Purim

Dear Parents,
    Here are some highlights of our week:

Making Hamantaschen 

 Our friends took turns mixing in all the ingredients.  This was a multi-step and time consuming process that each child enjoyed and engaged in from start to finish.  Once all of the ingredients were mixed we saw the consistency change from liquid to a solid dough ball that each of us could manipulate and knead into their best triangle shape.  As we pinched our cookies We sang a song, "Nosh nosh a hamantash let's a make a Hamantash now."  Our friends chose between chocolate chips or raspberry preserves for the filling- everyone chose chocolate chips. They were all so excited to eat their cookie when it was finished.

Tzedakah Hunt
In our sensory table this week we hid coins in shaving cream!  The children hunted through the shaving cream to find the coins and put them in the pushkas.  The children enjoyed a sensory exploration in connection with early math skills as counting coins.  In addition, they worked their fine motor skills as they placed the pennies through the small slots.  This was a classroom favorite.  This also provided  us the opportunity to discuss that giving tzedakah is one out of the four mitzvot of Purim.

Purim character toss
This week we created different shapes using tape and placed the characters of the Purim story in each shape.  The Morahs called out a character and the children took turns tossing the bean bag to land on the character that was called out.  Bean bag games teach coordination, direction and body manipulation.

We also enjoyed building palaces in the block center, dressing up in the dramatic play area, and making festive masks for Purim.  Thanks for another great week!

Shabbat Shalom, Morah Felicia and Morah Menucha

Dear Parents,
     This week in the classroom we introduced our Purim unit.  We used puppets to introduce the main characters of the Purim story, King Achashverosh, Queen Vashti, Queen Esther, Mordechai, and Haman.  They joined us during Davening time and even snack time. Here are some more highlights of our week:

Basket Design 

One of our fine motor activities this week was basket weaving. We practiced making Shalach Manot baskets for our friends, one of the mizvot of Purim.  Our used friends cut up pieces of foam and empty baskets to weave the strips of foam through the holes of the baskets.  Through weaving our friends learn patterning, critical thinking skills, and problem solving.  Weaving in and out in a pattern, helps to refine their eye/hand coordination.  They also cross the midline, which reinforces brain development between the right and left hemispheres.

Group project

We painted and made crowns for costumes inspired by a the book, 'Sammy Spider's First Purim.'  Our friends have shown great progress in learning how to share.  Morah Felicia only set out 3 plates of paint and there were six friends painting.  Everyone worked beautifully together without any conflict arising! Way to go!

Sensory 

At our sensory table this week we explored and discovered sound.  With different size bottles and cans we added different loose parts to the containers to make various sounds.  Some sounds were loud and some were soft.   Next week we'll learn when to shake and make noise with our silly graggers.

Dramatic Play

The children loved playing in our Royal castle this week!  They baked Hamantaschen for one another, served up juice and meals on fancy plates and royal goblets.

Next week we will continue to explore Purim and don't forget to participate in spirit week starting on the 14th!  We can't wait to see what everyone comes up with. 

Wishing you a restful Shabbos.   

Morah Felicia and Morah Menucha

Dear Parents,
  This week we wrapped up our Israel unit with a special guest, Mia's mommy, Miss Lauren!  Miss Lauren came in and made Hummus with us. Our friends measured and poured, mixed and squeezed ingredients into a food processor and blended everything together. We watched the whole process of the chickpeas starting out as a little balls then turn into creamy tasty mush.  The children smelled, felt, and tasted all of the ingredients. When we were all done we got to enjoy a yummy snack we made all by ourselves!

This week our friends worked their big muscles in a maze obstacle course made out of streamers and tape.  The children were invited to weave through the maze trying hard not touch the tape. When they were done with their big workout our friends moved on to fine motor and started tearing the tape apart.  They had so much fun making confetti for Gavin's Birthday!

Next week we will be starting our Purim unit.

We are wishing you a restful Shabbos!
Morah Felicia and Morah Menucha