Basic Hadracha Volume 1 (2006)

“No printed word, nor spoken plea can teach young minds what they should be. Not all

the books on all the shelves – but what the teachers are themselves”

Rudyard Kipling

Written and Edited by David Mordechai Favara

(© DMF 29th

November 2005) Internet: www.dmf.co.za/hadracha

Contents:

1. What is hadracha?

2. What is Informal Education?

3. What is “Dugmah Ishit”?

4. The Do’s and Taboos of basic hadracha

5. Why are Games important?

6. How to Plan a Great Peullah

7. 14 Steps to plan a peullah

8. Possible Triggers for Peullot

9. Possible games for Peullot

Dedication:

This booklet on basic hadracha is dedicated to all the great minds that have influenced

my life: my friends, my madrichim and my teachers – past, present and future.

This first edition is also dedicated to fellow Habonim Chavera and social activist Ashley

Kaimovitz, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2005. May her spirit inspire

many more future youth leaders.

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to Zev Landes (Habonim Australia and Israel) for sharing both his vast

knowledge of hadracha and his original hadracha papers with me for use in this

publication. Our conversations during the A-guard of Habonim Machaneh Neveh Shalom

2005 (www.habo.org.za) inspired me to produce this booklet.

I would really appreciate your feedback on this booklet. Please send any correspondence

to me directly OR to dmf@mighty.co.za OR David M. Favara, T4, UCT Medical

Residence, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.

1) What is Hadracha?

Basic Definition: “Guidance” and “Showing or Leading the Way” which arises

from the Hebrew verb “lehadrich”, meaning: to guide, to lead.

“Hadracha refers to the positive leadership practices performed by madrichim

working with channichim and living the ideals of the youth movement.” (dmf,

2005)

In the Habonim sense, the word “hadracha” includes both positive leadership

practice as well the acts of motivating and inspiring both channichim and bogrim

to achieve the ideals of the movement.

When practicing Hadracha, one acquires a treasury of skills (leadership, social,

managerial and life skills) all of which are very useful in enriching and improving

our everyday lives.

2) What is Informal Education?

Informal education is a method of education that is:

1) “person centered” (centered on the channichim)

2) highly interactive and

3) focused on learning new things through personal experience.

*A central focus of informal education is the individual and his/her growth

Habonim advocates informal education that includes exposing channichim to

various attitudes, opinions and outlooks in order for them to properly engage with,

and learn new information.

3) What is Dugmah Ishit?

Basic definition: “Leading By Example”

Dugmah Ishit involves: 1) setting a positive example for others and

2) basing your actions on your beliefs.

“Dugmah Ishit” / “Leading by example” is the basis of all good hadracha!

Leading by example is the best way to educate, motivate and inspire channichim

(and all people in general).

Something to think about:

1) What makes a good Leader?

2) What qualities should a maddrich/a strive to achieve or avoid?

3) What is the difference between a madrich and a teacher?

4) What is the difference between a madrich and a parent?

4) The Do’s and Taboo’s Hadracha (A Basic Introduction)

The Do’s (Positive Commandments)

1) Personal Example:

A good personal example (Dugmah Ishit) is the most powerful way of educating.

2) Active Participation:

Always take part in all activities. Active participation is the key to cooperation:

Never say “pick up those papers” but instead say “let us pick up those papers”

(the madrich must participate too!). If your co-madrich is explaining something

that needs to be done, then you must take part with the channichim.

3) Live your Tochnit and Peullot:

Need you need to always try and be enthusiastic – even when you don’t feel like

it. Channichim in general are very perceptive and can easily detect true or false

sincerity.

4) Praise Efforts:

If a channich has made an effort to so something or has done something good,

they deserve to be complimented about it. Never ignore creative achievements or

efforts.

5) Be consistent in your decisions:

If you say “no” then it’s no. Don’t be fickle in your behaviour as this can result in

a loss of respect and trust for you. Be flexible but firm.

6) Punctuality and Routine:

Always be on time. Punctuality demonstrates efficiency and reinforces their trust

in you. If you want the channichim to be on time, you must lead by example.

7) Show Sincere interest in each channich/a:

Your relationship with your channichim does not only consist of 3 hours of

peulah time during the day. It is very important to spend unique quality time with

them during their free time and take notice of their hobbies, interests and families

etc.

8) Talk to them on an equal basis but maintain respect:

Patronising and condescending behaviour towards channichim can be humiliating

and will result in a loss of respect for you. Speak to the channichim on an equal

level. Maintain respect by not confiding in them about your own problems when

they tell you theirs (use this rule with discretion)

9) Encourage Shy and Introverted Channichim:

By encouraging them and by giving them tasks to do with other people, you can

help them begin “coming out of their shell”.

