This week we spent a lot of time planting and working in our garden. These fundamentals of scooping up the dirt, placing the seeds in the pots and pouring the water all take fine motor control and strength. As kids garden, they develop important motor skills that will help them improve their academic skills such as writing, cutting and typing. These concepts promote hands-on experiences. Gardening is a wonderful introduction into the world of science especially botany, biology and chemistry. When kids plant their first seeds they become curious about what will happen next. They make their own hypothesis and monitor the progress each day. Without even realizing it, kids are learning the basic steps of the scientific process. As kids get older, they learn about the impact of sunlight and water on the growth of a plant. They learn which plants need more sunlight, which need less water and how long they take to grow. Gardening even offers wonderful science lessons in your own home.
On Tuesday this week we prepared for our mini Tu B'Shevat Seder. Some children helped by squeezing citrus fruit like lemons and oranges to make juice, while others cut and prepared the fruit they brought in to class. Then on Wednesday the children had an opportunity to taste many different types of fruit that grow on trees, both fresh and dried. Many of the children had tried things that they never ate before and discovered that they are delicious. Others decided that they didn't like certain fruit. During our group discussion we talked about differences and similarities in all types of fruit. We found out that anything that has seeds inside is a fruit, even cucumbers and tomatoes. Also there are some fruits that you can eat the skin or seeds and others you can't. This was a great experience for all. We would love for dads and grandfathers to join us at any point during the week from 9 -10am and enjoy a special morning of play and learning with their children. On Friday please be our guests at a brunch @10 and Shabbat service @11 on Friday February 9th in honor of you! RSVP using the link below. http://evite.me/nbr9ZqSK9v Shabbat Shalom, Cindy and Courtney
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