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The Jenga Tower of Kindness:

Thursday, 30 January, 2025 - 4:58 pm

Where 21st-Century Skills Meet Timeless Values

In a world that’s changing faster than ever, we all want more than just a strong academic foundation for our children—we want them to develop the confidence and skills to adapt, collaborate, and think critically. The future holds challenges we can’t yet predict, making it essential to equip students with both knowledge and the ability to navigate uncertainty.

But how do we prepare children for a world that doesn’t yet exist?

At Hebrew Academy, the key isn’t adding more coursework but transforming how students engage with learning. We ensure these skills become second nature by embedding resilience, kindness, and teamwork into everyday experiences.

A Hands-On Lesson in Kindness

One way we bring these lessons to life is through hands-on experiences. This week, Rabbi Popack engaged students in a simple yet powerful activity that turned the concept of kindness into something tangible.

Using a Jenga set and a thoughtful discussion, he transformed the timeless value of kindness into an unforgettable lesson on teamwork, responsibility, and personal growth.

What’s in a Tower? Building Life Skills Brick by Brick

Students at Hebrew Academy engaging in a kindness Jenga activity to build life skills

Each Jenga block was labeled with a kind act—helping a friend, sharing, saying thank you. Students could only add a block to their tower if they shared a specific example of when they performed or planned to perform that act.

What unfolded was remarkable.

The students quickly learned that building their towers took more than just balance—it required teamwork and communication. They had to listen to each other, take turns, and work collaboratively to decide which blocks to add and where.

One student remarked, “It’s like building the Beis HaMikdash! Each act of kindness adds a brick.” Another noticed that when the blocks weren’t placed carefully—or when teamwork faltered—the towers became wobbly and eventually toppled.

This wasn’t just a lesson in kindness. It was a hands-on exercise in collaboration, working together toward a shared goal, critical thinking, making thoughtful decisions to support the structure, resilience, and learning how to rebuild after setbacks. And what do you know? These are the very skills that 21st-century educators and employers identify as critical for success in school, the workplace, and life.

Collaborative teamwork during kindness Jenga activity at Hebrew Academy

Kindness as the Foundation for Academic Success

While the activity was rooted in the mitzvah of Ahavas Yisroel—loving and caring for others—it also demonstrated how Hebrew Academy integrates state-aligned educational goals with meaningful, real-world experiences.

  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The activity reinforced essential SEL competencies, including empathy, self-awareness, and relationship skills. By verbalizing their acts of kindness, students practiced self-reflection and learned how their choices impact others. 
  • 21st-Century Skills: Collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability were front and center. These skills align with next-generation educational priorities that prepare students for a world where teamwork and emotional intelligence are as valuable as technical knowledge. 
  • Holistic Development: Activities like these go beyond academics, showing that building strong, confident children starts with instilling strong, timeless values.

A Unique Approach to Education

It’s natural for parents to wonder: “Will my child’s education strike the right balance?” At Hebrew Academy, we hear you—and we’re here to reassure you.

Our approach isn’t about compromising academics for values or vice versa. It’s about weaving them together so our students grow into capable, compassionate individuals prepared to thrive.

Lessons like this Jenga activity are a perfect example of what sets our program apart. We’re not just teaching academics in isolation; we’re teaching children how to navigate life—how to be kind, lead, and think critically in the face of challenges. And as any educator will tell you, these aren’t just “extras.” They’re the foundation for success in every area of life.

From Towers of Kindness to Futures of Impact

Kindness isn’t just something to practice—it shapes who we become. Children's small daily choices—whether including a new student at lunch, speaking up for a friend, or showing patience—build strong relationships and resilience.

These skills don’t just prepare children for school; they prepare them for life. When kindness becomes second nature, students develop the confidence and emotional intelligence to thrive in friendships, careers, and communities.

At Hebrew Academy, learning goes beyond textbooks. It’s about shaping individuals who lead with integrity, kindness, and purpose. Because, in the end, success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you are.

Let’s keep building together.

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