Purim Fun and New Friends!

This week in the Bears’ classroom, there was a lot of preparation for the upcoming holiday of Purim, yet we have only just begun! There was sponge painting, decorating plates of hamantaschen and the beginning steps to creating individual groggers.

We read several holiday books, including Sammy Spider’s First Purim, Purim, It’s Purim Time and A Costume For Noah. The children loved to hear the story of how Queen Esther saved the Jewish people, as told through our very colorful puppets. Next week will be another full week of holiday crafts, as well as the baking of real hamantaschen. The children have also been learning some Purim songs, the most popular of which are “Chag Purim” and “The Wicked Man.” They all know that whenever we hear the name “Haman,” it is OK to say “BOO” and make lots of noise!

The children have all adapted to welcoming the end of Shabbat with our weekly Havdalah celebration (which we observe as we begin school on Monday mornings). This week, we were lucky to have Morah Kate join us for singing and blessings. We were fortunate to finally be able to go out to the playground again this week. Although there is still some limited play space due to the lingering snow/ice piles, it was wonderful to get the children outside for some fresh air. As the weeks go on, we will hopefully be spending longer periods of time outside. Please dress your children in layers, as it is often cold when they come to school, but warmer as the day goes on. Don’t forget hats, gloves/mittens and snow pants each day, as our outside time can still be a bit chilly and damp. For those who stay at school for our Extended Day Program, there will be outside time each afternoon as well. Be sure to check your supply of extra clothes and make sure that there is enough weather appropriate clothing for when a change is needed.

We were very excited to welcome our newest friend, Anna, to the Bears’ class. Anna will be attending school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Please remember to mark your calendars for Thursday, March 24. There is NO SCHOOL that day. All of the teachers will be attending a Professional Development Day of Learning at Smith College.

Have a wonderful weekend and don’t forget to “Spring Ahead” on Saturday night!

Shabbat Shalom,

Morah Rhona and Morah Jessica