Authentic bilingual communication across the seas

On March 14^th two 11^th grade English classes from the Beit Yerach Regional High School in the Jordan Valley met 10 American high school kids who are learning the  Hebrew language in Nicolet High School in Milwaukee , Wisconsin.  The students from Israel presented their projects on children's rights to the American students and then they asked each other questions about children's rights in their respective countries. Finally, all the pupils listened to a fascinating talk given by Dr. Avi Tsur, English inspector for the Rural sector on Janusz Korczak and by Itshak Belfer,(84)  noted Israeli artist and graduate of Janusz Korczak's  orphanage.  What was unique about this meeting was that the American pupils sat in Milwaukee and talked by video conference to the pupils in Israel. 

This was the culmination of a year long collaborative project between the two schools.  On the Israeli side , were two 11^th grade 5 point classes taught by Helen Varulkar and Aviva Shapiro . During the school year the Israeli students worked on a research project about Children's Rights and read the book "Night" by Eli Weisel . On the American side were 11 pupils who study in a public high school  and are taught by Suzanne Weinstein.  The American students read excerpts from the book in Hebrew and by way of a forum, discussed the issues brought up in the book with their Israeli counterparts. 

The conference not only was exciting but also a meaningful learning experience for all the students on both sides of the ocean.  Itshak Belfer, with his charming smile and twinkling eyes captivated both Israeli and American students alike.  Moreover, the Israeli students got to 'show off ' their excellent English and present their projects in a real life situation while the Americans were able to proudly share their compositions written in Hebrew with the Israeli students.

Although this project meant a lot of very hard work for all three teachers we felt that it was well worth it, as it is meetings like these, which open doors to understanding each other and give our students a chance to use English in a very significant way. This was the second year that such a project had taken place and with any luck, it will not be the last.

Have a look at Aviva's powerpoint presentation from the Coordinators' Course. 

(Submitted by Aviva Shapiro)