Multi-aged, Project-Based, Experiential Learning: Mayim

Update (July 2017): Temple Beth Shalom, Needham, MA

Model Description | Update 2017

Current Status:

Mayim continues to engage learners at Temple Beth Shalom. Although there have not been any noteworthy changes to Mayim itself, in 2017, the congregation launched a new and exciting sub-program called “Mayim Tamid”. Mayim Tamid is a combination of afterschool care and Jewish learning for students in grades 1-3.

Reflections of the Educator:

The educator shared that Temple Beth Shalom is most proud of the level of engagement among its children and families, as well as the "realness" of the projects in the curriculum. When the children engage in the projects, they make a real contribution to their community and sometimes beyond. This has created a sense of motivation and investment among the children that the educator has not seen in other programs.

For those communities interested in establishing a model like Mayim, the educator advises that the congregation will need to invest significantly in staff development and training, especially if they are making a substantial change in the way they approach teaching and learning.

Adopting a new approach can be overwhelming, even if exciting, and it is very easy for teachers to slip back into old ways of teaching because they are easier.

Having hours in teachers' schedules devoted to planning and professional development, as well as a curriculum coach or other professional to support them, is essential.