Young Toddler Peek at the Week 05.18.26

Dear Young Toddler families,

The last week of school… the closing of one door and the opening of another. We want to thank each child for all the warmth, the memories, and the learning that we have shared this school year. To the parents, thank you for allowing us to be your children's Morahs. It has been a wonderful and rewarding year, full of growth.

We are excited, exhausted, and nostalgic all at the same time. All the feels today!

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel" - Maya Angelou

We are looking forward to a fun-filled summer together! More learning and growing to come! 

In gratitude, 

Morahs Rachael, Kristy, and Sarah

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 05.11.26

Dear Young Toddler families,

Thanks for reading our last peek about observation.

In Montessori, observation is not simply “watching children.” It is a thoughtful process that helps us understand what each child is practicing, communicating, and needing in the moment. Through observation, teachers make intentional decisions about when to help, when to step back, and how to best support each child’s development.

Here are a few examples of our observations in our classroom:

• One child repeatedly announced, “It matched!” after completing simple puzzles and frequently looked toward the adult for a reaction. By observing this pattern over time, we recognized the child was seeking reassurance and connection while building confidence. Instead of giving large reactions each time, we practiced offering calm acknowledgment and space for the child to return independently to their work.

• A child asked for help with a puzzle but was encouraged gently to try first. After a moment, the child responded, “I can do it,” and completed the work independently. Observation allowed us to recognize that the child did not necessarily need the answer, but rather reassurance and confidence in their own ability. Learning how much help we should offer is one of the skills we as Morahs need to accomplish.

• During moments of challenging behavior, observation also helps us look deeper at the cause rather than reacting only to the behavior itself. For example, when throwing behaviors occurred, we observed what happened before and after the behavior in order to determine what type of redirection or support would be most helpful. Therefore, we created an appropriate throwing work for that specific child.

Our young toddlers grew so much over the past month! We hope you enjoy seeing their growth!

Morahs Kristy, Rachael, and Sarah

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 05.04.26

Dear Young Toddler families,

In the past two weeks, we have been talking about observations: what observation is, why we implement it, and how we observe. This week, we’re going deeper in how we observe – aside from slowing down, observe with a clear focus, and being objective. 

Another key element of observation is that we pay close attention to patterns over time. A single moment gives us a snapshot, but repeated observations help us see development more clearly. A child who returns to the same activity day after day may be working to master a specific skill. A child who frequently seeks adult help may be building confidence or learning to trust their abilities.

We also consider the whole child. Observation includes not just what the child is doing, but how they are doing it. Are they calm or frustrated? Focused or easily distracted? Working independently or seeking connection? These details help us understand their emotional and developmental state, not just their actions.

Finally, observation includes reflection. After observing, we ask ourselves thoughtful questions:

• What is the child working on right now?

• What might they need next?

• Should I step in, or can I give more time?

This reflective process helps us respond in a way that truly supports the child’s growth.

Through deep and intentional observation, we are able to meet each child where they are. By giving children time, space, and trust, we nurture their independence, confidence, and natural desire to learn.

This week, we dripped painted flower pots and planted flowers with our young toddlers to honor Mother’s Day! 

We hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!

Morahs Kristy, Rachael, and Sarah

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 04.27.26

Dear Parents,

This week we continue to talk about observations. How do we actually implement observation in the classroom?

Observation in practice goes much deeper than simply watching. It is an active, intentional process that requires patience, curiosity, and self-awareness. We begin by slowing down. In a busy classroom, it can be tempting to step in quickly, but meaningful observation happens when we pause and allow the moment to unfold. Giving a child a few extra seconds often reveals their problem-solving abilities, persistence, or need for support.

We also observe with a clear focus. Instead of trying to see everything at once, we might choose to pay attention to one aspect at a time—such as a child’s movement, language, concentration, or social interactions. For example, we notice our toddlers enjoy dumping everything that’s in a basket. Why is that happening? That was a detailed goal for our observation.

Another important element is objectivity. We aim to describe what we see rather than interpret it too quickly. Instead of thinking, “She is being stubborn,” we might observe, “She is repeating the same action and pushing my hand away.” This shift helps us better understand the child’s intention—perhaps they are seeking independence, practicing a skill, or communicating a need for control.

Next week, we’ll continue to go deeper on this subject, and what we do with our observations.

Have a wonderful week!

Morah Kristy, Morah Rachael, and Morah Sarah

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 04.20.26

Dear wonderful parents,

This couple weeks of peek, we’re going to talk about one of the most important methods in our classroom: observation.

