Success and fulfillment in learning can only be achieved, if a student’s under developed skills are detected and rectified.
Below is a foolproof check list which pinpoints the root of academic struggles a child or bochur may be experiencing, either in hebrew reading, Chumash/Rashi or Gemara learning.
1) READING
- Recognizing letters and vowels
- Speed and accuracy
- Interchanging nusachim; ashkenaz, chasidishe, sefardi etc
2) VOCABULARY
- Building a good vocabulary bank of hebrew words
3) COMPREHENSION
- Understanding the content of the text
4) GRAMMAR
- Breaking down words to the right components; pre-requisite to translating and understanding the text
- Deciphering shoroshim including the 7 types of hebrew verbs (7 binyomin)
5) CHUMASH AND RASHI SKILLS
- Translation and havana, implementing Rashi into the posuk
- Understanding and applying Meforshim
6) GEMARA SKILLS
- Methodology and translating/analyzing the Gemara by oneself
- Defining Gemara terms
- Rashi and Meforshim skills
7) SELF EXPRESSION
- Being able to communicate clearly and concisely what the text is saying
8) IDENTIFYING BRAIN DOMINANT
- Determines thought process in aiding reading and learning
9) NATIVE LANGUAGE
- Clarifying mother tongue prevents language mix-up which confuses understanding and expressing.
10) VISUAL ISSUES
- Accomodation, convergence, eye tracking deficiencies even with 20/20 vision
11) VISUAL PERCEPTION
- Being able to draw out facts and cases and apply them to the context
12) ADD/ ADHA
- Determining if a child has ADD/ADHD or other issues that may mimic this disorder
The above essential skills are crucial for the foundation of all Torah learning. Subsequently he will continue to struggle and inevitably losing cheshek for learning.
(An addendum to assessing a child’s scholastic profile should include school issues-bullying or relationship with the rebbe, family issues, health issues etc. Please refer to previous articles.)
For more information about Shaar HaTalmud’s upgrading learning programs, Rabbi Dovid Abenson can be reached at:
TEL: (1) 514 739 3629
shaarhatalmud.com
* Endorsed by HaRav Matisyahu Salamon Shlita, Mashgiach of BMG, Lakewood
Really fantastic clear concise I know what I’m dealing with and I what my child needs thank you Rabbi Abenson
Wow! What an elaborate clear way describing learning skills.
Thanks for sharing! I will learn and try to implement them.