Gan Camarillo Preschool: Alef Beis Avenue!

Alef Beis Avenue

Of all the alphabets in the world, the Hebrew one is unique because its letters were created by G-d Himself. Not simply colorful cutesy drawings, each of the letters have deep symbolism in its sound and shape and teach us many generalities of wisdom.

This week we planted seeds for the children's recognition of where these letters come from, so when the time comes for them to actually read them- they have the background knowledge. The children were surrounded with these holy letters, permeating their minds with meaning and spiritual ideas.

Enjoy the many different ways Alef Beis were part of our week!

Direct from the source

Children innately wish to see/experience life in its purest, most authentic form. (Real metal pots and pans in the kitchen are way more exciting than the brightly colored plastic ones on the playroom! )

So when we introduce the Alef-Beis, we want our students to see the letters straight from the source- the Torah!

We looked inside a "Chumash"- which is the printed version of the Torah. In here, the children were able to see the letters in the way that they were initially revealed to the world. (we will find opportunities to show the children a real Torah scroll, for now we used the chumash.)

The Torah is quite big ;) so we brought in a Chumash.

The children were fascinated how small the letters were! Aron found an Alef for his name!

When we began our Davening circle, it was so much more meaningful to sing the Alef Beis.
Max enjoyed the special job of pointing!

New book in our Story book felt center

This weeks book was "Good night my friend Alef" by Tova Mordechai

Levi Lubin was very excited about the change he noticed.

Alef for Esrog (citron fruit for the holiday of sukkos)- the children had fun finding the matching letter to the hebrew word. This was a great memory game as well as an opportunity to learn new Hebrew words!

Levi found the Besamim (spices) for Beis

Alef Yoga

Started off with breathing techniques.

We used our imagination to "smell a flower" to inhale, and "Blowing out a candle" to exhale. It was very calming for the children.

Colored tape on our carpet helped us stretch our whole body in the shape of an Alef!

Alef Beis Pretzels!

While making delicious Alef beis pretzels our little chefs also benefited from a math lesson. Following the steps of a recipe and reading the numbers on the measuring cups and spoons.

Exercising patience, waiting (happily;) for our turn to mix.

Each child created the first Hebrew letter in their name. Levi was being really resourceful by finding another Lamed on the baking tray to create his own!

Yehudis was thinking about her mommy so she wanted to make the letter Mem for mommy ;) and made a Ches for her brother Chaim!

Can you BOUNCE the BALL on the letter BEIS?

While the children were exposed to the phonics and recognition of the letter Beis, they polished up on some gross motor and hand-co-ordination skills. Lots of focus and control keeping the ball bouncing on our letter Beis, belly button!

Bringing the letters into our daily routines.

Everyday we read a Mitzvah note for each child. This week after reading their Mitzvah note, the children were invited to find "their" letter (of their name) and place their note on it.

Dovi put his mitzvah note on the Daled.

Shua proudly put his on the Shin

Chalk painting!

For some outdoor education, we drew chalk Alef Beis on the ground. The letters were an invitation for the children to use water and paintbrushes to "paint" over it, creating beautiful sidewalk art! It was fascinating for the children to see the new texture and design made when mixing the water with the chalk.

It was also an opportunity for the children to learn control of the paintbrush, carefully following the lines of the letters.