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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
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