10) Always try to be positiveAnd Smile

Always remember that a smile is contagious

The Taboo’s/Don’ts (Negative Commandments)

1) Always Maintain Self Control:

Never shout hysterically at Channichim. Hitting a channich/a is the greatest crime

a madrich can ever commit.

2) Never have favourite Channichim:

It is important to never show that you favour one channich/a over another. This

will result in jealousy and will create mistrust between the channichim and the

madrich/a.

3) Never have “pet” hates:

Don’t ever show your dislike for channichim who irritate you. However, if they

are disruptive, it is important to criticize their behaviour but NOT their individual

self.

4) Never lie to channichim:

Channichim can tell when someone is lying. If someone asks you a question and

you don’t know the answer, tell them you don’t know it and will get back to them.

Then go look it up!

5) Never be unfair in awarding prizes:

This will create unhappiness and jealousy and may isolate channichim.

6) Never display physical affection towards a channich/a:

Other channichim will immediately notice if you display particular warmth to a

“favourite” channich. This will result in jealousy and mistrust.

7) Never embarrass channichim or maddrichim ever (privately or in a group):

Never humiliate or embarrass anybody!

8) Don’t ever argue with or contradict another maddrich or channich in front of other

channichim.

9) Never Chase disruptive channichim during a peullah:

In all age groups channichim often enjoy conflict with an educator. If everyone is

sitting and listening to a story (in a group) and one channich/a gets up and runs

away, don’t run after him/her. Running after them will only disrupt the group and

create chaos. However, it is important to privately deal with the channich/a after

the activity.

10) Never patronise or talk down any channichim or maddrichim.

5) Why are Games Important?

Games are very useful in hadracha and are used: (This list is not exhaustible)

1. To learn names

2. To break the ice (icebreakers are very useful)

3. To create a positive atmosphere

4. To set the mood for an ensuing activity

5. To promote effective communication

6. To release energy and tension

7. To enhance group bonding and group building

8. To enhance the transfer of information

9. To promote enthusiasm within groups

10. To break monotony

When teaching games:

1. Always explain how to play the game, even if everyone says they know how to.

2. Use fellow madrichim as an example when explaining how to play.

3. Be cautious when letting kids explain, as they may have different rules.

4. Be flexible with the rules if a game is not working

5. End the game at its peak (Cut it while it’s hot)

6. If the actions are complicated, get the channichim to repeat it after you.

7. Be aware of excluding kids too early (eg in the game “bang”)

8. Madrichim not teaching the game should be with the channichim, helping them

learning the game.

6) How to Plan a Great Peullah:

Things to consider before planning a peullah:

Age of the channichim

Number of channichim present

Setting the mood and atmosphere of the venue (candles, incense, music, posters,

colours, dressing up, art etc)

Ideal location of the peullah

The volatility of the weather (especially in the Cape Province)

The level of the channichim’s chinnuch (education)

Length and time duration of the peullah

The state of mind the channichim will be in at the start of the peullah

Before planning commences, one needs to have a theme/topic for the peullah. The theme

of the peullah must be in line with the general tochnit of the machaneh (the educational

plan of the machaneh)

A Habonim peullah consists of 4 sections. These are: Aim, Trigger, Method and Sikkum.

1) Aim:

The Aim is the most important part of the programme. It should be carefully

considered, and must always be kept in mind when planning a program.

When planning a peullah, always start first with developing the aims. (The more

time spent developing the aims, the better)

The aim(s) must be associated with the theme of the peullah.

The aim includes: 1) what you are trying to achieve by running your program, and

2) what the channichim should leave the program with.

2) Trigger:

A trigger is game or activity that is used to “trigger” off thoughts, questions or

issues relating to the program and the topic.

A trigger sets the atmosphere for the activity. (TIP: Good triggers incorporate all

5 senses: hearing->music; incense->smell etc)

Triggers are run in an informal, usually fun manner.

They do not necessarily have to directly link to the program: e.g. they can prompt

thought about the topic or can be a metaphor for what the program is about.

3) Method:

The method is the main part of the program. It is this part of the peullah that you

fulfill your aims as outlined in the “aims” section.

When planning, it is important to choose a method that is relevant to the aim of

the program.

Remember to make sure that the method you choose is conducive to the

mood/tone and subject of the program you are planning.

Be creative with your methodology. Use a diverse range of methods to get your

message across. Never set limits on your ideas – remember that even the most

“far-fetched” ideas can be reworked to suit the camp environment.

4) Sikkum:

The Sikkum (Conclusion) is the section where one brings the aims of the peullah

together and then begins to end the peullah.

The Sikkum makes the aims of the peullah clear to the channichim and should

allow them to process the information they have learned. The Sikkum does not

need to lead to only one conclusion.

Sikkumim can be as diverse as methods in the way that they are run. A Sikkum

should have an order to it and should be properly planned.

