Enhancing The School Experience through Movement: The Heder T'nuah
Research has shown that movement has a profound impact on learning and development in young children. At B’nai Shalom, teachers have witnessed the benefits of movement to the learning process: better concentration, better behavior, and boosted confidence. The use of movement focuses attention on the whole child, shining a light on their physical, cognitive, and emotional well being, which is why in the 2023-2024 school year, a dedicated team of professionals sought to create a purposeful, accessible space where movement is not only encouraged, but became a part of the daily school experience.
Students may choose to engage in large, gross motor movement such a jumping off of a trampoline onto a large foam-filled bag.
Making the Vision a Reality: Introducing the Heder T'nuah
The journey towards the creation of the Heder T'nuah was a collaborative endeavor, fueled by the drive to support and enrich the learning environment for all students at B’nai Shalom. In consultation with local occupational therapists, staff ensured that the Heder T'nuah would be more than just a room; it would be a haven for exploration, creativity, and growth.
Michele Knight, B’nai Shalom Child Development Specialist and dedicated Heder T’nuah Committee Member, reflects, "We started the design of the space from scratch. We began with tools and equipment for big, gross motor movement, but also wanted students to have the tools needed to explore smaller, fine motor movements, which are equally as powerful. The team designing the space also wanted an area to promote calm and exploration into the senses which can help to ground students who are experiencing big emotions. In all, we wanted a space for all students that could meet their holistic needs.”
Teachers and other specialists can have one-on-one time with students in the Heder T’nuah, where they can work on child-specific skill building.
Honoring Heritage: The Meaning Behind the Label
The decision to rebrand the movement room as the “Heder T’nuah” was not just about a new name, it was about redefining the space with intention and purpose. As the only Jewish Day School in the Triad, it was important to highlight B’nai Shalom’s Jewish identity by giving the space a Hebrew name. "Heder T'nuah" translates to "Movement Room,” reflecting the on-going commitment to incorporating Judaism and Jewish values into students’ daily learning and development.
The Heder T'nuah as a Classroom Resource
The Heder T'nuah is more than a place for physical activity, it's a sanctuary for students to recharge, refocus, and reconnect with themselves and each other. Whether students explore busy boards, seek calm in the putty or sensory bin, or engage in regulating movement on the trampoline, the Heder T'nuah offers many safe, accessible opportunities for students to reach their potential as they meet the academic demands of education.
There are so many fun tools in the Heder T’nuah to explore!
One of the most valued aspects of the Heder T'nuah is its versatility. Before standardized testing, a teacher may take their class to visit the space to get any anxious pre-test jitters out. Or, before a Preschool class is asked to rehearse for the Hanukkah Show, their teacher may engage students in a purposeful physical activity in the Heder T’nuah to release big energy before going on stage. The Heder T’nuah is not a space that caters to just one type of student or situation, but rather many. The Heder T'nuah empowers B’nai Shalom teachers to meet students where they are and to highlight the diverse needs of their student population.
The Heder T'nuah—Where Every Step Leads to Growth
The faculty and staff at B’nai Shalom are excited to continue exploring the powerful benefits of movement and play to support student growth and achievement and look forward to how this space will grow in the coming years. Welcome to the Heder T'nuah—where every move students make inspires curiosity, critical-thinking, confidence, and a connection to Jewish values.
