I hope you had a happy Hanukkah and a wonderful start to the new year!
Before break, we had our own mini Hanukkah celebration with singing, latkes and apple sauce, and of course, dreidel games. During class, we spent time discussing the story of Hanukkah and the deeper meaning behind it. After reviewing what the fifth graders already knew about Hanukkah, I introduced and read a book to the class called, Hanukkah at Valley Forge, written by Steven Krensky. The book, based on a true story of George Washington encountering a Jewish soldier during the winter at Valley Forge, beautifully connects the Hanukkah story to that of the Revolutionary War. Toward the end of the book, Washington begins to believe that his untrained, ragtag army could perhaps defeat the larger and better-equipped British.
The fifth graders really enjoyed discussing the similarities between these two historic events. They were especially interested in the fact that both the Jewish people and the Americans were the "underdogs". Even while the odds were against both of these nations, they rose up and defeated the larger power.
We are excited to be back in full swing at TI. More to come soon.
Best,
Diana
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