It's beginning to look a lot like Chanukah all around the room. We hope all of you had a good Thanksgiving. The children came back to school on Monday with smiles and ready to begin the week off with excitement. We began circle time with puzzled look. All our shapes on the carpet have turned into letters. We have also taken their pictures off the, "Who Came to School", board. Encouraging them to recognize their names and spell them out. It is so exciting to see the smile on their faces when they pick up the correct name and spell it out for each other. Some of the children have also begun to recognize their friend's names and help spell those too.
Chanukayot and dreidels are out and the class has begun to talk about the meaning of Chanukah. Soon the class will be filled with the smell and glow of the lights and treats to celebrate the holiday. We talked about the Maccabees and how they fought to keep the traditions and love of learning alive for the Jewish people. We also discussed the meaning of the oil and why our tradition has us eat delicious fried foods. We had so much fun Wednesday morning rolling out sugar cookie dough, using Chanukah cookie cutters and decorating with white and blue frosting and sprinkles. With all the fun we had when the children came in today, we sadly had to stop and address some not so pleasant behavior. The children are starting to test the boundaries in school. We have had talk about the breaking of toys, ripping books and not listening to teacher's instructions. We are sure that if you have not heard about this, you will shortly from your children. Don't grill them this weekend, the conversation should come about naturally. Pushing boundaries is age appropriate, we do it all our lives. Always looking to grow and take steps forward. We missed seeing Rabbi Josh this week, as he was not feeling 100% Thursday. The children began learning how to make paper chains on Thursday. We will be putting it together to form a Chanukayah. Andrew was the highlight of Thursday, as always. He sang Chanukah songs with us as we dance around like dreidels and marched around the room as if we were Maccabees strong and proud. Starting on December 8th, (next week), the 2nd Friday of each month will be our "Family", Challah baking. You are more than welcome to spend the first ½ hour of class, 9-9:30 helping to braid, roll or just be with your child and participate in our Challah preparation. Please remember to put names in your children's clothing and lunch box items. Many of the children have the same jackets, water bottles etc. We are trying not to mix things up and they are now hanging up their own jackets on the hooks outside. We would also appreciate low top sneakers and Velcro, as part of our on-going curriculum, we continue to work on self-help skills. This will encourage your children to be able to take their shoes on and off, (we get lots of sand during outdoor play time). Popcorn is a choking hazard. You need to refrain from including it in your children's lunch and remember we are a, "nut sensitive", campus. Please refrain from sending any food items that contain all nut products. We had a yummy visit to the Beit Issie Farmer's Market. All of the children brought Tzedakah money to help support our efforts and take care of the families and children at the Beit Issie School. The additional Tzedakah money collect will be used toward the "Light Up Literacy" campaign. Our class will donate $50 to purchase books. We discussed helping others during our Shabbat circle this week and how much we love to read. Shabbat Shalom to each of you. Fern, Ren and Julia Reminder: Light Up Literacy Campaign has begun. Flyers were sent home this past week. Please help Guatemalan Children enjoy and celebrate the holiday season with books to read and cherish. Shabbat Family next week are Dior and Sebastian December 12th, Tot Shabbat December 14th, Room 12 Chanukah Party 10:30 am. December 15th, last day of school for winter break, we return on January 2nd
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