As with all Jewish Holidays, we strive to make the story more than "something that happened a long time ago!"
We think through every detail of it, and consider what might be the most meaningful and age appropriate lessons we want the children to take from it.
We consider which parts to focus on, "to add all the drama and excitement to" and how we can make the story relevant to the life of a 3, 4 or 5 year old.
We hope you will enjoy the pictures and lessons from the first part of the story, as we told it to the children at Gan Camarillo.
We began by turning our dramatic play center into "Mordechai & Esther's home." The home was set up with lots of Jewish items, and props for the children to perform Mitzvot! At circle time I pointed out to the children all the pictures hanging on the wall, that depicted the kinds of things that would happen in Mordechai & Esther's home.
Pictures of (our Gan children) giving tzedakah, lighting Shabbat candles, inviting guests, sharing, loving one another, learning Torah/ Alef bet, creating shabbat in the home etc....
Attached to this Jewish home, was a "Mini Gan"- since Mordechai would teach the Jewish children Torah- we set up a mini Gan for the children, to take their dolls to! A mini Mitzvah Tree (for the children to create mitzvah notes for their dolls and each other), an Alef Bet chart (to teach the children) and taped spots on the floor- for "circle time" at the mini Gan.
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| Mini mitzvah tree that the children have been posting onto themselves |
I acted out how the children can "pretend to live" in Mordechai and Esther's home!
For 2 days- this was the LIFE and JOY of our class! Performing Mitzvot and learning Torah!
This was intentionally presented BEFORE introducing the glamor of the King Achashverosh & his palace!
The following day we turned the library into the Palace! I role-played King Achashverosh inviting everyone to his grand party!
King Achashverosh was a "show-offy" kind of person. He wanted to show off how much he had. When he invited people to his palace, it wasn't just to be nice & kind (like in Mordechai's home) It was to show off all his treasures!
King Achashverosh invited everyone to his feast...! It was going to be a lot of fun... but Mordechai said it would not be a good place for the Jewish people, since there would not be Kosher food!
As a class, we decided to ask Mordechai if we should go! After going back to Mordechai & Esther's home...and speaking to him about it...
The children agreed, it would be best to just stay home (even though it was SO tempting to go to the party, in the beautiful palace!)
At Mordechai's house... I gave the children treats, and said a blessing with
them on the yummy kosher food!
Back at the palace....
The children were able to see the contrast between the peaceful, relaxing, "mitzvot filled" home of Mordechai & Esther...versus the "bling" and "superficial" style of the palace.
The children were able to see the contrast between the peaceful, relaxing, "mitzvot filled" home of Mordechai & Esther...versus the "bling" and "superficial" style of the palace.
Next week we will continue the story...
Check the blog next week for how the rest of the story unfolds ;)
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| Solomon dressing up as Mordechai |
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