Can a robot light a chanukiah? One of the hallmarks of a Yavneh education is our dedication to integration – we believe that integrating curricular strands leads to a more meaningful and relevant learning experience for our students. Read more
Our STEAM program highlights the very best of integration. For the 7th year in a row, Yavneh is partnering with the Hour of Code to promote the importance of teaching Computer Science from a very young age and promoting access to technology to kids all around the world.
Whether teaching via Zoom, or in person, students in our school are exposed to robotics and coding integrated with other subjects making Computer Science a meaningful experience! We even have unplugged activities where no screen or devices are needed that teach the thinking building blocks of computer science.
This year with the Hour of Code falling right before Chanukah, our first graders applied computer programming to Jewish Studies; the Dot and Dash robots helped the first graders understand how to light the chanukiah. The students had to figure out how to code Dash (playing the role of the Shamash candle) to light each candle, represented by Dot. Together we reinvented an age-old ritual for the modern era. When children can be curious, create and play and teachers can collaborate there is no limit to the learning that can happen.
May your Chanukah be filled with as much light and joy as Kitah Alef had learning to code their robot chanukiah. A special thank you to Kitah Hay for creating the music for this Chanukah video.
Chag Chanukah Sameach,
Morah Vanina, Rabbi Hahn Tapper, and all of us at Yavneh
