Dear Parents,
Sukkot is almost here! We will prepare for the holiday by spending time in the sukkah at school. Inside the sukkah, we will use our senses to learn about the lulav and etrog, and will say the traditional blessing. Back in the classroom, we have big plans to create our own mini sukkah with a cardboard box that we can climb into. We will bring in sticks and grass to glue to the top to make the roof. We will decorate the walls with markers, crayons and stickers.
This month, we plan to explore various textures -- squishy pumpkin seeds, bumpy gourds, and smooth pumpkins. We will feel the outer skin and notice differences in size and texture. This is an early classification skill. As our little ones get older, they begin to show interest in classifying, sorting, and matching. You can promote this cognitive skill at home with everyday objects such as shoes, mittens, and utensils. If the child is not yet ready to match or sort, the senses are still very much engaged in handling these natural materials. Bring in: leaves, pinecones, small pumpkins, and gourds. Their natural texture is different from the manmade materials we have in abundance in our homes. Your child will likely be drawn to these new and enticing textures.
Enjoy the upcoming Sukkot holiday. Chag Sameach!
Morahs Rachael, Pallavi, and Kristy