Dear Families,
A
s we approach Yom Kippur, our teachers seek ways to teach the abstract ideas of teshuvah and repentance to our young learners. Teshuvah, literally means "to return", perhaps to our best selves. But that idea as well as that of repentance (being sorry) are very complex notions for our very young friends. As Morah Jo Nossen (EY2) wrote in a recent newsletter home:
"The words "I'm sorry" hold little meaning to
two and three year olds due to their limited life experiences. Instead, we ask the children to look at the wronged friend, ask him if he is ok, and if he wants a hug. This three step process allows the transgressor to RECOGNIZE the impact of his actions on his friend, SHOW compassion for the friend's feelings, and RECONNECT with the friend through the offering and possible acceptance of a hug. The wronged friend is always allowed to decline the hug. A decline is always a good life lesson for both the transgressor and the wronged party."
We, as teachers, can make this abstract idea of "returning" to our best selves" and being sorry more concrete by following the three step process Morah Jo outlines. Morah Jo also advocates talking about what makes us happy and sad. "Once we become aware of our own basic feelings, we are better equipped to notice those of our friends around us." For two year olds, making Happy/Sad books is a concrete way of understanding that most abstract of all things, feelings!
The ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as the Ten Days of Repentance. During these school days our teachers use children's literature, particularly with our three and four year olds, to help them understand more about feelings and to process this season of inner reflection. Our three and four year old students have heard various stories like the ones below:
Are
We Still Friends
by Ruth Horowitz -The story of how open communication between friends helps them make good choices about their friendship.
Oh No, Jonah!
by - Tilda Balsley- the ultimate repentance story of Jonah and the Whale told in rhyme.
The Hardest Word
by Jacqueline Jules- A Yom Kippur Story about the hardest word- sorry.
Another very concrete way to create understanding about the idea of "turning away" from mistakes and bad choices is to perform tashlich, a very old Jewish ritual. Tashlich means "to cast". Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Jewish communities go to a body of water and symbolically cast away mistakes by throwing bread or pebbles into the water. Our EY students have an opportunity to do this at our campus pond. As a matter of fact, Morah Jacquie's EY4 class and Morah Diana's EY 3 class did exactly that on Friday and our other 3 and 4 year classes will experience Tashlich this week.
The two's had a great idea to make teshuvah more meaningful. They will draw on the white top with chalk (their mistakes) and then smudge out their markings There is nothing like a strong visual to reinforce an abstract concept!
Kudos once again to our creative team of teachers.
Shavua Tov for the week ahead and for those who observe, Tzom kal (have an easy fast).
Lorna Orleans
Director, Early Years