Observation is a foundational practice in a Montessori classroom. Rather than constantly directing children, teachers take a step back and watch with intention. Through careful observation, we begin to understand each child individually—what captures their interest, how they move and explore, how they communicate, and what they are ready to learn next. For toddlers, this might look like noticing how long a child stays engaged with a material, how they repeat an action, what they tell us through their actions, or how they interact with peers and adults. This quiet, respectful approach allows children the space to show us who they are.

The purpose of observation is to guide how we support each child. Every child develops at their own pace, and observation helps us respond thoughtfully rather than react quickly. By observing, we can better understand each child’s strengths, interests, and developmental needs. It allows us to introduce activities at the right moment, support growing independence, and create an environment where children feel seen and understood. Instead of assuming what a child needs, we rely on what we observe to make informed decisions.

For example, through observation, we notice our children love going to the sink with whatever they find that looks like something they can put water in (like a cup/bowl/sand toys). However, they don’t quite understand that wooden materials are not for water. With this observation, we made a water transfer work in the classroom. After this work was out, we noticed children didn’t go to the sink with other works anymore!

Next week we’ll talk more about how to do observations at home!

Please apply sunscreen at home before coming to school each day. Full day students will need to have extra sunscreen here at school.

We hope you enjoy this wonderful weather outside!

Warmly, 

Morahs Rachael, Kristy, Sarah, and Mary

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 04.13.26

Dear Families, 

With the arrival of spring, we are excited to spend more time outdoors! Fresh air and open space offer young toddlers a rich environment for movement, discovery, and sensory exploration. You will see us visiting the playground more often, where children will have access to simple materials such as buckets, shovels, and balls. These open-ended tools encourage creativity, coordination, and cooperative play.

We will also embrace opportunities for barefoot exploration when appropriate. Feeling grass, soil, and different natural textures underfoot provides valuable sensory input that supports balance, body awareness, and overall development. Outdoor environments naturally engage all the senses—the warmth of the sun, the sound of birds, the movement of the wind, and the textures of nature all contribute to a calming yet stimulating experience.

In the Montessori approach, time outdoors is not just play—it is meaningful work. Children strengthen their gross motor skills, practice independence, and develop a connection to the natural world. Outdoor play also supports emotional regulation, helping children feel more grounded and peaceful.

We look forward to a season of sunshine, exploration, and joyful learning outside!

Morahs Rachael, Kristy, and Sarah

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 03.30.26

Dear Families, 

Throughout last week and this week, our classroom exploration will center around the story and themes of Passover. The children will be introduced to the Passover story during circle time using a picture book with illustrations, as we discuss the journey to freedom and some of the symbols of the holiday.

In our sensory area, the children will enjoy a Passover-themed bin filled with green water and rubber frogs . We will also switch out the materials to make a sandy desert with plastic palm trees, wooden triangles for building pyramids! 

On the work shelves, we have introduced a hammering activity where children used golf tees and a child-sized hammer to tap the tees into play dough. This work strengthens the hand and wrist muscles needed for later writing while also symbolizing the building (of pyramids) in ancient Egypt.

In preparation for Passover, we will practice cleaning work, which is a meaningful activity in both Jewish tradition and the Montessori classroom. The children enjoy table scrubbing work using a small pitcher to pour water, soap, a mini scrub brush, and a washcloth (to dry the table afterward). This practical life activity supports independence, coordination, and care of the environment. The children take great pride in washing and restoring the tables for their friends.

We look forward to meaningful work, storytelling, and hands-on exploration as we connect our classroom activities to the traditions of Passover.

Chag Kasher V’Sameach!

Warmly, 

Morahs Rachael, Mary, Kristy, Sarah 

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 03.16.26

Dear Families,

This week in our classroom we will continue to focus on hands-on learning and developing independence through purposeful work.

One favorite activity lately is tweezer work, where the children transfer pom-poms from a bowl into the compartments of an ice cube tray. This practical life activity strengthens the pincer grasp through the pinching and lifting motion, helping to build the fine motor muscles needed for future writing. The children were very engaged in concentrating on carefully placing each pom-pom in its space.

We also refreshed our magnet and card matching work with a new assortment of farm animals. The children enjoy matching the animals and naming them, which supports vocabulary development and early classification skills. Activities like this help children refine their observation skills while connecting objects with language.

In the block area, we introduced smaller blocks for building and temporarily replaced the larger wooden blocks. The smaller blocks invite more precise hand movements and encourage thoughtful construction. The children explored building towers, castles, and imaginative structures while practicing balance, planning, and spatial awareness.

