Donna
Donna
Fall '24/Winter '25
The December Dilemma for Parents & Teachers
The proximity of Hanukkah and Christmas, especially this year since both holidays fall on the same night, causes many American Jewish adults to struggle about what to do with the holiday of Christmas. For interfaith families, this time of the year causes the most confusion. Our teachers are aware of which children in their classes come from interfaith or non-Jewish families, and how they handle the holidays at home. Do they celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanza at home? Did one parent convert, but they still celebrate Christmas at Grandma’s? The teachers work to understand how the holidays are approached at home so they can do their best to support each child in their classrooms. And while our major goal of Jewish early childhood education here at Temple Beth El Preschool is to instill Jewish identity and to teach Jewish holidays and values, we also must be careful to validate every child. Rather than the teacher telling a child, “We don’t talk about Christmas here,” it is crucial to acknowledge the whole authenticity of the child. Example: Jonah: “My grandparents have a Christmas tree!” Teacher: “Jonah’s grandma and grandpa are Christian. Jonah, tell us about the Christmas tree at their house.”
For the teachers in our Jewish school, it is important to reinforce the joys of being Jewish, of celebrating Hanukkah, Shabbat, and all the other Jewish holidays. But just as children learn that every birthday party does not celebrate their own birthday, children can learn to respect Christmas and Kwanza as someone else’s holiday, while celebrating in all the joys that embrace being Jewish. In our classrooms, the teachers allow the children to talk about their Christmas and Kwanza observations, while always framing the discussion in the context of “someone else’s party.”
Many Interfaith parents struggle at this time of the year, worrying when their child expresses interest in participating in other rituals. A useful strategy for parents may be to celebrate each holiday separately, with different decorations, music, meals, and times. For example, you could have a Christmas breakfast and a Hanukkah dinner. In doing this, you celebrate each holiday but keep the traditions separate from one another at different times. You could put up both Hanukkah and Christmas decorations, light the menorah and the Christmas tree, read the stories of each holiday’s origins, and exchange gifts for both holidays. The more children learn about other traditions and beliefs, the better our world will become. Chag Sameach!!
Summer 2024
For the last thirty years, TBE has started a new year of learning within our prestigious preschool. Over four thousand children have entered our doors ready to learn and have fun. A new school year means new beginnings, new adventures, new friendships, and new challenges.
Although starting preschool is an important milestone for the children, it often comes with some crying, uncertainty, and not wanting to say good-bye to their parents. A child’s main source of anxiety around entering preschool is that they have absolutely no idea what to expect. They will experience new rules and routines maybe unlike the ones you have at home. Routines in preschool classrooms include things such as arrival time, bathroom time, mealtime, playtime, naptime, clean-up time, and departure time. These routines help to build a consistent classroom community.
The solution to many of these problems is to be prepared. Preparing your child for preschool can greatly reduce their separation anxiety. Familiarize your child with their new beginning. Explain the routines of preschool. Meet the teachers and get to know each other. Make sure you have a chance to chat with the teachers when your child is around. Showing your child that the teachers are someone you like and trust will make your child feel the same. Visit the school with your child. Show them around a classroom and point out the different activities they can do each day. Tell them they will meet new friends, play new games, and go to the playground just like the parks you visit together. Also, most importantly, explain how you will pick them up at the end of the day. Children need to learn that you will always come back for them just like they will eventually learn their ABC’s and 123’s. Returning for your child is a learning experience too.
Believe in your children and know that you have given them a great gift. Be the example for your children of what you want them to become. You are the mirror that he or she will use until they have grown. Of all the things you have done in your life, know that raising your child was your greatest accomplishment with many new beginnings.
Spring 2024
GARDEN OF PEACE
Gan Shalom
May 1, 2024 - Research confirms what we at TBE already know. Gardening has a positive impact on a child’s learning, nutritional awareness, physical health, and mental and social well-being. The garden offers hands-on exploration of so many subjects, including science, math, art, literature, and history. Our garden is a research laboratory that helps children learn through trial and error and is a fun safe place to try new things. Just like it helps a child to eat healthier when they prepare and cook their own food, growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables also motivates the child to taste them and shows them a balanced diet. Gardening also offers children ample opportunities to get outdoors – walking, lifting, carrying, digging, and planting, as well as practicing balance and dexterity in a pleasant and engaging activity.
Children who engage in group gardening develop feelings of pride and accomplishment. As a classroom works together to plant and care for a garden, children learn to communicate and work together collaboratively. These social-emotional skills are important for children to learn in order to be successful in school.
Gardening also offers therapeutic benefits such as sensory input for calm, happy bodies and minds. When children get the right amount of sensory input, their bodies feel calmer and more organized to allow a state of joy and wonder. Planting helps to reduce stress and this gives the children more opportunities to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Last but not least, gardening fosters a love for nature. When children learn about planting and gardening, they develop a relationship with nature. This ultimately helps them appreciate the natural world and all the creatures and plants that live in it (even the iguanas who sometimes invade our garden!). This appreciation can extend beyond the classroom and into their everyday lives. As they grow older, they may start to garden or take up other hobbies that involve nature.
Mon, November 4 2024
3 Cheshvan 5785
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TEMPLE BETH EL OF HOLLYWOOD
1351 South 14th Avenue
Hollywood, Florida 33020
Temple Office: 954.920.8225
Preschool Office: 954.921.7096
Temple Office: temple@tbehollywood.com
Preschool Office: preschool@tbehollywood.com
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