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*What Do Geometric Shapes Have
To Do With Pesach?*
Well, a lot; because when you realize that math is part of everyday living, then you start to see the impact of numbers and mathematical concepts everywhere. First graders in 1Y had the opportunity to meet with Yehuda Najman, Amittai's uncle, and learn that his avocation, building, uses math all the time. "For example," he told the children, "I built a chair this summer. Chairs have four legs. In order for something to really be especially sturdy and strong, it needs to have four to stand on." The children have been studying geometry, so Yehuda asked, "Which shapes can you think of that have four sides?" "Squares, rectangles, trapezoids," they answered. "Which chag is coming up?" he continued. "Pesach. Yes! Do you know what number comes up again and again during the seder on Pesach? Four. Do you know why? Because when the Jews came out of Mitzraim and were free to make decisions, they weren't used to doing that. But they learned that they had something sturdy and strong to lean on- Hashem."
The students then created cubes (there's a little surprise inside of them) decorating the four sides with symbols of Pesach: four question marks, four cups of wine, and the four sons to remind them of the strength in the number four and to especially remember the source of strength on which the Jewish people can rely.
Thank you Yehuda for visiting!
*5th Grade City of NY*
When it's opened it's closed and when it's closed it's open. What is it?
The fifth graders discovered one of the few answers to this riddle on their recent trip to Museum of the City of New York. As a supplement to their study of New York City, each class visited the museum and participated in a workshop. They talked about the different kind of bridges like swing, beam, and arch bridges, and the history of some of them such as the Brooklyn Bridge. After that, the students made their own bridges using cardboard, paper, and tape, and markers.
"We made swing bridges, which are a kind of moveable bridge that have a center that pivots so boats can pass," said Joe Block of 5Z. "The activity was very fun. In all, the trip taught us a lot about bridges."
When it's opened it's closed and when it's closed it's open. Have you figured out the answer yet?
Why, a draw-bridge, of course!
*Reader's Theater*
Morah Alana Gelnick's first grade reading group have been deeply connecting with the stories they read with fluency. As performers in Reader's Theatre, they act and retell stories they have read during reading group time. Last week, the children performed the story, "String Bean Has No Wife," for their fellow first graders as well as some ELC classes. They did a fabulous job reading from their scripts like reading pros, reading their parts with accuracy and expression. These young presenters were so proud of themselves, and their audiences can't wait to watch their next performance!
*Yediot Klaliot Pizza Party*
Yediot Klaliot, or General Jewish Knowledge Program, in fifth grade, held a Pre-Pesach Pizza Party. Any student who finished at least half of the booklet he or she was learning, came to celebrate their accomplishment with Morah Aviva Feit. Yasher Koach fifth graders!
*Penny Harvest Allocations*
A vote was taken, the decision is in! Second graders met and voted on their Penny Harvest allocations. The decision making process began by reviewing presentations they heard, and by discussing organizations to which they were considering giving grants. After a healthy exchange, the children began to vote on how to direct their allocations. This process took time, and the children changed the distribution of allocations a number of times before they were happy with the breakdown of funds. Discussions were polite, respectful, and conducted in an orderly and mature manner. This initiative was led by Mrs. Lynn Zadoff who said, "I am so proud of the children who opted to take part in this Penny Harvest process."
The final allocations are: $500 NY Times Neediest Cases Fund; $500 American Red Cross for Japan Earthquake Relief; $400 Birthday Angels; $400 Gift of Life; $350 Kids of Courage and $250 to Armondo's family.
Thank you to the parents who gave time to speak with the children about various charities and causes. Thank you also to Mrs. Lynn Zadoff, Morah Shifra Shafier, and the entire second grade team for making this such a meaningful and successful experience.
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