Presented by Independent Health
BY Will Kawalec, Play to Learn Facilitator
Download a PDF version of this lesson here!
This lesson gives your child the opportunity to create a Menorah for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, an item that is instrumental in celebrating the holiday!
Materials:
8 similar sized clear or mostly clear plastic or glass jars/cups/containers
1 larger clear or mostly clear plastic or glass jars/cups/containers
Sand or colored beads or rice
9 paper straws
Yellow construction paper or ribbon
Clear tape
Length:
Set up: 2 Minutes
Activity 15-20 Minutes
Academic Subject(s):
Art, Social Studies
SS 3.4a, 3.4b, 3.5a, 2.6, 2.8, 1.8
VA: CR 1.2. 1,2,3a
VA: PR 5. 1,2,3a
This lesson supports First to Fourth Grade:
This lesson supports areas of Elementary Education.
While celebrating this year’s holidays from home, there is a great opportunity to see how other cultures and other nations celebrate the holidays. With this lesson your child will be able to experience new traditions and cultures. In this case specifically relating to Hanukkah. A Menorah is used to celebrate the 8 days of Hanukkah where on each day a ceremony is performed to light another candle. Menorah’s are put out for everyone to see as it shows an acknowledgement of the Hanukkah miracle, as well as a display of Jewish pride.
Directions:
Step 1: Align 8 containers in a straight line with each one touching. Now place the larger container in the middle of this line (there should be 4 containers on each side of the larger container.
Step 2: Fill the containers with sand or whatever decorative substance you desire, the containers should be about ¾ of the way full.
Step 3: Cut your paper straws in half you’ll need 9 halves.
Step 4: on the top of these straws tape either paper or ribbon to the top (these should begin to look like lit candles).
Step 5: Place the ‘candles’ in each container, these will be your Menorah lights.
Step 6: Your Menorah is now ready for display!
Step 7: With your new knowledge inform and connect with new people about different holiday traditions.
Vocabulary Words
Hanukkah: A Jewish holiday that lasts eight days, also known as the Festival of Lights. It has major cultural significance in North America for Jewish people.
Miracle: An event that is extremely unlikely, that occurs rarely, with often positive consequences.
