In a Chalav u’Dvash classroom, Hebrew is taught only in Hebrew – Ivrit be Ivrit. However, it is not a daily block of hours taught in Hebrew. Research shows that children’s success in reading and writing (a mother tongue or second language) is based on well developed and rich conversational language. Therefore, the program focuses on oral language through systematic, spiral instruction and is based on approximately one and half hours of Hebrew a week – usually, but not always – taught in several 25-30 minute sessions. More time spent on Hebrew each week will enable the children to advance at a more rapid pace.