Shamayim Celebrates Joseph's Birthday

The Shamyim  children celebrated Joseph's birthday today with a special story that Joseph chose at circle time along with a very joyful Happy Birthday song.   We also designed a very colorful birthday t-shirt for Joseph to wear. Happy 4th Birthday Joseph!!

Let Me Tell You About It

Some of the girls had a very long Shabbos dinner today when Lindsey invited her friends for babies and challah.  The girls soothed their babies when they unexpectedly all cried at the same time. they ate their delicious challah and they agreed it takes a long rime to get on a swing on the playground.   We are hoping to be invited for coffee soon!

Belonging

Among the top goals of preschool are for children to become part of a school community and for children to make friends. It is amazing to watch as friendships blossom for our youngest students in their first experience at school. There are so many moments of budding friendship, but they can be tricky to catch on camera. I happened to be watching during the Shabbat celebration last week as Zachary reached over, touched Henry's arm, and gave him a big smile, reaching out to acknowledge their emerging friendship. What a sweet moment to witness!

New Traditions

It is always fun to be in on the ground floor of a new tradition.  The Etzim class has been joyfully joining their neighbors, Adamah, for Shabbat.  Each week a different helper from each class lead the blessings as we join together in prayer, reflection, and song.  We love sharing our space with each other and extending our friendships.  Thank you Adamah!

Starting the Day in the Shamayim Classroom

Avi is showing Eli how we start our day in the Shamayim classroom.  As soon as a child enters the room, he or she walks over to our picture board finds their picture, removes it, then puts it in the square basket.  This way we all can keep track of who has arrived and who has not.  Thanks Avi for being such a good demonstrator.

Etzim Day Three

Happy Birthday Olivia!

The Etzim class celebrated their first birthday today as Olivia turned four. Everyone enjoyed the book Pinkalicious, read to us by Olivia's mom, Jill. We then shared a circle, singing Happy Birthday in English and Hebrew!

Etzim Day One

The Etzim teachers were ready to provide extra tlc on day one, but it turned out the Etzim classmates were too busy getting to know each and PLAY together to seek out any extra teacher time! They enjoyed climbing outside together and celebrating Havdalah with Adamah.

Here we are enjoying our favorite book about separation from a parent, The Kissing Hand and practicing a big kiss.   We are super excited for a wonderful year. Go Etzim!

Making New Friends

One of the best things about camp is spending more time with friends and teachers we have seen all year but may not have had in our classroom! By the end of one week it feels as if we've been together as a class all year! Celebrating Shabbat together helps bring us all together in joyful prayer and song!

Adom Fun Facts

Today we welcomed our new assistant teacher, Kaileigh.  We thought it would be fun and informative if everyone shared something about themself at circle   It was interesting to see what children chose to share, and just as interesting to see how attentive everyone was while we had this discussion.  Be sure to stay tuned, because we promise video of Joshua breakdancing in the days ahead!  Welcome Kaileigh.  We had a great day with you!

 

Etzim Last Day

 

Feel the Love

It is only day one of camp, but the Adom group is already forming a nice group identity, making new friendships and renewing some existing relationships. Today we discussed some ideas on what we would like to do during our time at camp. We better get going. It's a pretty busy list, and as Adam said at the end of the day today "That's it? How did that go so fast?"

Building Commnunity

Today was the final Havdalah celebration of the year for the Levana and Shamayim classes who have enjoyed this Monday morning Jewish ritual together. We have built a community of friendship, sharing and tradition.
 

Haifa Lunch Bunch Ice Cream Party

"Will it ever be done"

Haifa Lunch Bunch celebrated our last Monday together by making ice cream.  After much debate, we decided on chocolate chip.  It was messy, delicious, and fun!  We were especially delighted Olive could join us.  We've missed her at lunch bunch!

Pillow Talk

One great thing about being a teacher is that you get to see friendships begin and grow throughout the year. Ben Gaffin and Sam Cornell have developed a very strong friendship that started last year in the Unicorn class. We can almost always find the two boys playing together in some sort of imaginary game. This morning I looked over and saw the two engrossed in a conversation filled with giggles in the book corner.
One can only hope that their friendship continues to grow as they do!
-Alison and Sauci

"Ballerina group picture"

We are the ballerinas of the Haifa lunch Bunch. We wanted to write our own blog today. We all love to dance together at Lunch Bunch. We all go to different classes but we like to dance together at lunch. Next year is making new friends time, but we can always dance together. written by Aleeza, Harper, Abby, and Lizzie (and Maddie "I am not in the picture but I want to be included!)

Sweet as Shabbos

 

Our Shabbat was extra sweet today, as the Keshet and Levana children gathered together to share their traditions and a Shabbat snack of challah, juice and kugel. We sang together, passed the Torah and said the blessings, with Eva and Avi as Shabbat helpers. It reminds us of a song from Once Upon a Shabbos:

Honey, honey sweet as Shabbos!

Honey, honey sweet as Shabbos!

"It's her dream come true!!"

The Haifa class came in to class this Monday morning to some sad news. Our friend Olive had to get put in a cast this weekend from a fall! As we were delivering the news, Sam G. raised his hand and said "It's her dream come true! She always pretends to have a cast and now she has a real cast!" We passed around a photo sent in from her parents and it is true, Olive has a great big smile on her face with her cast. While we are sad that she is hurt and hope that she gets better, the sentiment about Olive living her dream in a cast was echoed throughout the day.
At the art table, we chose to create a poster wishing Olive to get better soon. We colored and drew and decorated until the poster could hold no more color. It was sent home with Olive's sister Audrey at the end of the day. Olive, we hope that you get better soon, we miss you!

-Alison and Sauci

Welcoming Committee

Today Mia and Jacob were spending so much time out in the hallway greeting friends and watching arrivals, we set them up as the official welcoming committee! It is a very interesting and busy morning spot!

Giggles

Best buddies sharing some giggle time !! Enjoy! I wonder what is soooo funny ???