Shabbat is a special time for families and communities to come together, and introducing its traditions to young children can be a joyful experience. Group 1 recently embarked on a fun and engaging project to celebrate Shabbat, creating a personalized Shabbat board that brought the holiday to life.
We wanted to create a hands-on activity that would help the children learn about the symbols of Shabbat while also fostering name recognition and a sense of community. The project took one day to complete and was a resounding success!
Setting the Scene
First, we constructed miniature Shabbat tables using popsicle sticks. Each child was encouraged to decorate their table as they wished, making each one unique and special. We then added a touch of elegance with doilies for tablecloths and crafted the essential Shabbat symbols – challah, candles, and a kiddush cup – from construction paper.
Personalized Guests
The most exciting part of the project was creating personalized figures to sit around our Shabbat tables. We traced simple body outlines onto felt and then used glitter glue to write each child’s name on their cutout. To personalize them even further, we glued a photo of each child’s face onto the head of their felt figure. This not only helped with name recognition but also made the project feel truly individual.
Bringing the Table to Life
Once the tables were set and the figures were ready, the children eagerly placed their personalized felt figures around the Shabbat table. They loved choosing where their figure would sit, fostering a sense of belonging and participation. We carefully traced the felt figures with a sharpie before cutting them out and flipping them over to ensure a clean finish.
Learning and Sharing
As the children arranged their figures, we discussed the meaning of Shabbat and the significance of the symbols on the table. This interactive approach made learning fun and memorable. The children were excited to share what they knew and ask questions, creating a lively and engaging learning environment.
A Beautiful Keepsake
The finished Shabbat boards were not only beautiful but also served as a wonderful reminder of our celebration. It was heartwarming to see the children’s pride in their creations and their enthusiasm for sharing what they had learned about Shabbat. This project was a fantastic way to introduce young children to the traditions of Shabbat in a creative and meaningful way.
Materials
- Felt (various colors)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Popsicle sticks
- Doilies
- Construction paper
- Glitter glue
- Sharpie marker
- Photos of each child
This activity is a great idea for teachers, parents, or anyone looking for a fun and educational way to celebrate Shabbat with children. Give it a try and create your own personalized Shabbat table!