Special Thank You!

Dear Parents,

Mazel Day School Chanukah Recital was a big success! Pre-K Friends did an amazing job performing their part in front of real audience. Dear Parents, you are a big part of this success. We want to express our gratitude to all of you for taking responsibility to practice with your kids at home and make it perfect! THANK YOU! 

A special thank you goes to Sophie's mom, Svetlana Sky, and Leon's mom, Natalia Permyak, for supporting and helping with ideas and supplies in the costumes preparation and stage decoration. THANK YOU! 

To see Pre-K Chanukah Recital please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvechsLHHEk

Letter Chof

This week our Mailman was Ari who brought us the letter Chof.  

It has one little line on top, one little line coming down, and one little line across on the bottom.

This letter doesn't have a dot. 

Hint: Chof doesn't have a cold therefore it doesn't need a candy like the Kaf.

Letter Kaf

We couldn't wait to learn the next letter. Mailman Leon brought us the letter Kaf.

Kaf has one little line on top, one little line going down, and one little line across on the bottom. It also has a dot in the middle.

Hint: Kaf is eating a kosher candy for its cold. It is also a hungry letter which only eats kosher foods. Whenever it goes shopping it always looks for these signs on the food.

Kosher begins with the letter Kaf.

Excitments of the Chanukah week

                                                   We lit a menorah and sang Chanukah songs

                                                              We made latkes

and ate them.

We made Chanukah cookies

We performed for our friends from the Senior Citizen Center

 and treated them with cookies we made.

And finally we performed at our school's Chanukah Recital

to see more visit our http://prek5772.shutterfly.com/pictures/1433

A road to good health

Dear Parents,

as winter season continues, our worries about our children staying healthy and attending school full time continue as well. How can we help our children build strong immune system? How can we help them to resist airborne viruses?  With these questions we approached one of our parents who is often guest in our classroom and who is a Certified Wellness and Weight Management Coach, Zoya Davidov- known among Pre-K friends as Ema's mom.  

"While it’s true that our kids inherit some of our booboos, their lifestyle and nutrition play major role in the strength of their immunity. Did you know that digestive and lymphatic systems carry 80% of that responsibility?  Therefore, it is very important to keep their tummy health at its ultimate and concentrate our efforts on giving our kids the nutrition their body needs and cleansing and removing their body from toxins.

While intestine absorbs all the nutrients we eat, lymphatic system works hard to clean up waist products while protecting us from infections such as viruses, bacteria and fungi as well as tumors. It runs along side of the circulatory system and it has no pump: fluid is moved passively during muscle contraction. That is why it’s crucially important to keep our kids moving, to keep toxins flushing away from their systems.There is what you, dear parents, should start to do right away

• limit amount of sugar your child consumes. Sugar should come in its natural form from fruits and root veggies. Don’t offer your kid a juice to drink, instead make the water available on the counter all day long, just like in the class room.
• 
  

  buy whole grain unsweetened cereals, plain organic yogurts and mix in a small amount of honey or any fruit jam that your child likes. This way you control how much sugar she/he consumes.
•  veggies and fruits.
  

  Decrease and ultimately eliminate white flower foods from your child’s diet. I suggest crowding out method, which means gradually substituting with whole grains, fresh

Stay healthy,
Zoya Davidov

To see Zoya's full article with suggestions how to help children make healthy choices please visit our Pre-K shutterfly page (top right site column- "Files") http://prek5772.shutterfly.com/pictures

Forward your questions to
http://zoya-davidov.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com/contact or
http://www.facebook.com/#!/EMZwellness
or leave your question as a comment on the blog. We will ask Zoya to address your question directly on the blog. 

