To celebrate the many diverse cultures that make up Lehigh Valley Children's Centers (LVCC), our teachers introduce crafts and activities for various holidays from around the world. Ms. Cassie's preschool class from LVCC at Monocacy Manor explored the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days beginning at sundown tonight.
After a brief explanation about the Star of David, Ms. Cassie had her preschoolers create their own stars to decorate the classroom. To make this craft, the class used Popsicle sticks, glue, blue paint, a paint brush, and silver glitter. This activity practiced listening skills to follow directions.
To encourage math skills, Ms. Cassie had each child count out six Popsicle sticks.
The children then used three of those Popsicle sticks to form a triangle (early geometry). Ms. Cassie used simple directions that the preschoolers could understand, "Make a triangle with the point facing your friend across the table. Next make a triangle with the point facing yourself."
The children glued the ends of the sticks to secure the triangle's shape. Practicing their fine motor skills, gluing the correct sticks together took concentration and some assistance. Center Director Cheryl O'Rourke (seen above), helped out.
They then glued the two triangles together to create the star shape.
The preschoolers painted their stars.
Once the stars dried, glitter was applied. Additional craft materials may be applied to personalize your own Star of David. Dangling from the ceiling, the Star of David makes a beautiful Hanukkah decoration and an easy project for preschoolers.
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