Passover, also known as Pesach, is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
In an early years setting, educators can introduce children to Passover and its significance in a fun, age-appropriate, and inclusive manner. Here are some ideas for celebrating Passover in your early years education setting:
Frog Craft: Since frogs were one of the ten plagues in the Passover story, organize a frog-themed craft activity, such as making paper frog puppets, creating frog masks, or decorating frog-shaped cookies.
Circle Time Discussion: Talk about Passover traditions, such as the Seder meal, the search for the afikoman, and the importance of retelling the Exodus story. Encourage children to share their own Passover experiences or family traditions if they have any.
Seder Plate Craft: Teach children about the Seder plate, which is a centerpiece of the Passover meal, containing symbolic foods that represent different aspects of the Exodus story. Organize a craft activity where children create their own paper Seder plates, decorating them with drawings or stickers of the symbolic foods.
Storytime: Read age-appropriate books or stories about Passover, focusing on the key elements of the story of the Exodus, such as Moses, the plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea. Use these stories to start discussions about the holiday and its significance.
By incorporating Passover celebrations into your early years setting, you can introduce children to the history and traditions of the Jewish holiday while promoting understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural practices.