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