Classroom Visits with Mrs. Sarah Greenspan
In today’s world, where emotional intelligence and social skills are as essential as academic success, our kindergarten students at the Hebrew Academy had the opportunity to experience a special moment of emotional learning through a captivating story, A Little Scribble SPOT, by Diane Alber. The story was beautifully brought to life by Mrs. Sarah Greenspan, our dedicated School Counselor. While this was a single snapshot of her ongoing work on our campus, it showcases her passion for helping children navigate their emotions. Sarah shared, 'I love seeing the lightbulb moment when children realize they can name and understand what they're feeling.'
Mrs. Greenspan has a gift for connecting with young children and helping them navigate the complexities of emotions and social interactions. Sarah shared, 'Helping children find their voice and understand their emotions is the cornerstone of what I do. It’s about equipping them with tools they can use for a lifetime.' During her visit to the kindergarten class, she used vivid illustrations and relatable characters in the story to help students identify and begin to give language to their feelings, taking a vital first step toward managing them and laying the foundation for healthy emotional development.
Beyond the classroom storytime, Sarah works closely with our students in small social groups extending throughout elementary, middle, and high school. These sessions tackle the challenges of making and maintaining friendships while teaching students critical skills such as active listening, understanding non-verbal cues, and resolving conflicts constructively. Sarah also focuses on helping students develop healthy communication and assertiveness skills. She shared, 'I work with students to develop their ability to express themselves confidently and respectfully, which is key to building positive relationships.'
Sarah’s contributions align seamlessly with the Hebrew Academy’s mission to nurture each child holistically, showcasing the value of our unique approach to education. By empowering students to understand their emotions, she creates an environment where they can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. Her guidance enables students to develop a sense of self-awareness and resilience that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Sarah’s impact extends beyond our school. With her private practice, she continues to support families, a testament to her deep commitment to emotional well-being. She describes her work as 'an opportunity to inspire lasting change in the lives of children and their families.'
At the Hebrew Academy, we pride ourselves in nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and soul. To learn more about how we support our students, don't hesitate to contact us or schedule a tour. HACDS.org/tour
Let’s help our children build a future of confidence, connection, and kindness.