Wow, what a year we have had! A huge thank you to you all for your generosity throughout the year. I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to not only teach your child this year, but to be a part of their early child education. Each of them will be moving on with a little piece of my heart. We will surely miss the children’s smiling faces, funny stories, and all the “sheesh ka bibbels” we said together. I hope as the children continue to grow they remember all the fun we’ve had as a classroom, as well as how much fun I had with your child individually. Miss Jaelyn and I hope you all have a safe and happy summer, and we look forward to seeing those smiling faces in the Pre-K/TK class.
ב"ה
4's Class - Miss Deana & Morah Raizel
Miss Deana
Miss Deana & Morah Raizel 4's Class
I hope you all had a great Shavuot! This week we had “Spirit Week”. We had a light party, animal color day, animal day, and crazy day. We had so much fun! Monday- light party. We turned off all the lights and I brought out finger lights, flash lights, electronic candles for our home living area. We had string lights on the tables, special galaxy lights on the tables, we played with gloves that light up, and glasses that light up. We used glow sticks that the children took home. Tuesday- color day. We played with colored balloons, streamers of all colors and danced away. The children made some beautiful creations using all sorts of colored tape. We used various colors of stickers that the children put all over themselves, and of course miss Jaelyn and myself. They took home a colored beaded necklace and special balloon. Wednesday- animal day. During our morning circle we played musical chairs using animals. The children decorated an animal mask with crayons, and we added a tongue depressor. After swimming we used animal stamps and ate our snack with our stuffies. Thursday- crazy day. When the children arrived all the toys were placed in different areas. The children at first were a little puzzled but then realized how much fun they were having. We had Magnatiles in our doll house area. We put Legos in our home living area. We ate our snack under the table, and we colored under the table. We read the book: Imagine If by Rabbi Zergel which was a perfect crazy day! With all the fun we were having, we still had time to practice our songs in class and on the stage. I hope you all enjoyed your child’s performance. The children were so excited to sing them for you! Have a restful Shabbos,
FROM MORAH RAIZEL
Over the past months, I’ve had the privilege of watching your little ones bloom — not just in size, but in spirit. It’s truly remarkable how much they’ve grown physically, with stronger bodies, more coordination, and more energy! But what stands out most is how much they’ve grown emotionally. They’ve learned to share, take turns, express their feelings, and build friendships. It has been an absolute joy and honor to teach this group of bright, kind children. Thank you for sharing your children with me this year — they have brought so much laughter and love, and I will cherish every moment spent with them. Wishing you all a safe, sunny, and adventure-filled summer. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things your children will continue to accomplish as they grow! Best wishes for a restful, peaceful Shabbos,
Miss Deana & Morah Raizel 4's Class
FROM MORAH RAIZEL
It has been so exciting to count the omer each day. We are excitedly anticipating Shavuos. This week, we continued learning about how we celebrate Shavuos. We learned about Rus, whose megillah we read on Shavuos. We read the book Mother of Majesty, written by Genendel Krohn, and Shavuos Guess Who by Ariella Stern. We learned that Rus was King David’s great-grandmother. David passed away on Shavuos, and part of the story of Rus happens during the harvest, which is one of the names of Shavuos. These are the songs we learned in connection with the counting of the omer and Shavuos. Counting the Omer Song We’re counting, we’re counting the days, Today is the _____ day we’re on our way. From Pesach until Shavuos time, 7 weeks until 49. Day after day, the weeks are passing by, Until the day that we stood at Har Sinai, The day that we love, Chag Hashavuos, When Hashem gave us the Torah and Mitzvos. (Repeat) Mountain Song I am a mountain so very high, I can reach way up to the sky, The Torah should be given on me Cuz I am as tall as can be, you see. Oh No! I am much wider than you And there are so many things I can do. The Torah should be given on me Cuz I am as wide as can be, you see. Oh NO! Little Har Sinal just stood there and sighed. I know I’m not big, I know I’m not wide. I’m happy to be Har Sinai, that’s me! And I’m happy just how Hashem made me. Oh YES! Wishing you a restful Shabbos and a wonderful Shavuos! May we merit to receive the Torah joyfully and internally. I hope you all had a safe and happy Memorial Day. I can’t believe we are almost finished with the school year. During our morning circle we played musical names. A few friends played using their first names and a few friends played using their last names. It was a bit tricky but the children did great finding their names. On Tuesday, the children painted egg cartons that I turned into flowers. During free play the children used fake flowers with their playdough. On Wednesday, the children put stickers on water bottles (for a vase). We put sand in them (to keep them upright), and the children put the flowers into the vase. Miss Kristine’s class are growing butterflies. She was kind enough to let us look at them. On Thursday, we had a flower hunt. The children glued flowers to a headband that they wore on Friday. A big thank you to Miss Lisa for letting us borrow her special water boxes and aquarium. The children scooped using measuring cups, they used droppers to fill up containers, and used people and water animals in the aquarium. On Friday we had a special “Flower Day”. The children wore flower headbands, we made our Challah into a flower, we played with flower balloons, and had a blast. The children got to take home a special flower bracelet! Please make sure your child has a complete change of clothes so they can play with water at recess. Have a great Shavout,
FROM MISS DEANA
Miss Deana & Morah Raizel 4's Class
This week we jumped right into finishing up a few amazing projects. I hope you all enjoy the challah board and challah cover. The children couldn’t wait to share them with you. During our morning circle we played “What’s Missing” using our name cards. It took a little time at first, however they picked it up after a few rounds. We have started practicing for our end of the year performance on June 13th.
On Tuesday, our preschool took part in a mural painting that will be displayed at the big school. The children took part in making a colored flower. They used a stencil and spray paint (with the help of the artist). Take a second at drop off to take a look at it. It’s over by the basket ball hoops, and it’s BEAUTIFUL.
On Wednesday, we celebrated Miss Jaelyns birthday! We played with balloons, ate cupcakes, and played a game using party blowers. In the afternoon we surprised her with a showering of silly string. The children were so excited to celebrate with her. On Wednesday we finally got to swim. I know it has been a couple of weeks since we swam but don’t worry if your child comes to camp they will swim everyday.
On Thursday, I brought out water colors and the children painted all kinds of different flowers for our windows. I also brought out a bunch of artificial flowers and playdough. The children created beautiful creations. We had Har Sinai, centerpieces, even a few flower cookies and cupcakes. Let me just say they were yummy!
I hope you all have a restful Shabbos,
FROM MORAH RAIZEL
It’s Shavuos time! Last week we finished with Lag B’Omer. This week we began talking about Shavuos. We read the book, The Very Best Gift by Genendel Krohn. It describes how Hashem asked all the world's nations if they would like to accept the Torah. There was one nation that said yes, the Jews! We said, “naaseh vinishma, we will do and we will listen.” We continued to talk about the mountains that were all vying for the opportunity to host the giving of the Torah. There was only one mountain that was quiet and did not boast. It was Har Sinai! Har Sinai understood that Hashem made him just right and he was content. Since Torah comes from the word, hora’ah, which means lesson, Hashem wanted to teach us that all of our gifts come from Hashem.
Next week we will continue learning more about Shavuos with discussions, art, stories, and more.
Wishing you a restful and peaceful Shabbos,
Miss Deana & Morah Raizel
I hope you all had a safe and happy Mother’s Day! This week we learned all about the holiday Lag B’Omer with Morah Raizel. During our morning circle we had a name/last name hunt. The children have gotten real good at finding their last names, and they have started comparing who else has the same letters with their friends. We have been practicing on name writing. I have their names laminated and the children can write their names on top of the laminate.
On Monday, we worked on our fine motor skills by making bracelets. I brought out some special alphabet and animal beads. The children had a great time finding their letters. Another activity we did was playdough. The children used special alphabet playdough stampers. On Thursday, we made an alphabet collage. I brought out individual colored glue and the children did great using them. Squeezing glue bottles is such a great functional task that develops fine motor strength, visual motor skills, proprioceptive sensory input, and more.
On Friday, we celebrated Lag B’Omer. We sang songs, made bonfire necklaces, and even made s’mores. The children had such a great time! I have been working on assessments and they will be sent out next week. If you have questions, and would like to set up a meeting please let me know, I’m available anytime.
FROM MORAH RAIZEL
This week we celebrated two special days! On Monday, we celebrated Pesach Sheini. Pesach Sheini, marks the second Pesach. The Jews who were impure from carrying Yosef’s body were unable to offer the Pesach sacrifice because they were impure. They later complained to Moshe. Moshe consulted with Hashem, and Hashem said that these people should have a second chance to offer the Pesach offering one month later. This teaches us an important lesson: even if we did not do the right thing, we always have another chance to fix what we have done. To commemorate Pesach Sheini, the children ate shmurah matzah.
Lag B’omer finally came, and what an exciting day we had! The children participated in a pretend bonfire with music and, of course, s'mores. Lag B’omer is a powerful day of blessings.
Wishing you a restful Shabbos,
Miss Deana & Morah Raizel 4's Class
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all the cards, notes, and treats Miss Jaelyn and I appreciate them all! This week we finished our Mothers Day Gift, and I hope you all enjoy them. The children were so excited to give them to you. The children used permanent markers to create their art so please be careful when you wash it. During our morning circle we played the “Number Game”. We used numbers 11 through 20. Using the upper numbers still takes a little time for the children to recognize them, because it puts numbers together. Learning upper numbers 11-20 is important because it lays the foundation for more advanced math concepts and helps children understand place value. It also enhances cognitive skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving. Additionally, it prepares children for school and builds their confidence in math. On Thursday, I brought out stencils for the children to use. I have to say they did them amazingly. I did use a clipboard to help the children keep the stencil in place. Stencils are a great tool to work on fine motor skills, as well as hand eye coordination. Using stencils is also a great way to develop pre-writing skills. I hope you all have a safe and happy Mother’s Day, Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day in the omer, is coming up in a week. We began reading the story of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, whose passing we celebrate on that day. Rabbi Shimon was a very righteous and G-dly man. He spent thirteen years with his son studying the Torah in a cave while he hid from the Romans. We will be continuing to talk about Lag B’Omer next week. Our celebration will take place on Friday.
FROM MORAH RAIZEL
Miss Deana & Morah Raizel 4's Class
This week we learned the letter “Ii”. Our Sign Language words are: ice cream, Israel, and in. This week we also celebrated Israel’s birthday. The children decorated a birthday crown and we made yummy cupcakes! The children each got a chance to add ingredients to the mix. We measured, checked our eggs (for blood) and mixed all the ingredients together. On Thursday, we all came together to sing Happy Birthday, we sang songs, and danced to Israeli music. We started working on a few special projects that the children are so excited to share with you! During our morning free play we continued to play alphabet bingo since It’s still a class favorite! I brought out our beading board and the children had a great time beading different items that have a hole through it. We used applesauce tops, shapes, and fun puzzle pieces that I added a hole into. Stringing beads is beneficial for children as it helps develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities. It also promotes concentration, problem-solving, and creative expression. On Friday, I brought out some items for patterning. Pattern recognition is crucial for children's development as it enhances cognitive skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving. It helps them make sense of the world, learn new things, and make predictions. Understanding patterns also lays the foundation for future mathematical reasoning and other areas like reading. The children have picked up pattering so well that they have been creating their own patterns as they play. Until Next Week, This week, we focused on Israel. We looked at pictures and talked about why Israel is special to every Jewish person. On Thursday, we had our Israel celebration. We ‘flew’ to Israel and sang songs, ending with ‘Happy Birthday’ to Israel, and eating delicious cupcakes. Of course, we had falafel for lunch. It was delicious. On Wednesday, I asked the children what they love about Israel. Here are their responses: Elias: I like it when the Jews get together at the end of the story. Tohar: You sit down there. Ruby: Paroah Oren: The snow, the sand, the water. Ari Lev: I got bubbles, and the bubbles are mine. Oriel: I love my Spiderman costume, and Ima give me a Spiderman costume. Shiloh: I love about Israel, the Torah. Pearl: I love the end. Avigail: There was fire in the ice. Wishing you a restful and peaceful Shabbos!
FROM MORAH RAIZEL
Miss Deana & Morah Raizel 4's Class
FROM MISS DEANA
I hope you all had a safe and happy Pesach break! We jumped right into counting the Omer with Morah Raizel. Over the next few weeks we will be working on a few special projects to wrap up the school year. On Wednesday, I brought out a bunch of paint for the children to use for free art. During our morning circle we started learning the song that they will be singing at our end of the year performance.
On Thursday, I put out a few games for the children to play with. We played Mr. Mouth, and Alphabet Bingo. Playing Alphabet Bingo is beneficial for children because it helps with letter recognition, oral language development, reading and writing skills, and social skills.
I’m in desperate need for egg cartons any size or types, and water bottles. We will be using them for our Shavout projects.
On Friday, I brought out magnets. Playing with magnets help develop critical thinking skills, fine motor coordination, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving abilities through hands-on exploration of the concept of magnetism, all while introducing basic scientific principles through play; essentially, it's a fun way to learn about cause and effect while engaging their dexterity and creativity.
Important Reminders:
- Please make sure your child has weather appropriate clothing in the their cubby
- Please make sure your child wears playground safe shoes. The new playground equipment can be slippery in the mornings,
Until Next Week,
FROM MORAH RAIZEL
Welcome back to school! I hope you had a wonderful Pesach. The children were very proud of their hard work and all the knowledge they gained about the holiday. When we returned on Tuesday, each child had a chance to share something they did on Pesach. It was nice to hear the children share their experiences.
From the second night of Pesach, we begin to count the omer, seven weeks until the holiday of Shavuos, commemorating the receiving of the Torah. We have been counting each day and singing a song.
During this time, we mourn the loss of Rabbi Akiva’s students, who passed away from a plague. The children learned the fascinating story of Rabbi Akiva, who only began to study Torah at forty. He studied for twenty-four years, and when he returned, he credited his wife for his Torah learning and all of his students’.
Next week we will learn about Israel in honor of Israel’s birthday!
Wishing you a restful and peaceful Shabbos!
Miss Deana & Morah Raizel 4's Class
Oh my goodness I can’t believe Pesach is next week. The children have been working so hard to finish all their projects. This week we learned the letter “Kk”. Our Sign Language words are: king, kangaroo, and ketchup. Please keep in mind with the new playground and turf, boots are quit slippery on our dome as well as the rock climbers. Please send your child to school in tennis shoes. Rain boots, cowboy boots, and crocs tend to be difficult to play in. Pesach is coming up fast! We spent the week working hard on all our special projects. They are absolutely amazing and the children are so excited to share them with you. On Friday, we went to the matza factory (multi purpose room) with Rabbi Sender. The children got to see how matza is actually made. The children used a roller to roll out the matza dough, they used a special spiked roller and they got a cute little baker hat! I brought out the game “Mr Mouth”. This was a great hand eye coordination game, as well as patience, turn taking, and sportsmanship. This game is difficult however the children did great getting the flies into the frogs mouth. Friday was frog/Green Day. We added green coloring into our challah, we played with green balloons, green frogs, and danced to the frog freeze dance. It was a great way to end such a busy week! Until Next Week, Pesach is almost here! We counted nine days on Thursday. During circle time, we spoke about how to get ready for Pesach by cleaning up and putting away our chametz. We talked about bedikas chametz, where we place ten pieces of chometz around our home and use a candle, feather, and wooden spoon to find, scoop, and deposit the chametz. This search is done the night before Pesach. In the morning, we burn the whole bedikas chometz kit. We also began reading our Haggadahs and going over each step of the seder. We played a “find the chametz” game during circle time. We are practicing the Mah Nishtana so the children will be ready for the seder! Wishing you a restful Shabbos!
FROM MORAH RAIZEL
Miss Deana & Morah Raizel 4's Class
What a busy week we’ve had! We jumped right into learning the letter “Hh”. Our Sign Language words are: hippo, hebrew, and happy. With Pesach fast approaching we spent this week playing “What’s Missing” using Pesach items (afikoman bag, play Matzah, plastic frog, and a baby Moshe finger puppet). Playing “What’s Missing” is a fun way to enhance memory, concentration, problem-solving skills, and language development while introducing new vocabulary.
On Monday we played Pesach Memory during free choice time. Memory games are crucial for preschoolers as they enhance cognitive skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving in a fun and engaging way, fostering critical thinking and visual recognition.
Our Haggadahs are coming along, and the children are so excited to share them with you. If you're traveling please let me know so your child’s items can be ready. On Tuesday, Miss Lisa shared her blood (red food coloring and water) sensory buckets with us. Inside there were sea animals, spoons, and fun containers the children could fill. On Thursday the children used water color to paint their very own Seder plate. So many exciting projects coming up do stay tuned!
Have a great weekend.
FROM MORAH RAIZEL
We are feeling Pesach in school! We are reviewing the story of Pesach during circle time and have been listening to Out of Egypt during lunch. This week we read The Pesach Book by Dassi Pruss and Once Upon a Seder Plate by Chani Friedman and Chani Kali. Next week we will explore how we prepare for Pesach and focus on the steps of the seder.
Wishing you a restful Shabbos!
Miss Deana & Morah Raizel 4's Class
From Miss Deana What a fantastic Purim we had, now we jump right into Pesach! Your child will be making their very own Haggadah so if you will be traveling please let me know so their special Pesach items will be ready early. This week we learned the letter “Pp”. Our Sign Language words are: pizza, please, and Passover. During our morning circle we played the game “What’s Missing” using items from our classroom. Playing these types of games helps the children with problem solving, thinking flexibly, enhances memory, encourages attention and focus. On Thursday we had a mock seder. It is important for the children to experience a Seder. Having a Seder early allows the children to understand the traditions and meaning of Passover, making the holiday more engaging and meaningful through storytelling, and interactive activities. This was a great way for the children to get a hands-on approach. I have to say the children did so well trying a few new food items as well. I brought out a new game this week. We played Mr. Mouth. The object is to shoot plastic flies into the frogs mouth. This is a great game to practice hand eye coordination, and definitely patience. It gets pretty tricky when you shoot the fly. Over the next few weeks, we will be doing a lot of Pesach activities for the children’s Haggadah, as well as making a Seder plate. So stay tuned! Until Next Week, Pesach is coming! This week we began our Pesach exploration with a model seder. According to the Constructivist Theory, children learn through experience. When the children first experience the Pesach seder, the connections that they make when learning about it afterwards are much stronger and concrete. We have discussed the story in detail and have learned a lot of songs. We are diligently practicing the mah nishtana! I asked the children what they like about our practice seder: Hannah: The matzah. Shneur: The lettuce. Ari Lev: The egg, the grape juice, and the matzah. Elias: Grape juice. Asher: The potato. Tohar: All of them. Shiloh: The egg. Pearl: The little black thing. Ruby: Lettuce. Oren: Matzah Sam: Lettuce Avigail Ninnette: The Grape juice. Oriel: Egg Zalman: Egg Goldie: Matzah Looking forward to learning more next week! Have a restful and peaceful Shabbos,
From Morah Raizel
Miss Deana 4's Class
What a fun week we’ve had. We jumped right into learning the letter “Gg”. Our Sign Language words are: gorilla, giraffe, and girl. During our morning circle we played “What’s Missing” using Purim objects. Playing these types of games enhances problem solving skills, and refines children’s memory, as well teaches children to pay attention. Spirit week was a huge success! On Monday we had a light party. We had lights everywhere. We even added light inside balloons. The children used tea lights into their play at Magnatiles and Legos. The children worked on puzzles with string lights, we even used lights into our doll house. On Tuesday, we face-painted. The children used special face paint crayons. The children even face painted me and Miss Jaelyn. On Wednesday, we had crazy hair. I had a bunch of rubber bands so I added streamers to them, the children had so much fun! Thursday, was king/queen day. The children decorated a crown and Miss Jaelyn made special robes for all the children to wear. We had a great day fit for a king and queen! With all the fun happening we even had time to make hanentashen and shaloch manos containers. The children flattened the dough, and put jelly and chocolate chips in the center and together we created the triangle shape. On Wednesday, the children drew names. The children will exchange shaloch manos with each other at school on Friday. Important Information: School begins at 8:00 am. My first circle is at 9:30. If there is a special activity planned I do my best to wait until everyone arrives.I can’t always redo the activity if your child misses it. However If it’s a cooking activity we make enough for every child even if they missed it. Until Next Week, Miss Deana
Miss Deana & Morah Raizel 4's Class
This week we jumped right into learning the letter “Jj”. Our Sign Language words are: jump, jelly, and jaguar. During our morning circle we played “What’s Missing” using Purim objects (grogger, hamentashen, jewels, mask).
Another game we played this week was Purim Bingo. Playing Bingo helps the children with attention to detail, pattern recognition, classification, visual memory, and sportsmanship.
On Monday, Miss Lisa shared her salt dough with us. The children made pretend hamentashen using gems as the jelly. This was a great fine motor activity. The children pinched the edges to create a triangle shape. We will be making actual hamentashen next week. On Tuesday, we celebrated the opening of our playground. The children got to go on a bus ride in our parking lot, we sang songs , and we got a chance to dance together. The children had so much fun!
Next week we will be doing fun activities everyday leading up to Purim. From hamentashen baking to putting together mishloach monos packing. In our class we will also be doing:
Monday-light party
Tuesday-face painting
Wednesday-crazy hair day
Thursday-king/queen party
Friday is Purim celebration from 9:30 to 12:00
FROM MORAH RAIZEL
We are a week away from Purim! The excitement is mounting. During circle time the children learned about the four mitzvos of Purim. We are practicing Purim songs for our Purim celebration.
Looking forward to more Purim fun next week!
Have a restful Shabbos,
Miss Deana's 4's Class
A BIG thank you to Miss Jaelyn and Miss Rosie for taking such great care of the kids and our classroom while I was away! This week we learned the letter “Zz”. Our Sign Language words are: zebra, and zoo. During our morning circle we played the “Number Game” using numbers 11 to 20. During free play the children have been using their name sheets to actually write their names. We will continue to add their name sheets during free play daily. The weather has been changing. When the water is warm we bring out the water tables, and turn on the water in the sandbox. Please make sure your child has a complete change of clothes (underwear, pants/skirt dress /shirt). If your child doesn’t have a change of clothes in their cubby we can’t let them play there. Over the last few weeks we have been talking about magic numbers. Magic letters and numbers are numbers that change when they’re upside down. For example: 6 turns into 9, 7 turns into capital L, 8 stays the same-circle on top and circle on the bottom, 4 turns into a lower case h. Letter X and letter O etc. The children are really excited when they find a magic number. They’re really taking time to actually look at letters and numbers Purim is fast approaching. The children are so excited to wear their costumes and celebrate with their friends. I changed our Science table, by adding gems and pretend hamentashen, and a couple fun masks. I also added the story of Purim to our flannel board, and added some Purim puppets to our block area. For art this week the children painted masks for our bulletin board. We are definitely ready to celebrate! If you are planning to attend the playground dedication please take a moment and RSVP. Until Next Week, Miss Deana
Morah Raizel 4's Class
This week we began learning about the holiday of Purim! It’s our favorite time of year. I ask the children what they remember about Purim. Here are their responses: Asher: Um…we light up the candles and then we celebrate the table. Zalman: We wear costumes. Tohar: My doggy was doing it and I tickle him. Shneur: We eat hamantashen. Ruby: Elsa. Goldie: I went on a bounce house. Hannah: I ate hamantashen. Oren: Um…my new bed. Ari Lev: I got two bounce houses and I eat hamantashen in the bounce house. Oriel: A bouncy house. Shiloh: We wear masks. Pearl: Um…special food. Avigail Ninette: Forks. Elias: So what we like to do is, lay in my bed and eat hamantashen. We have begun talking about the story during circle time. The children are very excited to see the different puppets. Wishing you a restful and peaceful Shabbos!
