This week in Room 9 we have been focusing on the holiday of Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. We discussed the importance of our actions and how they impact ourselves and those around us in either a positive or negative manner. We talked about mitzvot, - good deeds and how they make a difference in our lives. Through books, flannel stories, and deep and meaningful conversations we were able to put this most important holiday in a context that each child could understand and appreciate.
We asked the class an open-ended question: How can we be a better friend, son or daughter, brother or sister in the coming year? The answers were simple, yet profound. Avery said: “I will make a picture for someone who is sad and put it on the wall to make them happy.” Hunter said: “By not hitting or kicking or biting. But sometimes my little brother does bite.” Ryder said: “You cannot fight! I will hug my brother.” Whitman said: “I can be a better brother to Truman by not pinching and flicking him. I’m going to play with him and go to sleep with him.” Isabella said: “Hitting is not good. We can play every day.” Jordan said: “I will give my brother toys. I will share toys with him so he doesn’t cry.” Liora said: “I will hug my mom and dad and when my dad comes home I will hug him.” Adler said: “I will play with and hug my brother and I will kiss him and sleep with him.” Jake said: “I won’t bite and pinch and punch my baby brother and my bigger brother. I’ll hug them and kiss them. I’ll help mommy and daddy.” Sonny said: “By helping my parents and putting my sister and brother to bed.” Riley said: “I’ll give my baby sister a hug and I’d like to make best friends with Hunter and Jake by playing tag.” Sarah said: “I won’t hit my sister and I will hug her.” What lovely, sweet, and well-thought out answers. In Room 9 we also pick jobs at the beginning of every week. It is a ritual that each child looks forward to with anticipation. These jobs are important for a variety of reasons. Speaking in front of a group, with a strong confident voice, while using complete sentences is an important and empowering skill. When the meteorologist checks the weather, or when the counter counts how many are in the line, each child takes their job seriously and with intent. The children learn to take responsibility and care for their classroom. On Monday we had our first Music class with our music teacher, Maestro Kates. It is held in the Music Lab, a beautiful space filled with drums, guitars and other musical instruments. We had a wonderful time learning new songs, and doing some movement. We will be having many more enriching music with Maestro over the coming year. Our next holiday is Sukkot. We will be talking all about what it takes to build a Sukkah, but also what it takes to build other types of buildings as well. If you have any books about Sukkot, or books about buildings…please bring them in to share. A big Mazal Tov to Jake and the entire Atias Family for the birth of their new baby boy, Benjamin Noah. 7 lbs. 12 oz. We wish them all the best! Reminders: No school Monday Sept. 24 Sukkot No school Monday Oct. 1 Shemini Atzeret Wishing you Shabbat Shalom, Linda and Pnina
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Pre-K Room 9Linda Gafni Archives
March 2020
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