Shabbat

Dear Parents, 

    Here are some of the highlights of our second week of Shabbat:

 At the beginning of the week we discussed some things we do to prepare for Shabbos.  We read a book called, "Is it Shabbos, Yet?"  This was great because it went over the preparation of the special day.   Is it Shabbos yet?  First, Gavin and Naveed prepare for Shabbos by cleaning all the dishes in the sink.  They worked together to scrub everything clean.  Even though the work space was tight with both of them working there, they found a way to work together.  They took turns using the sponge to wash then switched and took turns rinsing!

Is it Shabbos yet? No, we need to set the table now! Our friends created a beautiful tablecloth to set the table.  This week we created a colorful tablecloth using bubbles and watercolor.  We set up a bubble painting station by just adding some liquid watercolor to some bubbles and our friends went to town using their own straw wands to blow out bubbles. They enjoyed watching the bubbles land, pop and leaving behind bubble prints!  Rivkale and Ronan especially enjoyed this activity.  Ronan beamed with proud excitement when he discovered how to blow out of the straw gently to form the bubbles, and Rivkale liked to watch the bubbles pop onto the tablecloth laughing every time.  

Is it Shabbos yet?  No, we need to have candles.  In our Sensory table this week we used colored sand to fill bottles that we later turned into candle stick holders.  All the children loved pouring and scooping and got so excited when they discovered that the sand trickled out of the funnel.   Davis, Mia and Leah explored the longest figuring out different ways to get the sand into these tiny bottles.  Once their bottles were filled they would pour out the sand and start all over again.  They created layers of colored sand and a mixture of colored sand.  We discussed that the candles welcome the Shabbos angels and there should be a candle for each member of your family.

Is it Shabbos yet?  Not yet, we need a special cup for Kiddush.  This week our friends painted their very own Kiddush cup. Our friends used many techniques to paint.  Some friends dot and dab their cups and others use long strokes and some splatter the paint onto the glass.  Each technique created a different masterpiece. Morah Menucha tells us the special bracha we say on kiddush: "Baruch atah A-donay Elo-heinu Melech Ha'Olam Borei Pri Hagafen."  The children enjoy reciting their brachas. 

Is it Shabbos yet?  Yes!  we prepared all of our essential pieces to use for each Shabbos to come.

Over the next couple of weeks we will be introducing a unit on Eretz Yisrael. 
If you have any items that remind you of Israel or are from Israel that you would feel comfortable sharing with the class, please bring them in.

Thank you!
Morah Felicia and Morah Menucha