Ms. Susan Goldman
18 Torahtree Drive
Chicago, IL 60618
Dear Ms. Goldman:
I'm looking forward to studying about Israel with Amy. We will meet for fourteen Sundays from 9:30 to 10:25 in Room 32. 1 want to make sure that our classes are as productive and as much fun as possible. In order for all of us to be able to hit the ground running, I'd like Amy to come to the first class with the following:
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Our textbook: David Bamberger's A Young Person's History of Israel.
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A notebook with pages that can be pulled out neatly or a three-ringed binder. I prefer a notebook with a pocket so Amy can keep together the handouts I distribute. If she would rather clip them to her notebook, that's fine. I'll provide a clasp.
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A reliable writing implement.
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Glasses or contacts, if appropriate. We will be looking at a video.
I have chosen this textbook because it is as up-to-date as anything on the market. It explains a complicated political situation in language a sixth grader can understand. It will also give her the resources she ,will need to participate not only in this class, but in her social studies classes in secular school as well. Moreover, you will find it a welcome addition to your home library.
Periodically I will be sending home some thought questions for Amy to discuss with you or with other relatives and friends. She will find the textbook helpful in this regard. You can use these questions as "carpool conversations" or "table talks." I welcome your participation.
You can help to make our Israel course a success in yet another way. Please call Amy's attention to stories about Israel in the media. A regular part of our class will be current events. Also, if you, your friends, or relatives travel to Israel, please ask them to bring back inexpensive, everyday items which we can use in our classroom: newspapers, candy wrappers, bus tickets, advertisements, and the like. They will help make Israel a real place rather than an abstraction.
I look forward to working with you in making Amy's religious school experience as meaningful as it can be. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.
Sincerely,
Carol K. Ingal
