Teaching Resilience in the Classroom

Resilience skills have been crucial in helping students deal with challenges and changes brought about by the restrictions imposed by the Covid pandemic. Kehila Heschel ‘s unique integrated curriculum fundamentally incorporates the combination of skills which support the development of a resilient student. Kehila Heschel School is not just about academics; it is an environment in which students thrive and grow in their learning process as well as in their social and emotional competence.

How does Kehila Heschel teach resilience in the classroom?

The curriculum focuses on the whole student. Teachers encourage collaborative projects, critical thinking skills and pro-social values through Derek Eretz and Middot programs. Through the eco-school and social action projects, students have learned that they have the ability to make a difference in the world around them. Kehila Heschel’s Garden project has given students purpose and optimism as they have grown vegetables and herbs, year-round, and donated their bounty to the Kosher food bank.

Remote and in-person learning options kept our ‘kehila’ connected and provided a safe, consistent, and dependable learning environment at a time when inconsistency and uncertainty was commonplace. When students returned to in-person learning, Kehila Heschel increased Resource support to assist those students who had found remote learning challenging.

As new families explore the option of Kehila Heschel for their children, they ask how well our graduates have transitioned to Middle School, especially during a pandemic year. Here is what students and their families shared with us:

• Well prepared academically and in many areas ahead of their classmates

• Adapted quickly to differences in delivery of curriculum and size of school

• Made new friends yet retained strong friendships as they stay connected with classmates