REMINDERS* This week we began our study of the holiday, Purim. The children first heard the Purim story at circle time, and then spent the week retelling it to one another using the flannel board and other props. We are observing the children using and sharpening their language skills as they practice the art of storytelling. They are speaking, listening, developing their vocabulary, and calling upon beginning reading skills that we have been learning in class. Creating their own story involves thinking about cause and effect, problem solving, exploring relationships, manners, and cooperation. The children really enjoyed dressing up as their favorite Purim characters. As they dress up and pretend, they are learning all kinds of things about belief, about character traits, about their place in the world. Children have vast, open imaginations. They aren’t constrained by what they know about the world; their minds can go anywhere. By pretending to be other people, children experiment with new ideas and behaviors. They can decide what they like and what they don’t. They can explore the elements of a new identity. This is one reason why Purim is so fun and fascinating to the children. Another topic this week was groggers. We talked about why we use them on Purim, and we listened to the many different sounds that different types of groggers make. Everyone made their own to use during the Purim story and at Temple next week. Some children also made other creations with water colors, markers, glue and glitter that will be hung in the Kingdom of Shushan. We also had fun learning about hamantashen, and how to make and bake them. The children made chocolate hamantashen for a Purim snack. Not only are children interested in what goes on in the kitchen, there are many benefits from getting involved. Cooking allows children to get instant feedback, which helps them learn and grow in self-knowledge. A relaxed atmosphere in the classroom offers an opportunity to talk and express themselves and to strengthen their math skills without even knowing it. Last but not least, cooking is fun! Having fun with your child in the kitchen builds positive memories, good vibes, and good food. Next week we will continue with Purim and end with a special dress-up day on Tuesday. Hope to see you at the Purim Carnival this Sunday! *REMINDERS* -Purim carnival Sunday -Purim dress-up day at school Tuesday March 10th
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