Thematic Unit Plan

Miryum Mochkin

TEAM

Curriculum Development and Planning

TEM 730

Etti Siegel

October 27, 2013

Thematic Unit Plan

In honor of the Holiday of Chanukah, in my Pre-K classroom I plan to spend two weeks dedicated to teaching this topic. This will give you the full spectrum of what and how the pre-k will be learning about this special holiday. The topic will be incorporated so that the children’s learning experience with all five senses. An article in the San Francisco Examiner explained that by incorporating the five senses into the learning experience of a child, “One creates opportunities for each child to reach beyond their abilities. Then they will discover what a wonderful world they have to discover and enjoy” (Heyen 2012). The lesson goal is for the children and be prepared physically, mentally, and spiritually for the holiday. The children will learn the origin and understand all the symbolism surrounding this holiday. The point is to get the children to understand the value of their unique history as a part of the Jewish nation. As a result of this lesson each child will be gain a deeper rooted connection to his individual Jewish identity. There is a collective responsibility to preserve Judaism as a community. Literature will be the initial focus regarding the celebration of Chanukah. Through auditory and visual stimulation provided by the books the children will be engaged and learn what Chanukah. This book Miracle of Lights (Shazak, 2008), appeals to children of all ages. It has questions and answers at the end of each chapter. It tells the story of Chanukah in comic book format and includes the midrash surrounding the story. This literature creates excitement amongst the children to want to learn more. One chapter a day for the two weeks. Art is included in the thematic lesson plan. Each child gets to mold a dreidel out of clay which is especially helpful for tactile learners. By having the children physically molding the clay it gives them the kinesthetic experience. can see the steps of how a lump of clay can turn into a Jewish symbol. It is also incredible for the children to realize that they can create a toy. The sensory integration gained by children at this age is pivotal for children at this age. This art project includes touch and sensory integration which is pivotal for the development of a child at this age. Music integration is another way to to engage the children in this process. By listening and singing Chanukah songs we have auditory integration and this covers the music curriculum. Chanukah can include a science lesson as well. The materials will be on hand for the children to make snow globes. Since the story of Chanukah is all about the oil. The snow globes will contain both water and oil. The children will notice how the oil and water repel each other when mixed. An added science lesson comes from having the children make their own of oil and doing activities incorporating actual olives and through compression they will see how olive oil is produced. We are a dual language classroom with English and Hebrew. This unit will include the English alphabet recognition and writing of the key Chanukah words. The children will also learn the appropriate Hebrew Chanukah words. Each child has his own journal where; half of the page is a blank for pictures and the other half is lined for writing. Children are expected to copy sentences and draw pictures in their journals. There are many facets to the holiday. It is celebrated for either days. Math is incorporated in this unit. The children about the Menorah and the counting of the candles we put in. The children are paired and each receive his own box of 44 candles, and a tray. Each day they will count out the number of candles that will be lit for that specific day. The tactile manipulation of the candles helps reinforce simple math skills. The social aspects of play are imperative in a childs development. Every day they will be grouped to play the dreidel game. Collaboration is also an important skill for a child to learn. I will have dreidel pouches that will include five pennies, two nickels, two dimes, and one quarter. Through this game, children will learn about money and enhance math skills. They fine motor skills necessary to spin the dreidel will enhance the learning opportunity. As a collaborative effort for this unit the children will have the opportunity to dress up and act out parts of the story of Chanukah. Each group will plan a drama skit that will portray their assigned storyline. The children will then perform it to their peers in chronological order. This will empower each child to take ownership of the history of their people. There is a broad range of achievement levels within the class. The varied opportunities to showcase their learning appeals to the gifted as well as the academically challenged students.. Through the method of integrating all five senses into the lesson plan I have guaranteed that each child participates based on their best method of learning. Ipad’s are available that allow individual student exploration. There are many great Chanukah applications that teach the children about Chanukah. Each child can choose according to their personal preference. Technology today has opened so many more opportunities to fully engage a child in learning. It is never too early to teach children 21st century skills. The assessment will come through observation with no formal assessment being given. To complete the unit these lessons take place over many days. There will be many opportunities to assess the children. At the end of the thematic unit the children will actively celebrate Chanukah. Parents will be invited to join their children in singing and celebrating Chanukah. Parents and children will collaborate on a Menorah building project. This will provide positive experiences that will facilitate celebration at home. This is how we preserve Jewish history and make it meaningful in our lives.

References

Gina Heyen. (March 20th, 2012). Children Learn with their Five Senses. www.examiner.com

Schechtman, T., (2012). Chanukah Apps for Children. http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog

McMath, S. (2011). Make a Dreidel. http://www.education.com