During music time, we have been exploring rain sounds and rhythm. Using musical sticks, the children practice beginning softly like gentle pitter-patter rain and gradually increasing the volume to create a rainstorm. This experience helps children develop listening skills and an understanding of musical concepts such as tempo and crescendo.

To help release energy and support gross motor development, especially on rainy days, we also enjoy movement with music. The children jump like bunnies, frogs, and kangaroos, practicing body control, coordination, and joyful movement.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

Morahs Rachael, Kristy, Sarah, and Mary 

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 03.09.26

Dear Families,

As we settle into the rhythm of spring, our focus this week will be on fostering independence in meaningful, practical ways. In the Montessori environment, independence builds confidence, concentration, and a deep sense of capability.

We will be intentionally guiding the children as they practice:

• Retrieving their own lunches and water bottles

• Opening and closing lunch boxes

• Putting lunches away independently

• Carrying belongings carefully to and from their cubbies

These seemingly small tasks are powerful confidence builders. When children are given the time and trust to do for themselves, they develop perseverance, coordination, and pride in their abilities.

You may notice your child wanting to do more at home — allowing a few extra minutes for independence can make a big difference!

On the shelves, we have added some engaging new works:

Magnet Sorting:
Children will sort magnets into categories — pets and toys. This work strengthens early classification skills, vocabulary development, and logical thinking.

Two Different Shape Sorters:
Matching and fitting shapes into the correct openings refines visual discrimination, spatial awareness, and fine motor coordination. For younger friends, these works allow simple dumping and in/out work as well. 

Olfactory Sensory Work:
We are refining our sense of smell using lightly scented cotton balls with various fruit scented essential oils. We will explore the scent bottles, strengthening sensory awareness and descriptive language.

It is such a joy to watch the children stretch into greater independence each week. Thank you for partnering with us in supporting their growing confidence.

Warmly,
Morahs Rachael, Kristy, Sarah, and Mary 

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 03.02.26

Dear Families,

This week in our classroom we will joyfully celebrate Purim in a way that is meaningful and developmentally appropriate for our young toddlers. We will come in costume tomorrow, and watch the older children show off theirs for our Chai Tots Purim Parade. Come join the purim carnival fun anytime from 2:30 - 4:30 . What an exciting holiday! 

We are especially grateful to Morah Sarah, who helped us decorate our Shalach Manot bags. The children worked carefully to adorn their bags, practicing fine motor skills while participating in the beautiful mitzvah of giving treats to friends. Thank you, Morah Sarah, for bringing such warmth and joy into our classroom!

Young children are very sensitive to rhythm and routine, so things might get a little rough with the time change. You may notice: slightly earlier wake-ups, afternoon fatigue, and increased emotional sensitivity. 

To help ease the transition, you might:

• Shift bedtime 10–15 minutes earlier for a few nights

• Spend extra time outdoors in natural light

• Keep evening routines calm and predictable

We will offer extra grace in the classroom as little bodies adjust to the new rhythm.

Thank you for sharing your little ones with us each day. Wishing your family a joyful Purim and an easy time change!

Warmly, 

Morahs Rachael, Kristy, Mary, and Sarah 

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 02.23.26

Dear Families,

This week, we are excited to continue learning about the upcoming Holiday of Purim! It’s a joyful holiday filled with music, costumes, and acts of giving. In our classroom, we’ll be making groggers—noisy shakers from simple water bottles filled with beads—and we’ll sing along to the Hamantaschen song as we shake them. We also tell the purim story, highlighting  Queen Esther and her bravery and the power of kindness,  Rabbi Mordechai, King Achashveirosh and his helper, evil Haman.

In addition, we have added a fine motor activity: a Tzedakah box. This is one of the MItzvot of Purim. The children practice their pincer grasp by placing a penny inside the box. We’ll make playdough hamantaschen, shaping these treats as we explore creativity. Another activity that really brings the Purim story to life is recreating the ancient kingdom on the light box. Filling colorful chalices with beads and making palaces out of the blocks and magna-tiles lets the children’s creative juices flow!

We can’t wait to share this special week with your children!

Warmly,

Morahs Rachael, Mary, Kristy, and Sarah

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 02.17.26

Dear Families,

We are working on an important developmental skill in the classroom — helping children learn to fall asleep drowsy but awake, in their own sleep space, and with minimal assistance. When children learn to fall asleep independently, it helps them feel secure, builds confidence, and often improves overall sleep quality.

