THE LEARNING PROCESS
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At Merkaz L’Chinuch HaTorah all aspects of the learning process are dealt with. We confront problems in Gemara, in Mishnayos, and in Chumash and Rashi; in teich (translation), in kriah, and in havanah (comprehension) and memory; in motivation, in attentional deficits, and in hyperactivity. In each instance we are concerned with the whole talmid and his specific problems. All sessions are individual and private: one rebbe-one talmid. With warm encouragement the talmid is taught the skills he lacks quickly and effectively.
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THE ADVICE OF CHAZAL
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Our method is based on the advice of Chazal combined with the latest educational techniques for the acquisition of learning skills. We maintain continuing contact with principals, Roshei Yeshiva and Gedolei HaPoskim, which enables us to handle each child’s problem with the guidance of Das Torah.
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Rav Simcha Wasserman zt”l was consulted regarding a variety of questions in chinuch. One story he related captures the essence of the Merkaz’s approach:“I was once faced with teaching Gemara to beginners of varying levels of ability. I figured, certainly one word they can all learn. So we learned one word and reviewed it many times. Then I said to myself, surely a second word would not be too much. We learned that as well. Now they’re lamdanim, they know all of two words! We continued learning two words at a time, completing many pages of Gemara with good understanding.” This deceptively simple advice says a great deal about our approach at Merkaz L’Chinuch HaTorah. Learning skills are analyzed and broken down into simple, easily acquired steps. Mastery of the material learned is emphasized. A warm encouraging attitude is provided. And finally, success in small tasks becomes the most effective motivation for the talmid to continue developing his skills to an advanced and independent level.
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MOTIVATION AND SUCCESS
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Of course, not every talmid responds to an approach limited to three steps and warm encouragement. A conservative count of the breakdown of Hebrew reading skills come to 259 skill steps! And many talmidim need rewards and prizes, contests and learning games, along with the encouragement. But whatever the number of skills and however many prizes, the talmid’s own success in limited tasks always provides the most genuine, effective and lasting motivation. On this point Chazal, secular educational techniques, and the Gedolim of today concur. And it is this approach that is the cornerstone of our program at Merkaz L’Chinuch HaTorah.
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ENGLISH STUDIES
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English Studies are an important part of every Yeshiva child’s education. English and math skills and proper study habits form a basis for success in adult life. Effective language skills are also essential for the total development of a child or adolescent.
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Remediation in all areas of secular studies is offered by Merkaz L’Chinuch HaTorah using the latest innovative materials within a proper Torah environment.
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Enrichment programs are also available. These provide the capable student the opportunity to cover in a few sessions a week the essentials English subjects for his grade level, freeing the afternoon hours for an accelerated Limudei Kodesh program or other activities.
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ENRICHMENT SERVICES-LIMUDEI KODESH
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Many average and even gifted students can benefit greatly from individualized and structured tutoring. A student of ability will often realize his true potential in a one-to-one rebbe-talmid relationship.
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ADULT EDUCATION
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Adults can also experience learning problems which can be a source of frustration and embarrassment to them. An appropriate individualized program is developed. With encouragement and understanding, the adult is taught the skills he lacks quickly and effectively.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
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The work of Merkaz L’Chinuch HaTorah is recommended by esteemed Roshei Yeshivas, including Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg zt”l, ylb”l Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky shlita, Rav Reuven Feinstein shlita and by scores of principals, rebbes, teachers and educational evaluators throughout the New York area.
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