Hanukkah is a special holiday celebrated by Jewish families around the world. This eight-day holiday honors the Maccabees’ victory over the Syrian-Greeks and the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days instead of one. Celebrating Hanukkah is a great way to teach elementary students about the history of this special holiday. Here are 20 celebratory Hanukkah activities for elementary students.
1. Make a dreidel out of clay. Have the students create a dreidel design out of clay and bake it in the oven. When it’s finished, have each student decorate their dreidel with paint and glitter.
2. Host a Hanukkah story-time. Gather together to read stories that are related to Hanukkah, such as “The Story of Hanukkah” or “The Miracle of the Oil.”
3. Make a menorah out of construction paper. Have the students make a menorah out of construction paper. Give each student eight pieces of construction paper and have them cut out a shape for each candle. Have them glue the candles to the base and then decorate the menorah with paint, glitter, or markers.
4. Create a Hanukkah video. Have the students create a mini movie about Hanukkah and post it online.
5. Play the dreidel game. Have the students sit in a circle and give each student a dreidel. Have them take turns spinning the dreidel and collecting or exchanging gelt (coins) depending on the outcome.
6. Participate in a Hanukkah parade. Join in a local Hanukkah parade and celebrate the holiday in style.
7. Make latkes. Get the students to help you in the kitchen by making latkes (potato pancakes). Have each student mix the ingredients, form the pancakes, and then fry them up.
8. Draw a Hanukkah picture. Have the students draw a picture of themselves celebrating Hanukkah. They can use markers, crayons, or other art supplies to create their masterpiece.
9. Create a Hanukkah mural. Have each student create a painting or drawing of a Hanukkah-related scene, such as the Maccabees fighting the Syrian-Greeks. When all of the students’ art is finished, put it all together to create a beautiful Hanukkah mural.
10. Plant a tree. Plant a tree in honor of Hanukkah and watch it grow year after year.
11. Practice the prayers. Have the students practice the prayers that are said during Hanukkah.
12. Make a Hanukkah wreath. Have the students create a wreath out of paper plates and decorations.
13. Build a sukkah. Teach the students about the sukkah, a temporary structure that is built and used during the holiday. Have them build a miniature sukkah with cardboard boxes and other craft materials.
14. Have a Hanukkah sing-a-long. Gather together to sing traditional Hanukkah songs.
15. Play a Hanukkah memory game. Have the students match up Hanukkah-related words and pictures to create a memory game.
16. Decorate a Hanukkah tree. Have the students create decorations for a Hanukkah tree. They can use foil, construction paper, glitter, and other materials to make their decorations.
17. Have a Hanukkah dance-off. Put on some Hanukkah music and have the students show off their dance moves.
18. Make Hanukkah cards. Have the students create cards for their families and friends.
19. Play a Hanukkah board game. Create a board game with Hanukkah-related questions and challenges.
20. Make a Hanukkah gift basket. Have the students put together a Hanukkah gift basket filled with Hanukkah treats and decorations?
These activities are a great way to get your elementary students excited about Hanukkah. Not only will they be able to learn about the history of this special holiday, but they will also be able to have fun and create lasting memories.
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