ESL@TSD or ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING!

(English as a Second Language @Temple Shalom Dallas)

Our member-tutors told us what is like to be an ESL Tutor:

What is it like to work with refugees?… It is very rewarding to be a part of these refugees’ stories. They are here for a better life and learning English is a huge hurdle. Nothing makes me happier than to see the light bulb go off or for them to finally have the confidence to speak or ask a question. I see improvement weekly and feel like what we are doing has a great impact on their lives.

What do I need to be a good tutor?… I have never been a teacher but I am learning on the job. I realize whatever I can teach them is more than they have now as far as language. All you need is a good lesson plan handed to you and the desire to help others. Patience and a sense of humor helps too. Just being there every week shows them we care and want to help.

Please send an email to esl@templehalomdallas.org for details and to sign up! We work virtually with refugee students using an online curriculum, with a great group of volunteer teachers! Join us in this effort to help make a difference in the lives of families new to America, and reaching for their dreams!

FROM THE CLASSROOM AND (INTO) THE GARDEN!

Temple Shalom has been the recipient of two generous mini-grants from the Krause Family Immigration Initiative of the Union for Reform Judaism. This support has enabled us to build an online ELL program serving asylum seekers, immigrants and refugees. Our most recent grant is helping us to bring out students and their families into our garden!

Our intent for this grant is to provide a healing and helpful experience, (and as part of this grant) to plan, and “grow” foods that our students will be able to harvest, and consume through our emergent Justice Garden (our first phase garden is our educational garden, while the justice garden is in planning stages, with our big build coming soon).

WE ARE SO EXCITED! Email ESL@Templeshalomdallas.org to learn how you can support our efforts!

As an excerpt from our grant proposal states:
…Research demonstrates the profound healing effect of nature as a therapeutic mechanism for efficacy, resilience and renewal. Using a garden-centered ESL curriculum and nature-based healing approach, we want to share this outdoor resource for those refugees impacted by the traumatic events of their lives.

Through the harvest and communal acts of food cultivation and cooking, we intend to create community and grow feelings of purpose and hope – growing resilience using the combined strands of English learning and the garden’s cycle of planting, tending, and growing.

SHARE A SELFIE FROM THE GARDEN WITH US!

WHEN YOU TRY OUR CLASS’

GARDEN SCAVENGER HUNT. SCROLL BELOW! (use download arrow within the frame).

DROP BY THE GARDEN ON A SUNDAY

@ 9:30 A.M.

Garden Scavenger for Congregants

Education Initiative Resources

Our Temple Shalom Education Initiative is concerned with education throughout the lifespan. We seek to address barriers to education, as well as the supports necessary to encourage a lifetime of learning for all ages. Check out these resources on education, and look for opportunities to learn and participate!

SUPPORTING PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NEED THROUGH PTA MEMBERSHIP

Your children may have grown and flown, or you may have young children in one school…but did you know you can support needy PTAs locally, or around the State? PTAs support campus, teachers and students in many ways and could always use your support.

Did you know that you can support PTA – Texas, in your local community or statewide? Check it out here.

You can support our neighborhood PTAs (Spring Valley Elementary School is in on Alpha, down the street) right in our backyard district, Richardson ISD, and in doing so, support schools and students in need. Check it out here.

Early Childhood – High School

First3Years the Infant Mental Health Association of Texas addresses teacher education regarding infant and toddler mental health.

Reading Partners addresses reading intervention for K-6th graders in DISD.

Communities in Schools, Dallas Region or volunteer in North Texas.

Communities In Schools provides behavioral and academic support to students K-12. School Years:

JCRC Early Childhood Education Initiative: JCRC Education Initiative Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas

LIFE LONG LEARNING

OUR LIFELONG LEARNING VALUES

Temple Shalom’s Adult Education Programs

Other, personal Lifelong learning resources: National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at Northwestern University http://nrc.northwestern.edu/2016/08/olli-resources/.

And, of course, Lifelong Jewish Learning through the Melton School. https://www.meltonschool.org/