Eliana's Show and Tell

This week Show and Tell host was Eliana. Eliana brought something very interesting to the class. Friends learned that Eliana takes singing classes. She told friends that she has a costume of duckling that she wore for a Musical show where she played a role of little duckling.  Eliana showed friends her costume and a well deserved trophy that she got after the show. Friends asked her why did she bring these things? Eliana said that she really likes her costume and likes to sing. We hope that one day Eliana will be brave enough to sing in front of her friends.
To see Eliana's Show and Tell please visit  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8ofkYE9ceM

Winter Vocation Homework for Parents

1. Take your kid outside everyday. ( Outside play on windless days when the temperature is above 32 F is recommended by NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.)
 2. Read to your kids daily. Read something that you would enjoy together. Look through old photographs, watch favorite movie and discuss it.
3. Bake or cook together. Give your kid some manageable work- cut veggies, break eggs, mix cookie butter...
4. Take a trip to a book store like Barnes and Nobles.
5. Let your kid call his friends. Use the school directory book that has been sent to you at the beginning of the year.
6. Let your kid use the site http://www.starfall.com/ to review letters that we learned already.
7. Less TV!
8. Put music on and dance!

This week we learned

The letter G was the letter of the week. To make the letter one needs one big curve, two little line. The words "'grape'', ''guitar'', ''glue'' or ''gum'' start with the letter G. We were happy to learn that three of our friends last names start with "G"-  Liza Gerber, Rachel Gabo and David Gleiser. To review letters that we learned already please visit http://www.starfall.com/

This week we learned

This week we learned the letter Q. To make a letter one needs two curves and one little line. The letter Q starts such words as question, queen, quarter, quickly.  To review the letter and its sound please visit:
http://www.starfall.com/n/level-k/letter-q/load.htm?f

The next week lettet is the letter G. To pre teach the letter please visit http://www.starfall.com/n/level-k/letter-g/load.htm?f

Pre-K friends are learning about number 4. On the number line the number 4 stands between numbers 3 and 5. Number 3 stands before the number 4, number 5 stands after the number 4. We learned that 4 is one more than 3 and one less than 5.

Show and Tell hosted by David S.

David S. was the host of this week Show and Tell.  When David brought a big box in the class, everyone was guessing what it is. The box was nicely decorated with pictures of Alef Beis.  David said that it is the Aron Kodesh where he keeps his Torah. David takes the torah out almost every day, except the days when he forgets to take it out:) David even showed everyone his Torah. Thank you, David for an interesting Show and Tell time.
To see David's Show and Tell follow the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovQ5bo8Uruc
Next week Show and Tell host is JASON!

Shabbos Box

Thank you to the parents who have signed up for the item they chose to purchase for our Shabbos Box,which is slowly coming together.

These are the purchases that have already been spoken for:

• Big Candlesticks
• Kiddush Cup
• 7 Bottles of Grape Juice
• 7 Bottles of Grape Juice
• Box of Candle Holders
• Shabbos Book

Things that remain to be purchased:

• 1 Box of Candles
• 1 Box of Candles
• 7 Bottles of Grape Juice
• 7 Bottles of Grape Juice
• Shabbos Table Companion

Please let me know what you are willing to buy.
Our class can't wait to once again have our Shabbos Box circulating among our friends.

Chanuka Time is Almost Here!!!

Chanuka is almost here! Getting ready for this fun holiday, we learned all about Eretz Yisroel, the Beis Hamikdash, and special fruits, such as olives, that are grown there. We then heard the miracle story of how Hashem made the Maccabbees, although they were a small army, chased the many Greeks away. After two years, the Maccaabees were happy to finally be able to return to the Beis Hamikdosh and  light the Menorah once again. Hashem performed yet another miracle and made the small jug of oil which they found to light the Menorah, last 8 days instead of one.

During the story, the friends voted on who they thought would win.Would it be the SMALL army of Maccabbees or the BIG army of Greeks? Many favored the Maccabees as the winners.

We also went around the class trying to figure out how long the little jug of oil in our classroom would burn for.
Some of the friends guessed the following answers:
Ema - 70 days.
Jason - 8 days.
Mickey - 17 days.
Menny - 8 days.

            

Parshas Vayishlach

For more information on the Parsha refer to this link:
http://www.torahtots.com/parsha/breishis/vayish2.htm

For a nice song for kids on the Parsha refer to this link:
http://www.chabad.org/kids/article_cdo/aid/608037/jewish/Vayishlach.htm

Letter Yud

This week our Mail Carrier was Ema. She took great care not to let our mail get wet since it was raining outside that day. Inside her bag was a little letter Yud. The form of Yud has one little line on top, and a little line coming down. 

We have 2 friends in our class who begin with the letter Yud. They are Jason - Yaacov and Mordechai Yisroel.

