Counting the Omer in Ganon Aleph

Ganon Aleph has been counting the Omer in our classroom each day since we returned to school after our Pesach break.  Some of the  children enjoyed dipping their feet in paint to create footprints which they then cut out to use on our bulletin board for counting.  We will be counting the footprints which lead from Mitzrayim to Har Sinai, and in this way we will keep track of the number of days that pass from Pesach until Shavuot.    

No "Lashon Hara!"

In this week's double parasha of Tazria and Metzora, we learn, among other things, about the prohibition against speaking "lashon hara."  After discussing the importance of this mitzvah, the children in Ganon Aleph went on to create self-portraits with moveable hands to cover their mouths as a reminder never to say things that might hurt someone's feelings.

Are You Counting?

Gan Daled has learned about the significance of counting Sefirat HaOmer. They are excited and looking forward to receiving the Torah on Shavuot and realized that we are counting to a special time. Many children shared that they count things at home that are dear to them. We brainstormed things or events that the children anticipate doing or receiving.

Spring Has Sprung in Ganon Bet

                                                     Up, Up And Away We Go!!!

                                              Cleaning our garden for Spring planting!
                                              We planted Radishes and Mesclun seeds!

You Can Count On It!

Gan Gimmel learned all about counting Sefirat HaOmer this week. The children learned that we count the days from the Second Seder night all the way until Shavuot. There are 49 days or 7 weeks to count. The children were introduced to the ancient counting device called an abacus. In order to illustrate the concept of counting in a tangible way the children made their own Sefirah counting charts. Using card stock, beads and pipe cleaners each child created an abacus designated especially for counting the Omer. We are having a great time practicing with these in school and can't wait to show them to you at home!

All Ready for Pesach in Ganon Aleph

 

 
The children brought their leftover chametz from home, and we added it to our classroom chametz for a giant chametz picnic party!  After this, the children were given sponges and soapy water and they scrubbed the classroom to get it ready for Pesach.  We then performed "bedikat chametz" (the search for chametz) with a candle, feather, and wooden spoon, and even performed "biur chametz" (burning of the chametz) outside!

Gan Gimmel at the Model Seder!!

Gan Gimmel had an amazing time this morning at our model Seder! All the children came dressed for yom tov and everyone looking beautiful!
The entire Early Childhood department joined together along with the music maestro Morah Roberta and the super talented Morah Shani. Morah Shani led the children through the seder using interactive slides and a gigantic Haggadah. The children asked and answered many questions and sang so many songs. The children drank four cups of grape juice and many brave children even tried the Maror! Ask your children how THAT tasted. Wishing you a Chag Kasher V'Sameach! Happy Pesach!

A MOLDY BUT A GOODY

Sarah with Bread, Bread, Bread and moldy breads

Gan Daled read the book Bread, Bread, Bread by Ann Morris. The children were eager to learn about various types of bread from around the world. We continued to develop our geography skills by locating some of the countries on a world map.

We left samples of the bread  on a ledge and predicted what would happen to them. We anxiously checked the bread for any changes.

As we observed changes we referred back to our predictions and found that some of them were correct. Mold, which began as fuzzy and white with blue spots, has become a bluish green color and is beginning to overcome most of the breads.

The children learned that mold is not a plant or an animal but rather a fungus and needs moisture to grow. Some mold such as that used in the production of antibiotics can be helpful.

Ganon Aleph's Celebration of Chesed

Ganon Aleph has a chesed jar into which the children put jelly beans every time they do a mitzvah or an act of chesed.  When the jar is filled halfway, the children are rewarded with a popcorn party.  When the jar is filled to the top, we have an ice cream party.  (Nothing beats  some tasty motivation to encourage positive behavior!)  After reaching the top last week, we celebrated with an ice cream party this morning.  Kol hakavod to the children of Ganon Aleph for all of the chesed, mitzvot, good davening, and great clean-ups they have 
been doing!

Gan Gimmel at the Matzah Factory!

Gan Gimmel visited the matzah factory at Yavneh today! Rabbi Bentzi of Chabad came to Yavneh to teach the children all about how matzah is made. First, the children made flour from kernels of wheat. After that they used the flour to mix with water. The children learned that they only had eighteen minutes to make the matzah! They mushed and squished to knead the dough. They rolled it out, flatted it, poked holes in it and eventually baked it! What a fun and interactive experience before Pesach! Chag Kasher V'Sameach!