Learning Respect in every part of our day

Rabbi Akiva was well known for the mitzvah of Ahavas Yisroel (love for another). However, his students made an error and lacked respect for one another. How can it be that his students made such a mistake? and what can we learn from it now?

Respecting one another was the big idea of this week. There are so many ways to have respect. It was beautiful to see our class truly working on the ultimate "Ahavas Yisroel!"

Putting our friends first

We wanted the children to experience in a hands on way how we can think of others before ourselves.

We put out different color hearts with a treat sitting on top. Each child got a turn to ask a different friend "What color do YOU like?" and then find it for them.

For some this was quite challenging, getting up ready for their own treat BUT FIRST hearing what their friend wanted. It was a great way to really feel for the other person and make them happy!

Shua fulfilling Levi Yitzchaks request for a green one!

It was so special watching them care for another and feel truly happy for the other person. 

Max asking Dovi, and patiently waiting for Dovi to pick his favorite.

Morning centers that teach respect

When we have a play dough center it usually consists of each spot having a piece. This week we placed a big pile of play dough for each child to take own their own. This was a great way for the children to think about their friends and consider taking the proper amount- so there would be some for their friends.

Creating a long chain helped the children communicate and work with each other.

Observation in our class plays a big role. We placed a tape dispenser on the table and watched the children teach each other how to cut off a piece and just the right amount.

Team effort was needed to create a fun marble run. Children got to listen to their friends ideas and add their own to create a fun structure.

Turn taking

Cooperative art

Instead of each child getting their own paper to color, we divided one big paper. This was a great way to respect each other's space!

Levi saw that Muka was really enjoying the blue marker. He really wanted to use it but sat so patiently till she was done!

Friendships

Davening circle in a pretend train was a fun way to be together but also being careful with each other's bodies. With different body motions we make during different songs it helped them become aware of their friend sitting very close to them.

Overheard by snack time...

Shua and Chani both had a vanilla & chocolate cookie. This lead to a table discussion each saying what their favorite flavor is. This was a great reminder to talk about how each person is unique and we respect their choice. It was a simple example but from the words they were using and really listening to each other say what they like truly showed they got the big idea!

Lag Baomer trip!

We enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch together!

A 40 year old preschooler?

Lag B'omer with life lessons!

In preparation for Lag B'omer we learned about the famous sage, Rabbi Akiva whose passing, this day commemorates. Click here for more about Lag BaOmer

We chose a portion of his life story  to focus on with the children. How he went from not knowing much Torah as an adult, to becoming a most sought after Rabbi.  Our main goal this week was to show the children how even though he was a grown man- he started with learning Alef Beis in a preschool setting-- NEVER GIVING UP!

We asked the children to think about something that might be hard for THEM in their own lives. With that, we tried really hard to work on it, practice and for them to see how with hard work they can accomplish their dreams.

 Circle time with Rabbi Akiva

The children helped Akiva learn his Alef Beis! They were able to share THEIR OWN knowledge!  We also worked on respectfully correcting him if he made a mistake ;-)

Elizabeth helping Akiva learn by testing him on different Alef beis, this was a great review for ourselves to polish up our Hebrew letters!

Fun Alef Beis review

Hannah being so kind- by sharing dough with her friends.

'Never giving up' becoming practical!

After some talk about "never giving up" and "to keep trying even when it is hard" we caught some in action!

Dovi has been watching the older boys getting balls in the hoop and he REALLY wanted to get one in! After some discussion he had an idea, he brought over a chair and wanted to start by being a little closer to the hoop. With supervision we watched his expression on his face go from sad to one of  empowerment as he felt himself getting closer to his goal!

It was not about getting the ball in but rather to keep his eye on his goal and find different ways to accomplish it.

Things got a bit more exciting for him when he saw the older boys were now using his idea!!

Rabbi Akiva puppet was brought outside to remind us to keep trying harder and harder!

Levi said he wanted to show Rabbi Akiva how high he can now jump!

 Devorah Leah balancing.

The children started picking up the puppet and used it to encourage each other!
Devorah Leah encourages her friend, "Don't give up Levi Yitzchak!"

Max working really hard climbing! This picture was also taken to reflect with Max on a memory from when he just started Gan at age 2 when he wanted to climb up but couldn't master it yet. This is the why we feel so fortunate to witness the major milestones through the years they are with us!

Our next door neighbors were putting up a bird feeder on the big tree. It took quite a number of times to get the rope around the big branch.

We heard some adorable children say "Don't give up, keep trying!"

Yehudis helping us count the Omer.

Motti, "Making a bracelet for Mommy for Shabbos!"

Abacus helps us count the Omer!

This week we learned about  'Sefiras Haomer' (the counting of the Omer- click here to find out more)

Every day since Pesach, we are counting our way up the "Har Sinai" mountain, where Hashem gave us the Torah. When we reach 49 we will celebrate the holiday of Shavous!

We made an abacus to help the children develop their math skills while at the same time understanding and performing the mitzvah of the counting of the Omer!

To understand the concept of counting towards the holiday of Shavous, we role played with a puppet who was very excited for her birthday and counted each day that passed!

We sharpened the children's Math skills with all sorts of activities this week! There are many different ways children learn. By offering a variety of centers each morning it was a great chance for each child to learn about numbers through an activity they were attracted to.

Sticky math
The children had to try to create numbers out of yarn on the adhesive side of contact paper!

 Sensory and Math

Levi working hard to make a 1 out of his play dough.

This center  invited the children to try to replicate a number they see on their chalk board.

 Dovis interpretation was to trace the number 2 card! We love watching how their minds think and let them discover on their own.

Legos and math!

Our class loves lego! What better way to combine the two! On each piece there were either different number dots or numbers which they had to try to place in order! This required a lot of skill.

Levi Yitzchak self correcting himself by counting the dots and making sure it was in the right order.

Solving math problems at preschool!!

With a number dice each child had a turn to roll two different numbers. Morah Rachel drew it on a little board for them to figure out what the addition of both equals to!!

They felt so good coming up with the answer!

One on one math activities.
We love when we get to have a child's individual attention and get to bond even more! Morah Rachel and Shua solving math problems using different cut out pictures.

The children were starting to notice numbers everywhere!
Dovi counting out his cars, Levi and Aron counting the boxes.

Sefiras Haomer abacus project
Each child created their own mini version of our classroom bulletin board- to keep and continue the learning at home. Using fine motor and math skills the children had to count out ten beads on each row. They are excited to use this for counting at home!!

(Notice the top row includes the 50th bead since each row has 10. We colored it a shiny gold to remind them that bead represents the holiday of Shavous since we only count till 49!)

Using our listening skills

 

Math coloring in fresh air!

 Friends.