Week of September 17-21, 2018
Room 8 started our week off by talking about Yom Kippur. We find that Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, is a very difficult and complex subject to explain to preschool-aged children. How do you explain the importance of refraining from food or drink all day to a 4 or 5 year old? Instead of trying to delve into the tough concept of fasting and repentance, we choose to focus on the importance of how one can be a better person in this new year. We asked the children, “What can you do better for your family or friends or how can you improve your behavior this year?” We were impressed by their thoughtful answers. For instance, Jordan explained that he would try and make breakfast for mommy and daddy since he likes when they make it for him. Amanda shared that she would set the table for her family to help her mommy. Scarlett said, “I am not going to fight with my brother and sister.” As the children demonstrated an understanding of what it means to improve yourself, we introduced the word, “mitzvah or mitzvot.” Ask your child what the word mitzvah means and ask if they can give you an example. While we do not discuss in detail the tradition of fasting, we emphasize that mommies, daddies, and all adults, excluding those who are pregnant or sick, refrain from eating until sundown. Then, one of the children asked, “Do kids fast too?” We explained that children are not old enough to fast because their bodies need the nutrients to continue growing. By the time one’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah comes, their bodies will be more prepared to fast. Since we all understood that we might feel tired or cranky when we do not eat for a couple hours, the children promised to be on their best behavior for their parents. We hope they kept this promise and you all had an easy fast!! Room 8 began a new daily class activity to enhance our vocabulary and critical thinking skills. At the end of each day, the children sit on the perimeter of the rug and challenge themselves to a fruit or vegetable challenge. This is when the children go around the circle and say one fruit. Each child must mention a different fruit, so they must listen very carefully to their friends’ information. At first, the children struggled to go around the circle one time without repeating a fruit that had been mentioned. Now, they are masters at the fruit circle! From blueberries and peaches to Granny Smith apples and cherries, the children are learning to think on a deeper level. Rather than simply mentioning an ‘apple,’ this activity promotes creativity in thinking and allows the kids to enhance their vocabulary. In addition, this exercise helps the children to develop their skills in focusing and paying attention to detail. Each child must listen to every child’s piece of information. If they do not pay attention, they might repeat one of the items that has already been mentioned, therefore forcing the circle to start over. While we improved the Fruit Challenge, we are continuing to strengthen the vocabulary in the vegetable area. This is the perfect exercise to lead us into the next holiday of Sukkot, where fruit is a main theme. We are looking forward to next week to begin this conversation and visit a Sukkah! Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see you all on Tuesday. Shabbat Shalom, Mari and Aaliyah Reminders:
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March 2020
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