During school nap time, we follow consistent, calming routines to help children settle their bodies and minds. We are noticing that when children have similar routines at home, they are more successful falling asleep on their own at school.

Helpful Sleep Tips:

• Start a consistent bedtime routine (bath, books, quiet songs, dim lights)

• Place children in bed when they are sleepy/drowsy but still awake

• Encourage them to fall asleep in their own bed

• Gradually reduce hands-on help so they can build independence

We truly appreciate partnering with you to support your child’s sleep success both at home and at school.

Over the next two weeks, we will begin learning about the joyful holiday of Purim through stories, hands-on activities, and sensory experiences.

Children will learn about: King Achashverosh, Queen Esther, and Haman (and we will practice booing when we hear his name!) Our Classroom Activities will include: making and using noisy groggers while learning about loud vs. quiet (opposites), exploring triangles by working with hamantaschen shapes on the shelves and in the sensory bin, matching flavors/colors like lemon (yellow), chocolate (brown), and raspberry (red), and using blocks to create palace buildings similar to those in ancient times. 

Purim is a holiday that celebrates bravery, helping others, and joy — and we are excited to explore it together through play and learning.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Warmly,

Morahs Rachael, Mary, Kristy, and Sarah 

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 02.09.26

Dear Families, 

In our young toddler environment, so much of the meaningful work on the shelves is designed to strengthen eye–hand coordination. From a Montessori perspective, this is far more than a motor skill — it is a foundational pathway to independence, concentration, and eventually writing.

Eye–hand coordination happens when a child’s eyes guide the movement of their hands with purpose. Toddlers are in a sensitive period for refining these movements. When we offer carefully prepared activities that require precise, intentional hand movements, children are building the neural pathways that will later support pencil grip, drawing, writing, self-care skills, and everyday tasks.

A new work you may see this week is our “wire tree.” Children are invited to thread dried penne pasta, chunky beads, or rings onto the branches. This simple, beautiful activity requires focus, control, and coordination as the child visually guides their hands to place each piece.

Many of the materials on our shelves serve this same purpose:

• Jars with latches and screw tops that children open and close to access materials

• Pushing shapes into correctly sized openings

• Lacing activities

• Transferring small objects with care

Though these works may appear simple, they are deeply purposeful. The repetition children are drawn to is what strengthens coordination and builds concentration.

Before a child can hold a crayon, draw a line, or write a letter, they must first:

• Strengthen the small muscles of the hand

• Learn to visually track their hand movements

• Practice controlled, intentional motion

• Develop patience and focus through repetition

This is why you will not see traditional “pre-writing worksheets” in a Montessori toddler classroom. Instead, you will see rich, hands-on experiences that prepare the hand and mind naturally.

To support rye hand coordination at home, you likely have everything you need already in your kitchen drawers:

• Let your child open and close containers with different lids

• Encourage helping in the kitchen: stirring, pouring, transferring

• Provide opportunities to put objects into containers and take them out

• Practice peeling stickers and placing them onto paper

• Use clothespins on the edge of a box

Simple, real tasks are the most powerful.

Thank you for supporting this important developmental work at home and at school. These small movements today are building the skills your child will rely on for years to come.

Many thanks from your Morahs, 

Morahs Rachael, Kristy, Pallavi, Mary, and Sarah

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 02.02.26

Dear Families,

For Tu Bishvat celebration  we celebrated with a hands-on planting activity. The children planted bean seeds, exploring soil and small pots with their hands. They were engaged, curious, and joyfully busy!

This week we are deepening our work around language development. Language is woven into our daily work in very intentional ways. We move from the most concrete experiences to more abstract ones, meeting each child where they are. We utilize a variety of matching activities on our shelves as one method.  As each match is made, we say the object names slowly and deliberately, and encourage the children to repeat us.

• Object-to-object matching (most concrete): Matching real objects, such as plush fruits, mittens, and animal figurines, helps children build vocabulary through tangible, hands-on learning.

• Object-to-picture matching:
  Using fruit magnets with matching picture cards encourages children to make connections between real objects and representations. 

• Picture-to-picture matching (most abstract):
  Matching identical animal cards supports visual discrimination and early symbolic thinking. We aim for the most realistic and lifelike photos or images, rather than cartoony illustrations to support our early language learners. This supports understanding what the image truly represents. 

We also support language development through:

• Reading books and storytelling, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? using our felt board,

• Interactive storytelling with other props, and

• Songs and finger plays, such as “Turn, Turn, Turn” and “The Wheels on the Bus.”

