Poems about the Earth for Tu B'shevat

Dear Families,

Trees are blowing in the wind, they’re blowing! That was the theme of the week as the Bear’s celebrated Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees. We talked about the importance of trees, and some of the things that are the same and different about trees in Brookline and Israel. The weather this week helped to make one of the differences clear, as trees in Brookline are covered with snow at Tu B’Shevat. In constrast, the trees in Israel have begun to blossom with flowers and leaves! The children loved making the image of a tree as Morah Jessica painted their hands green (to represent the leaves) and their forearms brown (to represent the trunks). After being painted, each child put their arm/hand on a piece of paper, and then counted to 5. Some of the prints actually look like trees! The children enjoyed sponge painting with sponges shaped like trees, flowers, fruits and seeds. On Thursday, the actual day of Tu B’Shevat, we had oranges and orange juice as part of our morning snack. We learned 2 songs for the holiday. Here are the words:

Let’s Plant a Tree
Let’s dig a hole.
Let’s dig a hole and plant a seed.
Let’s water it, oh let’s water it
Because it is Tu B’shevat.
Look at the sprouts.
Look at the sprouts they’re growing now.
Let’s water them, oh let’s water them.
Because it is Tu B’Shevat.
(CHORUS)
Trees are blowing in the wind they’re blowing.
Trees are blowing in the wind- SWOOSH!
(repeat)
Look at the leaves.
Look at the leaves they’re growing now.
Let’s water them, oh let’s water them
Because it is Tu B’Shevat.
Look at the trunk.
Look at the trunk it’s bigger now.
Let’s water it, oh let’s water it
Because it is Tu B’Shevat.
Look at the tree.
Look at the tree it’s bigger now.
Let’s water it, oh let’s water it.
Because it is Tu B’Shevat.
CHORUS (2 times)
Trees are blowing….
Just look at me.
Just look at me, I’m taller now.
Don’t water me, Please don’t water me
Because it is Tu B’Shevat!

The Olive Tree
Oh, the olive tree grows tall.
It starts out very small.
But when it’s only half way there,
It’s neither tall nor small!

Despite the inclement weather early in the week, we were able to play outside on Thursday. The children really enjoy this, and the fresh air is wonderful for them. Keeping this in mind, we ask again, that you PLEASE send in hats, mittens, boots, and WATERPROOF snow pants. For children who are at school in the afternoon it is equally important to have a second pair of gloves or mittens. We thank you for your cooperation on this issue.

We are actively preparing for our upcoming parent-teacher conferences. We are looking forward to these meetings. If you have not yet signed up, please do so at your earliest convenience. If you are unable to meet with us on the designated day, we will be more than happy to schedule an alternate date. You can speak to us at school or contact us via e mail, rmaple@ohabei.org, and jostroff@ohabei.org. It is important that you fill out the pre-conference questionnaire. These are helpful to us in our preparation.

Thank you to the Gilman family, for the donation of two books in honor of Charlie’s birthday. The children loved hearing the stories Llama, Llama, Red Pajama, and Knuffle Bunny Free.

There are still some available Friday slots for those wishing to sign up to be Shabbat guests. Thank you to Teo’s family for bringing the challah, grape juice and reading books at last week’s Shabbat, and thank you to Rob Sherry for your surprise visit!

Thank you also to Noah Grossman, in the Owls class, for bringing in cupcakes for the children in the Bear’s class to help celebrate his 5th birthday.

Enjoy the snow! Shabbat Shalom.

Morah Rhona and Morah Jessica