The depth of creative tutoring strategies for engaging English B'Yachad students seems limitless. That’s the impression I got after listening to Tutor Denise Wolpert share how she keeps her sessions fresh, interesting, and relevant—even after working for more than two years with her students.
Using Social Media for Visually Interesting Content
Denise is a savvy user of social media, leveraging images and ideas from Facebook and other online platforms. She compiles them into an ever-growing PowerPoint presentation, transforming her lessons into dynamic, visually engaging experiences.
Bringing Vocabulary to Life
One of her standout techniques involves categorized vocabulary lists. She presents vocabulary both graphically and in text on one slide, then follows with another slide displaying only images—creating an engaging, interactive way for students to absorb and use new words.
What kind of vocabulary should you introduce? If your student isn’t suggesting topics, consider themes tied to everyday life and personal interests—sports, weather, or photography.
Literature-based Learning
Tutor Jeanne Samet offers another excellent approach for students interested in literature. She reads an Israeli novel in English while her student reads the same novel in Hebrew. They then discuss what they’ve read in English, reinforcing language skills while sharing cultural insights. Here are some Israeli novels she recommends:
The Wolf Hunt by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen
The Hebrew Teacher by Maya Arad
On Her Own by Lihi Lapid
Children's Books as a Learning Resource
Another great suggestion? Children’s books!
Remember Encyclopedia Brown, the beloved series of mini-detective stories? One of our tutors is using these books to engage a student who loves mystery fiction.
The Bottom Line
There’s no limit to the creativity and resources you can use to make learning fun and engaging. Connect these ideas with core skill-building activities—like vocabulary expansion, mock interviews, and resume improvement—and the possibilities are endless!