The celebration of Hanukkah is an excellent time to introduce young learners to such universal themes as light, resilience, and family tradition. When dealing with children of preschooling age, emphasis can be made on the physical symbols of the holiday, the stories, and the values of the holiday in a way that is age-sensitive and constructive. This high-level attitude is in line with the philosophy of Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready, promoting cultural awareness and social-emotional intelligence using concepts that can be easily identified with. These conversations and activities can be an addition to communication and cooperative skills that are cultivated in Kinder Ready Tutoring, and they will serve the holistic development of Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley.
One of the most interesting and captivating methods of knowing about Hanukkah is its main symbol: light. The eight-night lighting of the menorah may be described as a legend of endurance and hope. This may be related to the experiences of a child in terms of patience, like waiting to have their turn or struggle to know something new. The process of making a very basic paper menorah craft, in which a child will add a sticker of a flame each day, will instruct counting, sequencing, and gradual increase. This aspect of patience and gradual improvement is an important part of the growth mindset in the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready strategy.
The history of the holiday also gives us a background in which to discuss the aspect of resilience and bravery. On the preschool level, we can describe it in the simplicity of a story of people who strived hard to preserve what has been important to them. This theme may be connected with that of a child standing up in defense of a friend or taking care of a favorite toy. This teaching on soft persistence complements the social-emotional objectives of the Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley model on making up confident and principled learners.
Games are also part of Hanukkah celebrations and are great in terms of cognitive and fine motor development. A basic dreidel game will teach the notions of chance, turn-taking, and symbols (the Hebrew letters). A child can paint their paper dreidel or play with a big, loose one and spin it. This sportive game is based on the development of hand-eye coordination, patience and grace in winning or losing- social skills that are practiced within the active social environment of Kinder Ready Tutoring.
Besides, the investigation of classic Hanukkah cuisine is informative and sensory. A basic, non-dangerous kitchen experience can be discussed by talking about dishes cooked in oil (such as latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (jelly donuts). A child will be able to assist in making batter or topping settings, which entails gauging, arranging, and viewing changes (such as dough frying). It relates the holiday with family collaboration, going by instructions and sensory exploration, all of which are the pillars of the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready approach of hands-on development.
Through light, endurance, playing games, and family cuisines, families can educate about Hanukkah in a manner that is significant, respectful, and developmentally esteemed. These themes support such fundamental competencies as patience, sequence, fine motor skill and social graces, the same skills being developed by Kinder Ready Tutoring. This values-based learning within an integrated framework is a feasible implementation of the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready vision, in which children are equipped to value cultural practices and approach their diverse world with a sense of curiosity, strength and respect.
For further details on Kinder Ready’s programs, visit their website: https://www.kinderready.com/.
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