Chanukah, the Festival of Lights

Chanukah is a time of wonder and discovery in the Giving Tree classrooms. We explore light, viscosity using oil and water experiements, force and gravity with spinning dreidels and explore the story of the brave Maccabees who restored the temple after the Greek army had destroyed it. The holiday of Chanukah is celebrated for 8 days as a miracle occured in the temple- a small jug of oil, enough for only one day, lasted for 8 days and nights! 

The symbols of Chanukah are the chanukiah- menorah, dreidels, and foods cooked in oil like donuts or potato latkes! In each classroom, the children recreated some or all of these items. 

Chanukah is also known as the Festival of Lights! We explored various forms of light in the light studio with Chanukah themed invitations. 

Here are some of our other explorations that include the number 1-8, loose parts, sensory exploration, art  and music and movement.