senior Center to deliver over 100 ―LOAVES OF LOVE‖ before Shabbos.
2901 - 2915 Brighton 6th St Brooklyn, NY 11235 Phone: 718-368-4490 E-mail:
mazelnewsletter@gmail.com
We’re on the web! www.mazeldayschool.com QUALITY RUSSIAN-JEWISH PRIVATE SCHOOL
10