Our Spring theme has begun, שְׁמִיטָה (Sh’mitah), with a focus on the agricultural sabbatical year, a concept that come up in the torah a number of times like in the book of Exodus, chapter 23 verses 10-13. In שׁוֹרָשִׁים (Shorashim– ‘roots’ for nursery) and שְׁתִּילִים (Shteelim– ‘saplings’ for kindergarten, this meant that we started with playing on …
Tag: dramatic play
Dec 02
Re-Enacting the Journey of a Jewish World-Traveler
The children in the School-Day Program spent two sequential Special Days last week exploring the journey of Benjamin of Tudela, the Jewish Spaniard who traveled for 14 years during the 1100s through three continents. After listening to his stories and looking through pictures of what his destinations might have looked like, the children enthusiastically painted …
Oct 21
It’s a Sukkah Time Machine!
The children in the School-Day Program at the Jewish Enrichment Center built an indoor sukkah out of PVC pipes, fabric, twine and branches. One child commented that he did not want to be transported back to ancient times while in the sukkah, and the concept of a sukkah time machine was born! The children individually made paper chains, then attached …
Jan 31
Introducing Eliyahu HaNavi
This week in Shorashim (‘roots’ for nursery) and Shteelim (‘saplings’ for Kindergarten), we started to hear and talk about the character, Eliyahu HaNavi. We heard and introduction to the text, which comes from I Kings, chapter 19: Eliyahu Hanavi was a leader. He was trying to make peace between people. (Eliyahu HaNavi was trying to …
Dec 13
Chanukah Play is Underway
Chanukah play is underway in Shorashim (‘roots’ for nursery) and Shteelim (‘saplings’ for Kindergarten)! Our preparations for Chanukah , the children get to hear some favorite chanukah folktales and play chanukah in our house area, playing סְבִיבוֹן (sevivon- dreidel), making latkes to eat, lighting the נֵרוֹת (neyrot -candles) in our חֲנֻכִּיָה (chanukiya- a menorah that …
Mar 17
and…ACTION!
Rehearsals. ✓ Backdrops. ✓ Props. ✓ Costumes. ✓ Script. ✓ Must be time for a show! Check out some of the highlights from this morning’s premier. Chag Purim Sameach (Happy Purim)!
Mar 11
Purim is coming!
Purim is on its way, and first grade Nitzanim (“Buds”) are celebrating this joyous holiday with happiness, friendship, and fun! Children have spent hours putting on costumes, negotiating roles, and acting out Megillat Esther (the story of Esther). Stay tuned as we create backdrops, props, and costumes for a GIANT production! מסכות (masechot–masks) are always …
May 15
Shorashim Gets Ready for Shavuot
The Jewish holiday of שבועות (Shavuot – weeks) is coming up, and Shorashim is getting ready! We have been searching for as many shins (ש) as we can find, to help us learn how to spell Shavuot. We made some flower art outside, to enjoy the warm spring-time weather! We’ll be sure to use our art to decorate our …
May 01
Shorashim Helps Dubi the Bear
This past week Shorashim discovered a visitor in our space: Dubi the Bear! He is a staple at the Jewish Enrichment Center who lives in our סִפְרִיָה (sifriyah – library). He wasn’t feeling very well, and he heard that Shorashim was learning about showing חסד (chesed – kindness) to each other, so he decided to come on …
Feb 27
Shorashim Dress Up for Purim!
In Shorashim we have been celebrating the holiday of Purim. Purim is a joyous holiday which is traditionally celebrated by dressing up in silly costumes. This past week Shorashim had fun dressing up in a variety of ways! We designed silly costumes with foam pieces on sticky paper. We also came dressed up to school …