Shavuos unit
The Jewish holiday of Shavuos marks the anniversary when we received the Torah as a nation.
After leaving Egypt the Jewish people made a long 49 day trip through the desert till they reached the mountain of Har (Mt.) Sinai.
Hands on activities were a great way to explore what the Jewish people were experiencing in the desert.
Ava drawing in sand, Rozie learning about the sun and shadows, Chaim painting a sun while looking at a picture of a desert.
Hashem loved them so much and wanted to communicate and connect to His people, so why didn't He give us the Torah right away?
After some guesses we pulled out Menachem's 'Upshernish' invitation (3rd bday hair cutting ceremony) to help explain this concept.
We have been talking about his birthday, the mitzvah's he will get to do etc....
But did he get to do them right away? NO! He prepared for quite some time, he invited his friends, he learned about what will happen to his hair etc.
The Jewish people had to GET READY for the very special event!
Which mountain?
Volcanos, tall mountains and snowy mountain pictures were an inspiration for the children to create art/ props for our mountain skit.
Max working on the red lava, Dovi asked for cotton balls to create the clouds over the mountain.
The mountains started to argue and boast that Hashem should choose them!
Little Har Sinai felt uncomfortable. She was proud of who she was but was humble and did not like all the arguing. Hashem chose her and flowers started to grow for the very special occasion.
Two Life lessons from Har Sinai:
1) We can be proud and brave to stand up like a mountain and do what's right even when others around us might be doing the opposite!
Devorah Leah received a 'mountain sticker note' that she included her friend in her game of 'baby' and let her sit on her lap when she was feeling excluded.
2) Be proud of who we are and our talents that Hashem gave us BUT to be humble and use them for good!
Each child got a chance to wear our Har Sinai costume and share with the rest of the class what they are proud of, what they love about themselves or a talent.
This was such a powerful lesson of self esteem and learning how to balance it with humility.
Levi: "Help my friends at sports"
Motty: "I am a good friend"
New Shavous bulletin board made by the children themselves. A fun sensory experience painting fabric and Ella placing flowers on the mountain.
Shavous creativity!
We observed the children creating their own game of 'hopscotch to the Torah!'
We observed the children creating their own game of 'hopscotch to the Torah!'
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