During the holiday of Hanukkah, the Nursery students studied light, shadow, oil, being a helper and the concept of bravery and power. They cooked latkes in oil, created masterpieces using liquid watercolors and oil as well as drew Hanukkiot using metallic markers during observational drawing. The children used a variety of different lights in their building creations and even explored candles in clay to create handmade Hanukkiot while practicing their counting skills. Students compared and contrasted the varieties of Hanukkiot that came into the classroom for our gallery, as well as made a few of their own Hanukkiot out of recycled materials. We also honored the Hanukkah heroes by having “Superhero Day.” The students came dressed as their favorite superheroes and shared their “superpowers” and how they use their kindness muscles for helping.

There are eight nights of Hanukkah, and the ninth candle takes on the role as the shamash/helper candle. The word shamash means "helper" or "assistant” and this candle is used to help light the other candles. This concept was introduced to the Nursery students to explore what it means to be a helper just like the shamash candle and shared how they are a helper at home and in the classroom. Some students shared they are a shamash helper at home by helping to clean up toys, and making a cake with their parents. Other students shared that at school they like to be a shamash helper by sharing materials and being a good listener when their friends are speaking. This whole week has been filled with light, spirit and celebration!

How will you be a shammash helper?

“I help my momma clean up the basement. I help Momma cook the chicken pot pie. I clean up the room.” -Simon Gurovitsch

“I use my hands for picking up toys. I help put out the rest mats.” -Libby Margolis 

“I help my sister pick out the color she needs for painting. I help to put the lights on for you (at school).” -Rigoberto Joseph

“I help my daddy do laundry.” - Patrick Johns

“When I help to clean up at home and at school.” - Lilah Gruber

“I help my mommy and daddy clean up at home.” -Adam Ofer