More Than Just Learning… It’s Living!

September 3, 2024

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Every day at Mirowitz, we capture countless snapshots of students actively engaging in place-based learning—both in the classroom and on the playground. Here, education goes beyond the traditional, with students immersed in hands-on activities, guided by teachers who serve as mentors, inspiring and encouraging them to take risks and think critically. 

At Mirowitz, learning isn’t confined to isolated subjects. Instead, our students participate in interdisciplinary projects deeply rooted in their surroundings, making education more relevant and meaningful.

This year, you’ll see place-based learning come to life in the following ways:

Interdisciplinary Approach: Our teachers design lessons that seamlessly integrate subjects like science, history, math, and language arts into cohesive learning experiences. Imagine a project on a local river: students delve into the science of ecosystems, explore the area’s history, understand the significance of water in Torah and the land of Israel, analyze the impact of human activity, and apply mathematical data analysis—all while honing their writing skills through detailed reports.

Connection to Local Context: Our curriculum is intentionally designed to connect students with the natural landscape, local history, and community issues.  Students learn about their surroundings through hands-on experiences like field trips, community service, and interviews with local experts. These real-world learning opportunities not only deepen their knowledge but also enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Sustainability, Stewardship, & Personal Relevance:  By linking education to the local environment, students recognize the relevance of their studies to their daily lives.  This approach fosters a deeper engagement with the material and instills a sense of responsibility toward their community. Our students don’t just learn. They become active participants and leaders in preserving and improving their world, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to their place in the world.

At Mirowitz, integrated, place-based learning is invigorating and authentic.  It might look different from the education many of us experienced, but it’s a key reason why we choose Mirowitz, a place where teachers bring content to life and students flourish in a dynamic learning environment. To me, Mirowitz is a space where education is more than just learning—it’s living.

L’Shalom

Morah Raquel