Here are a few simple ways to support this learning at home:

• Name everyday objects: During meals or playtime, name fruits, animals, or household objects. Repetition helps build vocabulary.

• Match and sort: Invite your child to match real objects to pictures in books, or sort toys by category (animals, cars, foods).

• Read and sing together: Re-read favorite books and sing familiar songs. Toddlers love repetition, and it strengthens language, memory, and confidence.

Thank you for your continued partnership. We love watching the children grow in communication, independence, and curiosity each day.

Warmly,

Rachael, Pallavi, Kristy, and Sarah 

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 01.26.26

Dear Parents, 

One of our more popular works currently on the shelves is the matching magnets and cards activity. This work becomes a game as we match familiar and lesser known fruits—lime, pomegranate, plum, pineapple, lemon, pear, and mango are newly added. This supports visual discrimination, language development, and joyful problem-solving. Each week we will add new foods or animals. 

In honor of Tu BiShvat, our sensory bin is filled with barley. The children are scooping, pouring, and transferring, strengthening fine motor skills while engaging their senses. This type of hands-on exploration also encourages calm focus and repetition.

We continue to place a strong emphasis on helping children build focus and concentration, which is especially important in today’s world filled with screens and constant digital stimulation which can lead to shorter attention spans. In the classroom, we intentionally limit interruptions. If a friend interrupts, we gently guide children to use the phrase “my work”—helping them learn to protect their concentration and respect the work of others.

As some illness has been going around, we are practicing important self-care routines throughout the day. Children are learning and practicing proper handwashing, nose wiping, and covering coughs by coughing into an elbow or turning away. These skills support both independence and care for our classroom community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are grateful to share these meaningful moments of growth with your children each day.

Warmly, 

Morahs Rachael, Pallavi, Kristy, and Sarah

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 01.19.26

Dear Families,

This week, we will continue exploring the element of earth through hands-on sensory experiences. The children will investigate soil and mud in the sensory bin and enjoy finger painting with natural materials. We will also explore flowers frozen in ice cubes, bringing nature indoors in a beautiful and engaging way. These experiences are part of our preparation for the upcoming holiday of Tu Bishvat. Tu Bishvat is the celebration of the new year of the trees in Israel. We celebrate nature and growth on this holiday. Next week, we will taste and sample some of the seven species of fruits from trees in Israel! 

On the shelves, several inviting new works will support independence, coordination, and concentration, including:

• Animal matching with accompanying animal sounds to practice listening and sound discrimination

• In and out activities

• Teddy bear care (wrapping with blankets)

• Mittens matching and wearing, helping children practice putting them on their own hands

As the weather stays cold, we are enjoying a cozy indoor environment filled with winter-themed works while bringing elements of the outdoors inside for continued exploration.

We are truly enjoying your little ones and love watching them grow through meaningful, hands-on learning each day!

Warmly, 

Morahs Rachael, Kristy, Pallavi, Mary, and Sarah 

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 01.12.26

Dear Families,

What a beautiful first week back. The children were excited to see their friends again and explore works that were specifically placed for each of them on our shelves: magnetic fruits with matching cards, graduated wooden blocks for stacking, Mama and baby bird colorful bowls matching work, in and out pegs in container work, and magna-tiles on the light box. 

One of the guiding principles of Maria Montessori’s philosophy is the simple but powerful idea: “Help me do it by myself.” In our young toddler classroom, this concept is at the heart of how we support your child’s growth, confidence, and sense of self.

Throughout the day, we intentionally offer opportunities for children to practice independence in meaningful, age-appropriate ways. This includes: putting on and taking off shoes, participating in dressing and undressing, opening and closing lunch containers and snack items, and beginning the toileting process. 

You may notice that we often pause before stepping in to help. This is intentional. When a child is working on a task, we may ask, “Do you want to try again, or would you like help?” This respectful choice honors their effort while reassuring them that support is always available.

Independence at this age is not about perfection or speed—it’s about building confidence, coordination, and trust in oneself. Each small success helps your child develop a strong sense of “I can do this,” which lays the foundation for resilience and self-esteem.

We appreciate your partnership in supporting independence at home as well. Simple moments—allowing extra time to try, offering encouragement, and celebrating effort—make a big difference.

Thank you for trusting us to support your child’s growth during this important stage of development.

Warmly,

Morahs Rachael, Pallavi, Kristy, Mary, and Sarah

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 01.05.26

Dear Parents, 

Welcome back! We hope your holiday break was filled with joy and special moments with family. It has been wonderful welcoming the children back to the classroom and seeing their smiles as they reconnect with friends and teachers.