Hint to remember the little letter Yud: It looks like a little Yeled- boys head wearing a Yarmulka on top.

We got a new Yarmulka in our class this week since it begins with letter Yud.

 

All About Me- Books that help us learn about our feelings

Pre-K friends read great books that inspired discussions about feelings.

The book "Why do you cry?" by Kate Klise tells a story about Little Rabbit who is about to turn five, and he decides he’s all through with crying. He doesn’t want crybabies at his birthday party, so he tells his friends they can come only if they’re big, like him, and don’t cry anymore. When all of his friends and his mom admit to crying sometimes, Little Rabbit is shocked. The question raised in the class was does everybody cry? Why? Friends shared that everyone cries for different reasons. Some friends shared that they cry when someone hurts them or screams at them, some friends shared that they cry when they want something very very much but can't have it.   

Other book that we read was "The Happiness Box" by Bracha Goetz.  A story about a kid that is never happy with what he has. He finds things to complain about all day.

One day his parents bought a washing machine. The boy is not happy because it's not for him. His wise father convinces him that the box from the washing machine is the real item of desire and it's just for him. It's called "a happiness box" and while inside one must think only happy thoughts.

This boy accepts the conditions and gets inside of the box. At first he has a very difficult time to think of something happy. So he starts to think of yummy things that his mom cooks for Shabbos, then about his favorite toys among which is his old boddy Teddy Bear. Pre-K friends imagined things that they would think in their Happiness Boxes. Most friends said that thinking of their favorite toys would make them feel happy.

"In my Happiness Box I think of my favorite cows", said Mordechai Yisroel.

"In my Happyness Box I think of my Purim costume", said Menny.

      "In my Happiness Box I think of my favorite airplanes", said Mickey.

Happy Birthday Ema!

Happy Birthday to our dear friend Ema

who turned 4 years old last week!

Pre-K friends and Morahs wish Ema to be healthy, to learn Torah, to do a lot of mitzvahs, to have a lot of friends, along with giant building, plenty cupcakes and lollipops.

We send our Mazel Tov to Ema's family with the best wishes!

May you have only naches from Ema! Pre-K friends send their thank you

 for the gifts they got in honor of Ema's Happy Birthday.

Show and Tell

This week Show and Tell host was Rachel. Rachel brought her first Taekwondo trophy. She is a proud carrier of Blue Belt. Rachel told friends that in order to get a trophy one needs to wear uniform and follow instructions. Rachel even demonstrated to friends how to use nunchakus. 

Rachel shared that she enjoys Taekwondo classes.

Next week Show and Tell host is Jason.  

This week we learned

This week Pre-K friends learned the letter O.

To make the letter one needs two curves. The letter O says /o/ like in words octopus, octagon, olives. 

To everyone excitement, friends learned that two of our friends, Menny and Mordechai Yisroel share the same last name that starts with the letter of the week - Okonov.

To review the letter O sound please visit http://www.starfall.com/n/level-k/letter-o/load.htm?f

To preteach the letter Q and its sound please visit http://www.starfall.com/n/level-k/letter-q/load.htm?f

Pre-K friends learned what is a number line.

 It is a straight line on which every number has own place.

In the class friends practiced to find a missing number on the line.

Continue learning about number 3, friends were challenged to think what 3 black dots can make.

                     Three black dots can make a flower hat that we can wear on Purim, said Naomi.

       Friends learned that only shape that has three sides is TRIANGLE.  

       Tommy Triangle! Look at me!

     Count my sides! One-two-three!

Excitments of the week

On Monday Pre-K Friends visited the Gym!

It was great to use all gym equipment: rock climbing wall,ball pool, monkey bars, bicycles and more.

On Tuesday, we had Ema's mama,Zoya in "the house" cooking with us healthy Quinoa Salad.

We cut tomatoes, pepper, cucumber, scalion and parsley. We sprikled cut veggies with olive oil, lemon and lime juice then added cooked quinoa that is a rich source of vitamins and fiber.

We made it! Friends tried to be open-minded and taste the Quinoa salad!

We kept in mind that it is healthy and good for us.

    On Wednesday, Pre-K adopted a new pet - a Hermit crab. 

