Sefira in the General Studies Classroom

A High School classroom is an excellent space for growth-oriented discussion, even during secular studies. Bashy, a teacher of ninth-grade English Language Arts, uses literary pieces on self-growth topics during Sefira.

She sometimes brings in children’s books, too. The students love the lighter atmosphere that picture books bring.

The lesson is structured just like all other Literature classes, and the theme, rhyme structure, imagery, etc. spark quality literary discussion.

She has some favorites that she shared with us:

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Oak and the Rose by Shel Silverstein

Zebra Question by Shel Silverstein

The Journey of Success by Nancy Hammel

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Books that can be purchased at national bookstores

The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss

A typical Dr. Seuss-style book about a community of Sneetches who are divided into two groups: those with stars on their bellies and those without. Through the storyline, the Sneetches realize that their external differences do not define their worth, leading to a conclusion about equality and friendship.

Brings home the meaninglessness of peer pressure and how people tend to perpetuate such an environment.

Amazon Link

One by Karthyn Otoshi

A book about a group of colored circles who stand up to Red, a powerful color that shames and excludes Blue. Through a simple narrative and vibrant illustrations, the book conveys a message about the importance of individuality, friendship, and the impact that one voice can have in creating more inclusivity.

Amazon link

ZOOM by Istvan Banyai

Well-known book that shows a picture and keeps zooming out further and further to add perspective. The children in the first picture are really on the cover of a magazine, in an ad on a bus which is pictured on a tiny postage stamp, and so on.

Can be used to highlight how limited our view of a situation can be. Can be used to encourage taking a wider perspective, or to be dan l’kaf zechus.

Although this book has no words, there is quality to the experience of sharing this book with your class.

Amazon Link

Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

A hilarious, almost nonsensical book about a boy who gets his kite trapped in a tree and keeps throwing items at the tree, and they all get stuck too. Highlights how we sometimes react to challenging situations in ways that either don’t solve them or even make them worse.

Amazon link

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