The method used to run a Sikkum is important and should fit the atmosphere of

the peullah.

*) Tziud:

The tziud is all the equipment/materials that are needed for the activity.

It is important to have all necessary items ready before the peullah is run.

TIP:

When Running a Peullah:

Make sure beforehand that all the madrichim know what is going on. This will

help calm the channichim down and keep them interested.

Give disinterested/disruptive kids a responsibility – it will get them more involved

in the peullah.

Equally space madrichim around the group of channichim. Don’t sit next to each

other if you can avoid it.

“Cut the peullah while it’s hot” (“Drop it while it’s hot”). Don’t let it drag on.

Be original with methods. Channichim get sick of repetition.

Tziud etc should be planned and prepared well before the peullah and should be

easy to access during the peullah.

Always try to stay on topic during a peullah and keep whatever you say as

relevant as possible. If channichim are talking and stray from the topic, tactfully

bring them back into the peullah’s scope of discussion.

7) “14 Steps to write a Peullah”:

1) Select your Theme and Topic:

Does your selected topic correlate with the educational process of the machaneh

or mini-camp?

2) What is the Objective of the activity:

Decide exactly why you are doing this peullah. What are your aims and goals? Be

as precise as possible.

3) Brainstorm Ideas:

Write down all the ideas you can think of – without picking and choosing yet. The

more creative, the better!

4) Choose and Combine Ideas:

It is important to select and combine the ideas that 1) best suit your aim(s) and 2)

take the following into account: the age of the channichim, the time of day that

the activity will be run, and the number of maddrichim available for the duration

of the peullah.

5) Decide on the Method:

Expand on how you will implement you r ideas and write down all the

tziud/creative apparatus (materials) that you’ll need for every step of the peullah.

Be as practical as possible.

6) Write it up:

Transcribe the peullah into the standard written format: Aims/Objectives, Creative

Apparatus (all equipment needed), Trigger, Method, and Sikkum. It is important

to write clearly, outline and explain all procedures, and give estimated time

allocations for each section.

7) Assign Maddrichim:

Explain the peullah to your fellow maddrichim running it with you; allocate a

specific portion/task to each madrich running it with you and make sure each

person knows precisely what he/she is doing.

8) Prepare tziud:

Make sure you have all the materials you need well before you run the peullah!

9) Review it:

Go over the procedure in your own head and with all other maddrichim involved.

10) Discuss the programme of events with your fellow maddrichim:

Explain exactly how things are going to be run and explain all games and special

procedures. Take questions afterwards and make sure everyone understands the

programme of events.

11) Set the Scene:

Set the mood/tone/atmosphere. Make sure the location is clean and free of

distraction. Group and seat the channichim in a manner suited for the peullah and

run a few icebreakers to get their attention and set the general mood.

12) Go forth:

Go forth and lead the peullah with a smile and a positive mood. Be in control at

all times.

13) Sikkum the peullah:

Here you clearly and briefly summarize the aims of the peullah for the

channichim and bring the peullah to a close. Remember “Cut it while it’s hot” –

sikkum the peullah before it gets too long and begins to drag.

14) Evaluate the peullah:

Evaluate the peullah with everyone who helped run it. Think and make notes for

future use of what could be done to improve the peullah and give feedback

(constructive criticism) to fellow maddrichim who ran it alongside you.

8) Possible Triggers for peullot:

Army training

Scavenger hunt

Capture the flag (an old favourite)

The Song game

Model making

Painting

Theatre sports

Making a newspaper

Making a video

Writing a song

Making posters

Dancing

Telling stories

Jeopardy

Group surveys

Values auction

“Put in order”

Café Dilemma

An Exhibition

Simulation games

A Court case

Choose your own adventure

A Debate

“The Town Meeting” (dressing up)

Veida/asepha

The “postman pat” Sikkum trigger

A Market

Questions and envelopes to collect

messages/thoughts around the room.

Temperature Gauge

Mock Knesset Session

For more games visit www.kefkefkef.com!

9) Possible Games for Peullot:

Red Rover

Story game (one word each)

The chocolate game

The Taco Game (Mexican “I am hungry, run

to the border”)

Song Game

Wink Murders

Sock Wrestling

Word Diassociations

Kia

Ying Yang Point

Twisted Group Hug

Rumble Rumble Rumble

Train of Love

Duck Duck Goose

Dice games

Leg wrestling

Enchanted Room

Celebrities (standard)

Celebrities (the sound version)

Bang (Insult + Complement)

Simon says

Where are you Moriadi?

Shmeryl Berryl

Ibble dibble

Rabble Dabble

I am going to the market..

Bad habits

Concentration

Streets and Alleys (also known as cat and

mouse)

Honey if you love me give me a smile

Egg parachutes

Crossover clap

Shoot or Shake

Notes:

Notes: