The Solel Preschool
In December, The Solel Preschool adopted a classroom at a Title One school in Mesa. This is now a wonderful tradition at our school. Our preschool families bought toys for the children, gift cards for the teachers, party supplies for the classroom.
In January we celebrated the holiday of Tu BiShvat. This holiday is often referred to as the birthday of the trees. Tu BiShvat has developed into an ecological holiday that reminds us of our connection to the earth and to our role as caretakers of the environment. We celebrated the holiday with a Seder featuring different fruits. Many families donate money to plant trees in Israel or locally. Helping our children learn to appreciate and respect our environment was a wonderful way to start the New Year.
The month of February has many “holidays and observances.” Here are some ideas of activities to participate in during the month.
Black History Month
February is Black History Month and we can celebrate by talking about some special black people that used their imagination to help change how we live in the world. Since children love to use their imagination, ask your child how they would stop cars from crashing at an intersection. Talk about how we know to stop and go in our cars. Play red light, green light with them and then give credit to the inventor of the 3 position light—Garrett Morgan.
Build a rollercoaster out of materials you have at home. Be as creative and crazy as you can and show a picture of the figure 8 rollercoaster invented by Granville T. Woods. Talk about the peace and kindness lessons that represent Martin Luther King’s philosophy. Find peace in nature by turning off electronics and going outside for a walk. Children are eager to copy us, so practice modeling kindness everywhere you go.
Friendship
Just like family, friendship is a fantastic theme to incorporate during the month of February. It fits perfectly with National Make a Friend Day or you could easily make it work with Random Acts of Kindness Week which is the second full week of the month.
Cooking
Children love to be in the kitchen! What better way to enjoy a little hands-on learning than to spend some time making a few of their favorite foods. Not only is February the Great American Pie Month, it also happens to be National Bake for Family Month so the timing couldn’t be better. With Great American Pizza Bake also in February, you could easily use this tasty treat to create a few activities to work on cooking skills, shapes, colors, and so much more!
Enrollment for the 2021-22 school year has begun at The Solel Preschool. Classes fill up quickly, so if you are interested, get your registration in early. Visit solelpreschool.org to register for the school year.
Mary Ann Bloom
Director of Early Childhood Education
Upcoming Dates to Remember:
- February 5: Western Tot Shabbat
- February 15: School closed in observance of Presidents Day
