Simchat Torah

Morah Mimi taught us all about our Special Torah.  We learned that it's a gift from Hashem/ G-d and it teaches us how to behave.  It teaches us how to be kind, friendly, happy, giving, loving and more.  It also tells us stories that teaches us lessons.
Every week on Shabbat we read a portion of the Torah.  On Simchat Torah we finish reading the "Whole Torah" and start reading it again.
We are so happy!  We sing and dance with the Torah.
Song: Hashem gave us a present, do you know what it was?
He gave us the Torah to treasure and love
It has so many mitzvot and stories to tell
and teaches us how to behave very well

Morah showed us a Yad/ Hand pointer used to read the Torah.  We were so excited to touch  and examine it.
We also learned a new hebrew word for hand/ yad!

We went to the Aron Kodesh/ Holy Ark to see and kiss our special Torahs.  Morah showed us the Silver special crown for our very special Torahs.  Morah Mimi: Who wears a crown?  Amanda: A princess!
Morah Mimi:  Our Torah is so special and that's why we cover it with a very special crown! 

We all take turns to wear the crown.

Kissing the Torah

Morah showed us the special letters in the Torah, the Hebrew Aleph Bet!  We found the letter Bet which is the first letter in the Torah.  We also found Taf that Torah begins with.  Then all the children found the letter that begin with their name.

The children created Simchot Torah flags to dance with.
Skills:
First, they cut out the picture with them holding the Torah and glued it on.  They discussed what direction would be the best to place it.  A few children glued them upside down, but after examining it, they changed directions on their own.
Next, they chose hebrew letter. Then, they chose "10" sequins...more discussions and interaction about how many and which ones:)
After, Morah helped us punch holes, and the children cut their chosen string and tied it to the flags!
Great Job!!

Simchat Torah Parade!

Practicing Mitzvot in the Torah.  Amanda sharing with Aiden:)

Sammy: Chana I like you!  You're my friend.

Water Cycle

After Aiden spilled a cup of water on the floor, Morah Mimi commented that he shouldn't worry about it because it will dry on its own.  Sammy questioned how that will happen.
Morah Mimi decided to do the experiment together.
First we found an area that was sunny with no shade.
While we were painting the children realized that their shadows created shade and found positions were they were able to paint out of each other's shadow.

We all had a great time painting outside.

Hannah makes an " E" for her sister Ellery.

Jordan makes a "J" for Jordan.

The next day we decide to do it again.  At first the children all gathered around the same circle (naturally), but we quickly realized we were all blocking the sun with our shadows.

Notice how some of the children are trying to turn away from the shadows.

We came up with a great idea.  We all went off to our own areas!
We were amazed at how the water disappeared.
We will continue with more experiments next week to understand what happens to the water.

Our Adopted Tree

We have decided to adopt a tree, so that we can chart the changes throughout the season.
First we walked around the property to find the perfect tree.  Morah asked them if they wanted a hidden tree or one that all can see.  Together they concluded that they wanted one in the front that everyone can see.  Hannah asked if we can use the purple polka dotted ribbon as a marker.  The children were fascinated when they realized how wide the bark was!!!!!  Chana: "From far it's skinny."

All the children helped mark the tree with the ribbon.

After, the children observed the tree for a while.

Morah Mimi: Do you think we'll see changes in the tree?
Unanimously: Yes!!
What type of changes will we see?
Hannah: The leaves will turn yellow.
Jordan: The leaves will turn blue.
Amanda: The leaves will turn purple.
Sammy: The leaves will turn red.
Chana: The leaves will turn gold.
Aiden: The leaves will turn brown!
Jordan: Oh...and the leaves will fall off the trees!!

Notice that they all wanted to be unique.

We are all so proud of our tree.  We check it our every day, and point it our to all visitors who we see at Chabad!!
Please show an interest and ask your children about it.
This is a year long project:)

Art, Dramatic and Block Play

As a follow up to our Paper Mache Etrog (which turned out more like the earth, because Morah Mimi blew the balloon a little too big:), the children were fascinated how hard it turned and had a great experience popping the balloon.  They were mesmerized as  each of them popped the balloon and yet the shape remained.  The best part was seeing how once we popped it and the air came flying out, the balloon shriveled inside.  It was so magical. 

The children enjoyed working and playing with them.  Because of the size, I saved them and will bring them out later in the year again when we talk about the earth, as the shape will work.  I'd like to see if the children can make that connection as well.

The children recently have been insisting on going to the playgroud.  However, Morah Mimi wanted to see some more creative play outside.  I added buckets and shovels to the playground area and tra la.....it turned into an Ice Cream Shop.  After a minute, Aiden said he was making Ice Cream, everyone came to join.  This turned into a two week project.  The children collect mulch and rock and bring them into the store to make the ice cream and sell it.  It's wonderful to see them work together, communicate and take turns being the storekeeper.  We have  "Moms taking their children to the store and so much more...."

Sammy and Amanda sit down and interact through the natural materials at the art area.
Mommy Sammy took Baby Amanda to the beach where they collected sea shells and twigs.

A very sturdy building with a garage.

The children worked together to figure how to get the sides tall enough to fit cars inside.
At fist they used the small square blocks, they changed to the rectangular ones, but in a side way position it still didn't work.  Finally, they used the cylinder blocks:)

Celebrating Sukkot

After reading "Sadies Sukkot Breakfast", we too took our special friends with us to the Sukkah

Throughout the week of Sukkot we ate all snacks and lunch in the Sukkah.
The children were able to bring into practice all they learned.
It was truly a wonderful experience.

Shaking the Lulav and Etrog in all Directions.
Song:
Did you ever shake a lulav, a lulav, a lulav
Did ever shake a Lulav on a Sukkot Day
upwards, and downwards, and rightwards, and leftwards
Did ever shake a Lulav on a Sukkot Day

Our Sukkah at the block area, using the twigs they collected outside.