Before I made Aliyah, I was an early childhood educator for a decade. My background is actually in early childhood special education, and though I’m not actively working as a preschool teacher, contemplating modern-day educational practices is still something that I care deeply about. I received my Master’s Degree from an institution that prides itself on educating educators in a “progressive-minded” way. What this meant from a philosophical perspective was that we learned how to focus on the children’s strengths, their natural interests, and their curiosity. And then develop curriculum and pedagogy to reflect those inherent values. For me, this out-of-the-box thinking inspired a lot of creativity both as a teacher, now as a parent, and of course in my reading of the Bible. How do we take tradition, rules, and expectations, but make room for each person’s natural tendencies as a thinker and learner?
This progressive approach to education finds an unexpected parallel in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in Isaiah 21:14, which states:
This verse, though brief, carries a profound message about responding to the needs of others. In the context of education, we can interpret this as a call to meet children where they are, providing them with the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual nourishment they require.
The concept of child-centered education aligns closely with this biblical principle. Just as we are called to offer water to the thirsty, educators are called to offer knowledge, guidance, and support tailored to each child’s unique needs and capabilities. This approach recognizes that each child has inherent worth and potential that should be nurtured and developed, much like the Jewish concept of each person being created in the image of God.
Progressive education, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, embodies this child-centered philosophy. One of its pioneers, Maria Montessori, developed an educational method that revolutionized how we understand child development and learning. Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, observed that children have an innate desire to learn and are capable of initiating learning in a supportive environment.
Montessori’s approach, much like the principle in Isaiah, emphasizes meeting children’s needs. She created classrooms with child-sized furniture and materials designed to be manipulated by young hands, allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace. This method respects the child’s natural developmental trajectory, much as we are called to respect and nurture God’s creation.
The importance of giving children what they need extends beyond just academic knowledge. The Book of Proverbs, with its emphasis on wisdom and instruction, provides numerous insights that align with progressive education. For instance, Proverbs 22:6 advises:
This verse underscores the lasting impact of early education and the importance of guiding children in a way that respects their individual paths.
Progressive education, including Montessori’s method, recognizes that children need more than rote learning. They need opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and social-emotional competencies. This holistic approach to education aligns with the Jewish view of humans as complex beings with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.
Moreover, the concept of meeting the thirsty with water speaks to the importance of empathy and compassion in education. Throughout the Torah, we see examples of leaders and prophets who adapted their teaching methods to meet the needs of their audience. Moses, for instance, repeats and elaborates on the laws in Deuteronomy, recognizing the need to reinforce and clarify teachings for a new generation.
As educators, parents, and interpreters of tradition, we are challenged to find the balance between preserving our rich heritage and adapting our methods to meet the diverse needs of learners. By embracing our children where they are, we can create educational environments that are not only more effective but also more aligned with the compassionate and individualized care advocated in our biblical texts.
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