There are so many amazing celebrations during the holiday season, and the more children learn about all cultures in the classroom and in our homes, the more knowledge and understanding we provide for everyone while making every child feel seen and heard in their community.
We have been reading so many books about Hanukkah during story time and today we learned more about the Hanukkah Menorah and Star of David through loose parts play. We invited the children to decorate with loose parts (translucent mosaic craft shapes, transparent pattern blocks,and menorah candles).
When a child uses loose parts to create drawn out images, shapes, or designs invitations, it gives opportunities to work on spatial awareness, exposes them to different forms of art, paying attention to detail, and enhancing their language skills as they communicate what they see or what they are doing. As they manipulate the loose parts to fit inside, outside, or around the designs they are enhancing their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and shape recognition.
Here are some other fun ways to explore the holiday Hanukkah: Spin-Art Dreidel and Invitation to Create a Dreidel and Menorah.