My name is Sunny Yudkoff, and I’m new here at Behrman House. From the moment I stepped in the door, I was in for a lesson—or three! Over the past two months, I’ve learned lots about history, Jewish culture, and Jewish educational philosophy. Perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned is that when you’re working with educators, you never stop learning.
Most of my time has been spent on the Look at Me series, which introduces pre-schoolers and kindergartners to mitzvot and the synagogue. I’ve written some more pre-school materials (keep an eye out for the April Golem Plan) and I wrote the Look at Me Teacher’s Guide (click for a free downloadable copy). Most importantly, I’ve spent time with my Behrman House colleagues and with educators, asking for advice, guidance, and oh-so-helpful opinions.
I’d like to share with you five tidbits I’ve learned while working on early childhood material:
1. Under no circumstances should a semi-colon be used. Seriously.
2. There are rarely too many food-based activities.
3. Exploring Shabbat as a “Sanctuary in Time” is hard to do with only ten words.
4. Nothing rhymes with “Hanukkiah.”
5. And, if you’re stuck, ask a three year old. They have amazing ideas!
As I continue to work on early childhood material, I hope that you’ll continue to share your advice and experiences with me. If you’ve implemented an early childhood program in your school that’s worked well, please share. If you have an idea for a preschool activity that makes every child smile, please share. If you are using the Look at Me series and have ideas...please share! I’m a willing listener, and I’m eager to learn from you.
The perpetual student,
Sunny
Sunny@behrmanhouse.com
Publisher’s Note: Sunny’s new here, but not so new. She was a summer intern—twice—during her time earning a B.A. in Yiddish Studies at Harvard University. She’s freshly to us from her Masters in Jewish Studies at Oxford. We’re probably going to lose her to a Ph.D. program, but in the meantime our books, and your curriculum, will be enriched by her work.
—David Behrman
