Leavened bread vs. unleavened bread science experiment

In a very creative science experiment this morning; the children in the four-year-old class

learned first hand the difference between leavened and unleavened bread. Using a balloon, yeast, sugar, and warm water, the children observed that yeast releases a gas that makes dough rise when mixed with sugar and water. The balloon simulated the bread rising. Following the experiment the children sorted leavened and unleavened bread. In addition the children will be provided with an opportunity to make real matzah and bread.

Here is what you'll need for the experiment:

1 balloon

1 package yeast

1/4 cup sugar or honey

1 cup very warm water, plus extra for filling mixing bowl

1 liter sized plastic bottle

1 rubber band

Here is what you do:

1. Stretch the balloon by blowing it up and letting the air out a few times (like kneading the dough)

2.Stir the yeast, sugar or honey, and 1 cup warm water together and pour into the plastic bottle

3.PUt the ballon completely over the opening of the botte and secure with rubber band.

4.Fill a mixing bowl or pot halfway with warm water and place bottle inside.

5.The yeast will make the water in the bottle bubble and foam and watch, the gas will blow up the balloon.

"Oh yes, I remember, that is a letter on the dreidl"

This morning Liora and Charlotte were "playing" with play dough and new Hebrew cookie cutters while their teacher Susie listened in and heard them identifying some of the letters on the dreidl. It was perfect opportunity to revisit and then to extend. Tomorrow

we are going to put out the letters that spell Purim and use them to sing the song "I Know a Happy Holiday and Purim is it's Name" with the Hebrew letters created by the children. (The tune is Bingo).

More than just transliteration

As I look around our preschool I am in awe of how much actual Hebrew we now have in the environment in addition to transliteraton. I am noticing children's interest in Hebrew letters

the same way they are interested in the English alphabet.

(In the Mishpacha poster, the Hebrew lettering is at the bottom of the poster).

It is hard to see in the photograph but Shushan is written in

Hebrew and English as well.

Owen explores the new classroom mezuzah

Just the other day one of our two-year-old classrooms was continuing their investigation of "Homes". They were learning about mezzuzot and created a classroom mezzuzah out of an epi-pen holder that they filled with colorful beads. On the very same day our Kehillah Director, Danny Kochavi donated a beautiful mezzuzah to our school. (see photo)

Our Rabbi, together with the children and several parents taught the bracha that we say when we hang a mezzuzah in a short but beautiful ceremony. What a beautiful sight to watch a two-year-old come into the classroom and kiss the mezzuzah that he helped create!

Yom Huledet Sameach Dr. Suess

Today as we celebrated the birthday of Dr. Suess, Bar, our Young Emissary from Israel read "Oh the Places You'll Go" in Hebrew
while Susie, one of our four-year-old teachers read the story in english. When the books were side by side it was a perfect opportunity to point out that in english we read from left to right and in Hebrew we read from right to left. The children were so attentive that we have decided to make this a regular event. In addition, we are going to purchase simple picture books in Hebrew that will be added to our listening centers.