 Next week we are going to observe what he likes to eat.



Shabbos Box Items

The Shabbos Box

 1. 2 Candlesticks: ($18.99) (Different than pictured)

http://www.thejudaicastore.com/shabbat/85382-fancy-pair-of-candlesticks--8-cm.html

2. 2 Candlesticks: ($19.99) (Different than pictured)

http://www.thejudaicastore.com/shabbat/85383-fancy-pair-of-candlesticks--13-cm.html

3.   1 Box of Candles (72 Candles) $6.49

http://www.allinkosher.com/p-44113-rokeach-72-shabbat-candles-72-ct.aspx

4. 1 Box of Candles (72 Candles) $6.49

http://www.allinkosher.com/p-44113-rokeach-72-shabbat-candles-72-ct.aspx

5.  Kiddush Cup and Plate $15.00 (Different than pictured)

http://www.jewishbazaar.com/kiddush-cup.html

6.  7 Small bottles of Kedem Grape Juice ($1.29 Each) $9.03

    

tp://www.israelikosher.com/Product_967.html

7. 7 Small bottles of Kedem Grape Juice ($1.29) $9.03

http://www.israelikosher.com/Product_967.html

8.  7 bottles of Kedem Grape Juice ($1.29 each) $9.03

http://www.israelikosher.com/Product_967.html

9. 7 bottles of Kedem Grape Juice ($1.29 each) $9.03

http://www.israelikosher.com/Product_967.html

10.  1 Box of Candle Holders ($7.98)
http://www.judaicaplace.com/nerm_26003/judaica/item.html

11. Challah Cover ($8.99) (Different than pictured)

http://www.traditionsjewishgifts.com/RLCCEB35G_Shabbat_Challah_Cover.html

12. Salt Shaker ($0.  50)  & Kosher Salt ($1.99)

http://www.bakedeco.com/detail.asp?id=2739&trng=fgle

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_033W569915110001P?vName=Food%20&%20Grocery&cName=GeneralGrocery&sName=Salt&sid=KDx20070926x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=033W569915110001P

13. Shabbos Book- A Sense of Shabbos ($14.95)

    

http://www.torahaura.com/item_Sense_of_Shabbat.aspx

14. Shabbos Table Companion ($8.75)

http://www.judaica-world.com/product.asp?dept=0&Product=B121A

Dear Parents,
As you know, every Friday, one “friend” in our class, has the opportunity to take home our Shabbos Box to use and enjoy with his/her family.
Until now, the box that we have been using belonged to the children from last year and we now have to return it.
As a result, our class will now be required to purchase our very own box and contents, and I anticipate that all parents will be pleased to participate in this project. With this in mind, I have put together a list of items for you, prices and the stores on-line where they can be purchased.
We anticipate everyone's participation and cooperation so that we can continue passing around our Shabbos Box for hours of educational fun for your child and the entire family.
Kindly send your purchase in by Wednesday of next week, December 07.
Looking forward to distributing our fun-filled Shabbos Box.

Happy Birthday Rachel!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our friend Rachel who turned 4 years old.

Pre-K Friends and Morahs wish Rachel year full of smiles, laugh, good friends, good health, and of course lollipops and cupcakes.
To hear more brochas visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4W1oqaclDs

Mazel Tov to Rachel's family!

May you have only simcha from Rachel and all your kids.

Thank you so much for great presents of our class and friends.

THANK YOU!

Ari's Show and Tell

Last week Show and Tell host was Ari who brought his little brother Benjamin for Show and Tell. Ari said that Ben is six month old. He can't talk or walk. When Ben tries to crawl he just rolls over.
When friends asked Ari why he brought Ben to Show and Tell, he said that he wanted to show everyone his baby who he loves very very much.
Morah called friends' attention to see how Ari and Ben look alike. Same color eyes, same color hair, same mama and papa.
To see more please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RERHyniY8vQ

Mordechai Yisroel's Show and Tell

Who does love cows in our class? Who does really love cows in our class? It is Mordechai Yisroel.

Mordechai Yisroel brought his cow collection for Show and Tell a week ago. He told us that he loves cows because they are kosher animals and that they are giving us milk that we eat.

You want to know more please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81xlkbi7-T8