Skip to main content

Celebrating Hanukkah in Class

In keeping with our belief that it is important to expose children to different holidays, we celebrated Hanukkah in class today.

Of course, we made potato latkes...

We squeezed out all the water- cooking becomes a gross motor activity as we use our whole body!

We cracked eggs. Three people and three eggs- phew!


We fried them in oil-yum!

Comments made while watching them frying in the pan:

 Kensie: I see it getting brown a little bit.
Connor: It smells yummy. It smells like hash browns.
Miele: I think it smells good.
Connor: Hash browns, I love so much.
Miele: Me too!
Connor: There is hash browns at Great Wolf Lodge.
Miele: I have been there. We had a hot tub and a snow ball fight.
Connor: They have a scary ride.
Miele: My brother went on that. I can't go on the ride at the PNE.
Kensie: I went to the PNE. I saw the dog show.
Miele: I went to the dog show.
Kensie: Flip them (the latkes).
Connor: It smells like crab.

Everyone tried the latkes and this is what they had to say:

 Rhys: I tried it and I didn't like it.
Emma: I know I liked it 'cause I ate it in the blue class.
Jack: I super like it!
Sebastian: I LOVE it!
Jack: Oh my god! That's so yummy!
Makena: I want more.
Kahlen: Mmmm, I like it.
Ryhan: I don't like it.
Jordyn: I like it. I love it!
Connor: Good (this was through a mouthful of food)
Grace: Yum! Mmm, yummy, I like it.

This conversation took place while all three children squeezed onto our little footstool. You cannot see Miele because she is in front of them. This conversation demonstrated such a great ability to listen to each other, respond appropriately and keep the dialogue moving forward. I love how they share the events in their life; it reveals the importance of having special moments with our children. Taking the time to go to little get-aways or fairs as a family makes a very strong impression.



We played dreidel, with our own set of rules. When I explained the game and where it came from I also asked them to try to make choices that would make the game fun for everyone. This meant that it was not advisable to pout, argue or say that the game wasn't fair. Games like this have the potential for some explosive moments but today the game was calm and all were content. A true Hanukkah Miracle-  how appropriate for this game!




We talked about the Menorah and I asked them why they thought there were 9 candles when the holiday was only celebrated for 8 nights. These were their answers:

Sebastian: Maybe 'cause there is an extra one.
Jack: Maybe they like it better in the middle candle.
Kahlen: If they lost one, then they have an extra one.
Emma: Maybe they think it looks nicer.
Jordyn: Maybe they just put an extra one.
Grace: Because they need candles for light.
Addie: Maybe they just make it like that.

Happy Hanukkah to all our families! 



Emily

Comments

Alexis said…
Once again, Emily, you amaze me!!

I love how our children can flit back and forth between conversation topics and nobody misses a beat.

We are truly blessed to be able to share so many wonderful experiences with our amazing children!

Happy Hanukkah!
29 November 2013 at 20:12
WRCC said…
Couldn't agree with you more Alexis- we are blessed! What a joy to listen and learn from their conversations!
1 December 2013 at 21:42
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MWF 4 Hour Class When I’m writing a documentation, one of the hardest things for me is to decide what pictures, stories and reflections I’ll share with you. There are so many joyful, meaningful moments and every day’s learning experiences! As I was selecting some of the class’ photos I found myself wondering: if we consider the classroom’s environment, the third teacher, what is mother nature’s role in a child’s learning and development? The exploration of natural environments nurture children’s curiosity and holistic learning as much, or even more, than a classroom. Some of the benefit of connecting children with nature include: supporting creativity and problem solving, increasing physical activity, reducing stress, promoting social emotional development. We see children as innate scientists, artists, builders… full of wonders and curiosity they can nourish and experiment while they are playing in nature. Exploring the snow  Olivia tested her movements in designing sno...
Post a Comment
Read more
3 Year old class - T/Th In our 3’s class, we had a conversation about using kitchen appliance and some safety rules around the grater the children were about to use. Luca, Victoria and Carter rushed to the bathroom to wash their hands. I think it must feel like a new experience. They  children watched me assemble the grater eagerly waiting to have a turn to operate the appliance. Everyday life is full of challenges and children need to test themselves in order to make decisions that is right for them as educators we need to show we are trusting them to follow the safety rules we have informed them. We feel from giving children these experiences they handle appliances safely and with a purpose, understand consequence to action.     Victoria places the lid on the Grater  Luca pushes the potatoes        Victoria scraps the grated potatoes.        Luca is placing the potatoes i ...
Post a Comment
Read more

3 and 4 Year Old Classes – Holiday Time

The preschool 3 and 4 year old morning classes have been busy preparing for the holidays over the past few weeks. Along with many other activities, each child has made a gift for their families. These gifts are now wrapped and ready to be sent home, and we are sure they will be well received! We also showed the children our Preschool Donation Box and spoke about the importance of giving to those who are less fortunate than us. We have decorated a Christmas tree and created two very large snowman (which will be on display at the family potluck!) It was fun to stand back and watch the children strategize and work together as a team. The preschoolers have also been practising the songs they will sing at the family potluck and for the Hugh Boyd Seniors. In the coming week they will be decorating a gingerbread cookie with their big buddy - this always makes for a fun day! Inspirational Paintings     ...
Post a Comment
Read more