Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greeks and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE. It also commemorates the miracle of the oil, where a single day’s worth of oil lasted for eight days. The holiday is observed for eight days and nights, typically falling in late November or early December.
Here are some engaging activities to teach students about Hanukkah:
1. Menorah making
Have students create their own menorahs with clay, clay pots, or other materials. Provide them with candles or let them make their own with beeswax sheets. Discuss the symbolism and significance of the menorah in the Jewish faith.
2. Dreidel game
Introduce students to the dreidel game, a traditional Hanukkah game played with a spinning top. Provide instructions and play a game as a class. Students can make their own dreidels or use pre-made ones.
3. Latke recipe
Talk about traditional Hanukkah foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). Provide a recipe for latkes and have students follow along to make their own. Discuss the symbolism of foods eaten during Hanukkah.
4. Candle lighting
Teach students about the daily candle lighting ritual during Hanukkah. Provide a menorah and candles for the class to light each day. Discuss the significance of the candles and how they are lit.
5. Hanukkah story time
Read books about Hanukkah and the traditions associated with it. Some great options include “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” by Eric Kimmel or “The Hanukkah Mice” by Ronne Randall. Encourage students to make connections between stories and their own lives.
6. Hanukkah math and literacy activities
Incorporate Hanukkah into your lessons with math and literacy activities. For example, have students graph the number of candles lit each day or write Hanukkah-themed poems or stories. Encourage creativity and thoughtfulness in all assignments.
By engaging in these activities, students will have a better understanding and appreciation for Hanukkah and Jewish culture. It’s important to foster an inclusive and respectful classroom environment where traditions and cultures are celebrated and valued.