This week, we will be introducing new work on the shelves designed to engage the children’s minds, support independence, and gently challenge their growing skills. Sorting activities such as the mama and baby birds activity and eye hand coordination works such as putting pegs into foam boards are on the shelves. We’ve added an easel for chalk drawing on one side and painting on the other. The sensory bin currently has kinetic sand, scooping tools, cups for making sand castles, and small animal figurines to find hidden in the sand. The children enjoy feeling the sand in their hands while working at the sensory bin. We have observed longer attention spans and presence, especially while working with the sensory bin materials. It's mesmerizing! 

We look forward to seeing families at our curriculum night on Tuesday, January 6. During this time, we will share more in-depth information about our young toddler program and the Montessori philosophy. 

Warmly, 

Morahs Rachael, Pallavi, Kristy

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 12.15.25

Dear Parents, 

Chanukah is officially here, and the children are already buzzing with excitement! This week, we’ll be celebrating with hands-on, joyful activities that invite the children to explore the sights and sounds of the holiday.

In our sensory bin, the children will enjoy colorful dreidel matching, practicing early color recognition and matching skills while having fun. We’ll also be singing our favorite Latke Song, using special “frying pans” crafted from tinfoil-covered paper plates. The toddlers love holding these shiny props as they sizzle and shake along with the music!

Morah Sarah will bring her colorful and enticing train menorah to light the first candle on Monday and demonstrate a prayer* (see below). On the first day, we will say three different blessings, and after that, we will light another candle and say two blessings each day.

*Chanukah Prayer Transliteration

1. Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm ah-sher ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tahv veh-tzee-vah-noo leh-hahd-lik nayr kha-noo-kah

2. Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm sheh-ah-sah nee-sim lah-ah-voh-tay-noo bah-yah-mim hah-haym biz-mahn hah-zeh

3. (When lighting for the first time this year: Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm sheh-heh-kheh-yah-noo veh-kee-yi-mah-noo ve-hig-ee-yah-noo liz-mahn hah-zeh)

English Translation

1. Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.

2. Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.

3. (When lighting for the first time this year: Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.)

We are looking forward to welcoming our families at the Chanukah Walk-Through on Wednesday. It’s always a highlight to share the children’s joy and learning with you.

Wishing all a bright and happy Chanukah! ✨🕎

Morahs Rachael, Pallavi, and Kristy

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 12.08.25

Dear Parents, 

We hope you all enjoyed a peaceful Thanksgiving holiday! In our young toddler environment, we are excited to start Chanukah in our room and also introduce two new matching works to support the children’s growing concentration and problem-solving skills.

As we move into the Chanukah holiday season, the children are beginning to explore simple Chanukah-themed crafts and activities. We are singing songs such as “I Have a Little Dreidel,” “One Little, Two Little, Three Little Candles,” and “  Latke, Latka hop on the pan.” The children will use paint to decorate dreidels and practice counting to eight as they place candles on a Menorah. These activities offer joyful ways to build early fine-motor skills, sequencing, and number recognition.

Other new works include fall-themed picture cards—rakes, leaves, trees, and pumpkins. Another is a magnetic matching activity using familiar fruits. As the children build confidence and begin to master these materials, we will gradually rotate in lesser-known fruits, vegetables, and eventually animals. This natural progression helps strengthen visual discrimination, vocabulary development, and flexible thinking.

We look forward to sharing more of their discoveries with you throughout the week! 

Morahs Rachael, Kristy, and Pallavi Dear Parents, 

This week, we are continuing our Chanukah explorations with hands-on, joyful activities designed for our young toddlers. In our sensory bin, the children will discover dreidels of different colors and work to find the matching picture cards—an inviting way to practice color recognition and visual matching skills.

We will also introduce our playful “Lots of Latkes” frying-pan activity. Using a tinfoil-covered paper plate, we’ll pretend to sizzle and pop latkes, giving the children a fun fine-motor and imaginative experience. During music time, we will revisit our dreidel song and invite the children to spin like dreidels—building body awareness, balance, and joyful movement.

As we transition into nap time each day, we will bring in flashlights to explore the concept of light shining in darkness, a central theme of Chanukah. Lying on their cots, the children will watch soft beams of light move across the ceiling, creating gentle shadows. This calm, engaging pre-nap activity not only supports visual tracking but also offers a peaceful way to connect with the symbolism of the holiday.

Warm wishes, 

Morahs Rachael, Kristy, Pallavi