Pesah Panic Time

by Laurie Bellet

We have now entered into the time frame that I call “Pesah Panic” time. Pesah Panic Time is characterized by the number of calls and e-mails I get with the message, “I want to make Seder plates; How can I do it… in the next week?”

The clearest lesson here is that quality programming takes planning. Look ahead; map out your lessons; acquire materials; allow enough teaching time for the lesson, the project and the follow-up. That said, following are some cures for Pesah Panic time.

I Know More About Glue…

Several years ago, my teaching assistant couldn’t make it. Our Cantor/Educator stepped in to fill the role. When asked by a parent about the experience of a heavy duty art day, he replied, “I now know more about glue than I ever thought there was to know!” The comment brings up 2 interesting points:

of deep importance…we frequently do not realize how much we do not know. (This is a big topic for another day.)

of practical import…you need to use the right stuff.

This latter point is easy and fun so let’s start with glue:

More About Hanukkah

by Laurie Bellet

The approach of Hanukkah sends even the least crafty of teachers to the drawing board. In addition to regular class projects, there are “make and takes,” special Hanukkah “workshops,” family programs, bring-a-friend activities and lots of minutes to soak up with sponge time fun. Here, in no particular order, are art activities you can implement with any age students, simply, inexpensively and successfully: