NURSERY SCHOOL NEWS

April was a busy and festive time here at the Nursery School as we prepared for the Passover holiday. As we did at Hanukkah time, we once again approached our “ritual item” making in a new way. We divided our efforts according to grade level. Our two year olds focused on matzah, so they created matzah trays and matzah covers. Our Threes created afikomen bags, and our four year olds made their own pillows to be used at the seder. These activities involved sewing, weaving, beading, stenciling, pasting and painting.

Our children are accustomed to baking challah for Shabbat. We now shifted into Matzah mode. We compared and contrasted the process of baking matzah vs. baking challah. The singing of Passover tunes, including the four questions, permeated the halls of our school.

Our days were spent washing, scrubbing, wiping and cleaning all of our tables and chairs with soapy water and sponges to get our classrooms ready for Pesach. We were also very busy chopping apples and raisins for charoset, and making matzah balls!

Immediately before we started our model seders, the children conducted Bedikat Chometz, the search for any chometz in the classroom. This was an exciting activity for the children. We shut off the lights as the children carried dustpans and feathers and began their search. Teachers strategically placed bags of chometz around the room so that the search was a success. This search culminated in a burning ceremony outdoors, where we disposed of the remaining portions of chametz.

Passover was not just about the Seder, but included discussions about rebirth and renewal. We watched as our parsley began to sprout just in time for the Seder dipping ceremony. Now that spring is here, teachers and children alike are enjoying the warm weather with extended outside time. It’s wonderful for the children to run and climb and play in the fresh air!