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: Kulanu: All of Us About Us
The “Kulanu: All of Us” Hebrew Program developed as a result of CAJE’s recognition that not all students learn in the same way. Kulanu provides Hebrew and some Judaic education for children, who, for a variety of reasons, have difficulty in a classroom situation. The program focuses on the particular needs and strengths of each child with special needs through individualized Hebrew and Judaic instruction. Students come from all areas of the community. Students enrolled in the Kulanu Program develop a sense of Jewish identity through learning the basics of Judaism through the Hebrew language. Individual tutors instruct students in Hebrew skills, prayers, and holiday observance. Each child’s educational plan is developed and implemented in partnership with families, tutors, and congregations. Admission into the program is based on parental input, teacher recommendations, CAJE recommendations, and the approval of the Rabbi or Educational Director at the student’s congregation. The program generally serves students from third grade through seventh grade. Each student receives either 24 one-hour private tutorial sessions or 32 forty-five minute lessons. Individualized flexible goals are developed for each student, which are based on the curriculum that the student would have received in the afternoon Hebrew school, where appropriate; when this is not possible, an alternative curriculum, appropriate to the student’s learning needs and style, is followed. For more information contact Maxine Goldman Weil, Director of Special Needs Jewish Education, at (314) 442-3757 or mweil@cajestl.org.
JOLT - Jewish Opportunities and Learning for Teens
Useful Links for Children with Special Needs Learning Disabilities Association of America - www.ldanatl.org
"This program has been great! I so appreciate the sensitivity of the Jewish community to the existence of kids with special needs and the existence of the "Three Rs" program. My son has done well with it and the program has enabled him to succeed in learning Hebrew, without which his experience would have probably been very frustrating for him. Thank you so much." "The Three Rs program is wonderful for my daughter's needs. I am so grateful for this option...(the tutor) has clever ways to teach that she likes...The Progress Reports helped us work together as a family to read, learn, and teach each other...Through this program, I know she'll reach her goal. Thank you." "I think this program was excellent for my child. Because of the relationship he developed with his tutor and her caring and supportive instruction, he has liked what he is learning and is proud of his accomplishments. I don't think he would have come this far if he had been in a classroom environment." "My child has learned so much more from his tutor than he could have ever learned in Hebrew school. Not only how to read but the meanings behind what he is reading and understanding. His tutor has been great for him and he enjoys her!" "My son could have never made it through four years of Hebrew school without the Three Rs program and his tutoring. He has learned so much and enjoyed it, too, which is just as important." "Our son'stutor never failed to address my child's strengths and positive progress. When appropriate she gently encouraged areas that needed attending to. A program is only as strong as each individual teacher. How lucky we were (yes-- I mean "we," our family) that he was matched his tutor. Her professionalism (always planned, prepared, well thought-out lessons) was complimented by her genuine heartfelt fondness and sincere caring for her education and well being. She is a teacher to be celebrated! She has touched our family and her lessons of Hebrew, Judaism, and life are a reflection of her commitment to teaching excellence. Thank you." "A wonderful experience for my child. She's learned and been relaxed and comfortable...I am so grateful that you were able to place my child in the program. She has a much better attitude toward Hebrew and learning the language. I am anxious for her to continue during her 6th and 7th grade year in the Three Rs program. I can see that this is the best place for her to learn the language; not in the classroom."sjss
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