Dear Families,
   

This week, in the classroom, we started introducing the holiday of Chanukah.   Jewish holidays give us the opportunity to remember something special Hashem did for us.  Some questions we kept in mind while planning this unit were, "What is Chanukah?" and  "How do you we celebrate Chanukah?"  Some of the activities we did this week were read books, created menorahs out of clay, and played dreidel like the Macabees.  Here are some highlights of the week:

Discovery Table

As the children entered early in the week we had  a table top dedicated to all things Chanukah.  There were pictures of Menorahs, Chanukah books, a pretend frying pan, some latkes, gelt, dreidels and a Menorah with candles.  The children were invited to explore everything on the table.   Our friends loved taking the candles and putting them into the Menorah, taking turns spinning the dreidels. Later in the week the sensory table had all the same things inside hidden in sand and our friends had even more fun sifting for the Chanukah treasures, matching colors with the candles and the dreidels.

 

 

Our friends also explored olive oil. We discussed the miracle that happened so long ago when the Jewish people were trying to rebuild the Beis Hamikdash. They lit a Menorah with oil that was only supposed to last one night and it ended up lasting eight nights!  How do you light your Menorahs at home?

 

 

Music and Movement

 

At the beginning of the week we had a special guest come and do a Chanukah music and movement class.  Our friends spun like dreidels and lit up like candles to spread their Chanukah light. 

 

 

Social Emotional Opportunities

 

This week we celebrated 2 birthdays!  Happy Birthday to Bella and Yosef!

 

 

Fine Motor

This week the children were invited to use clay and candles to make their own Menorahs.  Some friends chose to make "cookies' and "cake" instead. 

 

Blocks

We used tape to create a giant Menorah on the ground in the block center.  Our friends were invited to use blocks and trace the Menorah.  They chose to extende this activity by walking and trying to balance on the blocks.  We focused on discussing parts of the Menorah and even pretended to light the candles!

We had such a fun week!  

We wish you a Happy Chanukah and a peaceful Shabbos!

Morah Felicia and Morah Shaina