On Friday, November 15, Zahava Merlis, seasoned speech-language pathologist and owner of Firefly Friends Speech Therapy, PLLC, presented to AJA parents on “Salient Speech and Language Challenges,” the latest in a series of parent education events at AJA. Zahava currently works with several AJA and ECP students, as well as many students around Greater Austin. She provided important context on language, then walked parents through a range of important topics that impact how students learn: articulation challenges, expressive-receptive language disorders, audible processing disorders, dyslexia and dysgraphia, ADD, selective mutism, hearing deficits, and more. She also stressed the importance of making...
AJA News
Developing a Growth Mindset at AJA
One of the things we try to foster here at AJA is a Growth Mindset in our students, as articulated by Carol S. Dweck in her book, "Mindset." But what is a Growth Mindset, and how can education encourage children to develop one?
How This Torah Went from An Attic to the AJA
The students at AJA get to experience a real Torah service multiple times a week, but how did the 1948 Torah get here? It was the generous gift of Andrew and Andrea Bowen and their daughter Mychaella, an AJA alumna. The Torah was first commissioned by the Jews of Tripoli in Libya, but when the Jews were expelled from Libya after the founding of the state of Israel, the Torah went with them. Eventually, the Torah was lost in a synagogue attic. When the Bowens started searching for a Torah, someone rediscovered the Libyan Torah in the attic of the...
Making of the AJA Mural
Years ago, an AJA teacher and students created a fun mural on the large, blank wall of our MPR (multi-purpose room). But after hundreds of gatherings in that room -- from KabShab to class presentations to Tefillah to assemblies -- it was showing signs of wear and tear and needed a refresh.
We wanted to keep a mural, but what kind? A nature scene? Students at work? Jewish symbols? Or how about a little bit of everything?
How about a doodle wall? That all our students and staff members can contribute to?
It was a perfect plan, but it required a whole village to make it come together.
Science Fair
Science fairs play a crucial role in the education and development of students, offering a range of benefits that contribute to their intellectual, academic, and personal growth. Some key reasons highlighting the importance of science fairs include hands-on learning, critical thinking skills, research skills, creativity and innovation, presentation skills, interest in STEM subjects, and real-world application.
The Power of Field Trips
Field trips are more than just a break from the classroom routine; they are valuable educational experiences that play a crucial role in a child's development. Beyond the confines of traditional learning environments, field trips provide unique opportunities for hands-on exploration, interactive learning, and the development of essential life skills. Exposing children to new and diverse environments through field trips can ignite a spark of curiosity and interest in a particular subject.