Activating Passive Competence: Hebrew Children's Literature, Fostering Instructors' Confidence to Use Biblical Hebrew in the Introductory Classroom

Classical languages instructors nowadays, seek new ways drawn from Second Language pedagogy and methodology, and communicative teaching, in particular, in order to enhance their teaching and their students' learning. Such new ways and activities often require 'producing' language (animated reading aloud of texts, leading a simple conversation, acting out a dialogue, playing games) which some instructors, in spite of their deep competence in the vocabulary and grammar of the language they teach, do not feel at ease doing. Proficiency in Modern Conversational Hebrew (which may take time to achieve), can certainly help Biblical Hebrew instructors overcome their hesitance and actively use BH in class. In this suggested shorter way, instructors can greatly improve on their 'production' of BH through Hebrew Story Time workshops. In these sessions they will enjoy listening to an engaging children's story, orally answer guided questions, and attempt to simply discuss interesting subjects stemming from it – all in Hebrew. Much of Hebrew children's literature is written in rich language, not too different from BH, and has good literary qualities. Suitable stories for the suggested workshops are short, have simple plots, and are illustrated. Initially written for children (some by renowned authors), they may still be considered 'ambivalent', understood by adults on different, higher levels, and are intriguing and thought provoking. Adult learners have long benefited from such stories in the Vancouver Mini Ulpanim . Slight modifications to texts (replacing post Biblical elements with Biblical) and adaptation of methodology (drawing from participants 'passive' but substantial familiarity with BH (is needed. Adapted stories will still keep their original style, charm, and effectiveness, will help BH instructors 'activate' their competence, and foster their confidence to vocally use BH in varied new ways in the classroom.