the sunflowers

Both the Sunflowers and the Butterflies (2’s) went outside to the playground to watch the release of the butterflies whose wings were finally strong enough to fly free.  As much as they were flapping their wings in their indoor habitat, they were not so eager to be released into their natural (outside) habitat.  All the children gathered around as Morah Aimee and Morah Debra helped release the butterflies.  They took flowers and placed the butterflies on the flower and then put them on a bush. It took the butterflies a few minutes to acclimate before they felt comfortable and flew away.   The children cheered with glee as the butterflies flew away.

Knowing how dangerous fire can be, the children followed the directions to stay on the steps during the bonfire last week.  The entire school sang songs with the Rabbi as Mr. Seth built our bonfire to celebrate Lag Baomer.  JJ’s mother and brother came to celebrate with us and brought the makings for s’mores.  The Morot took turns roasting the marshmallows.  Everyone enjoyed them as the evidence showed on their hands and faces. Thank you to everyone for helping to make a special celebration.

The children were fortunate to have a second special snack for Lag Baomer. Morah Debra brought in the makings for ANTS ON A LOG. Celery, (Tofutti) cream cheese, and carob chips.  Spreading cream cheese on the celery and adding a few carob chips the children were excited to try this scrumptious snack.  The Morot were happy that most of the children liked the snack.

One of the songs that the Rabbi […]

Rabbi Rosenblum and The Matzah Factory came to IBECC.  The Sunflowers enjoyed a morning full of fun and excitement.  Learning how matzah is made and how quick it has to be made was a wonderful experience for all.  The children started by shucking the wheat and placing the seeds in the hand grinder where Lauren from the Fours and Rabbi Rosenblum turned it into flour.  From there, Ezra, another friend from the Fours, took the flour and poured it into a bowl.  Caleb then poured water into the flour where Rabbi Rosenblum mixed it together to make a dough. Everyone then received a piece of the dough and used a rolling pin to flatten it out and make it into matzah.  Rabbi Rosenblum then used a special instrument to put the little holes in the dough before placing it the special matzah oven.  Matzah cannot cook for more than 18 minutes if it will be Kosher for Pesach. We hope everyone enjoys the matzah that came home in the backpack.

The children continue to find many different ways to act out “being slaves” in Mitzraim and building so many buildings.

Stay tuned for more Sunflower excitement

Morah Pam, Morah Aimee, and Morah Debra

The Sunflowers experienced a marvelous music Monday with Morah Jill. The children are always excited when Morah Jill comes to sing with them.  They wait with bated breath to see what songs they will learn, along with what cool instruments Morah Jill will bring for them to use.  Morah Jill couldn’t believe how many Passover songs we knew.  She smiled when the children were able to sing along with her since they knew all the words.  Ma Nishtanah, The Frog song, and NO NO NO I Will Not Let You Go.  Morah Debra acted as Pharoh while we sang that song.  The children thought that was just the funniest thing.  Playing with frogs was great, especially when everyone was able to make them jump up and down on the blue parachute that was representing the YOM SOOF.   The jumping matzah ball was fun too.  Morah Jill taught us a counting song using matzah balls.

The children were given the challenge to build Paroh a city as if they were slaves in Mitzrayim.  The children absolutely met the challenge.  All the different ways they used the blocks to build was incredible.

Morah Debra also challenged the children.  Setting up a picture of a piece of matzah for them to draw was no easy task.  The children had no problem with the challenge.  Sheer matzah masterpieces.

We can not wait to see what type of adventures the rest of the week will have.

Morah Pam, Morah Aimee, and Morah Debra

The Sunflowers enjoyed taking turns at all the different learning centers.  It has been wonderful to observe how their coordination has improved from the beginning of the year until now as they rotate between the tables and floor showing off their fine and gross motor skills.  Using the sensory box to feel the sand and corn while finding all the different objects that were hidden was incredible.  None of the children wanted to go to another center since they were having so much fun.  But they enjoyed playing their favorite bingo game, alphabet game or even having a dance party.  The children were truly mesmerized when listening to the Passover story.  Watching how the story encoded into their minds was evident as we watched the way they built with the blocks.  Using the cork pyramid made it appear as if we (the Jewish people) were SLAVES in Egypt.

Spending time with the loose parts is always a wonderful experience. Watching their creativity come out as they design on their mirror boards is great to watch.  They are always so proud of themselves.

The children are looking forward to the upcoming holiday of Passover (Pesach).  Singing Passover songs is beginning to become the norm in our classroom.  The children love singing the order of the seder; KADESH OORCHATZ KARPAS YACHATZ…. feel free to ask them to sing it for you.   Talking about the foods we can and can not eat on Pesach is interesting.  One of the foods we eat on Pesach is MATZAH.  Though not edible, we enjoyed making matzah in our classroom.  Using a lego board the […]

Can you believe that Purim is less than a week away?  The preparations are ongoing in the Sunflowers classroom. Our graggers are coming along so nicely.  The children had a wonderful time filling them with beans and popcorn kernels.  The sound of the graggers was approved by the children when they tested them out with a few big shakes.  A few finishing touches and they will be perfect.  The children can not wait to use them.  They know to say BOO and shake their gragger when they hear Haman’s name.

The children can not get enough of the Purim story. Acting out the story with the help of masks has been a favorite thing to do. Everyone took turns being the different characters. We love hearing the children recite the story when acting it out.

The sunflowers had a special guest. Morah Debra’s son Jagger came to visit.  The children sat quietly while Jagger read them a book.  They also enjoyed when he played with them on the carpet.  Everyone had blast with Jagger and can not wait for the next time he can come for a visit.

The children have been enjoying our new reading nook.  They have enjoyed having a quiet welcoming place to go to read a book.  The two small carpets add a homey comfort to the room.

You can hear the children’s voices throughout the halls of IBECC. Hearing all the Purim songs is a wonderful noise to hear.  The children are gearing up for next Friday at 10:15-10:45am when they will  be inviting their families for a Purim carnival and sing-a-long. […]