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Hanukkah Play and Storytime Set

I thought it would be fun to create some holiday sets for holidays that I don't personally celebrate (like Diwali, and Kwanzaa, and Ramadan!) (I was right--it WAS fun, and wow, I learned a lot while doing research for these sets.)  I'm so happy to be able to share these, as I think it's so important to expose kids to various cultures, and to share in celebrations with the kids who DO celebrate holidays outside of my own experience :)  

I focus holiday sets on the parts of holidays that kids understand most easily, so the concepts are generally about simple traditions vs. religious themes.  

I also want them to be usable both as storytime sets-- where the adult is using the set pieces as props to support a rhyme, song or story--and as play sets for the kids--where the kids are re-enacting traditions, songs, and stories that they've learned about.  

So up today is Hanukkah.  This particular set was originally created for kids to play with independently--but then I realized it's completely usable at story time, too! I made up some super simple songs to go with the set--Hanukkah vocabulary and concepts are sprinkled within, and the tunes are familiar so everyone will have an easy time joining in.


It is Hanukkah  © Wendy Gerbi

To the tune of Frere Jacques.  Explain the concept of call and response if the kids aren’t familiar with it.  You can set up your pieces on the board ahead of time or place them on as you sing about them.  Do what works for you—having the kids help place the pieces on the board is the most fun 😊

It is Hanukkah, it is Hanukkah

The festival of lights, the festival of lights!

The shamash lights the candles, the shamash lights the candles.

Shining bright, shining bright!

 

It is Hanukkah, it is Hanukkah

The festival of lights, the festival of lights!

Fry potato latkes, fry potato latkes,

Eat them up, eat them up!

 

It is Hanukkah, it is Hanukkah

The festival of lights, the festival of lights!

Spin the little dreidels, spin the little dreidels,

Watch them fall, watch them fall!

 

It is Hanukkah, it is Hanukkah

The festival of lights, the festival of lights!

Fry the sufganiyot, fry the sufganiyot,

Cherries on top, cherries on top!


 

Hanukkah is Here

to the tune of Farmer in the Dell

As you sing about each felt piece, place it on the board.

 

Hanukkah is here, Hanukkah is here,

Light the candles in the menorah,

Hanukkah is here!


Hanukkah is here, Hanukkah is here,

Fry the latkes in the pan,

Hanukkah is here!

 

Hanukkah is here, Hanukkah is here,

Spin the dreidels and watch them fall,

Hanukkah is here!

 

Hanukkah is here, Hanukkah is here,

Chocolate gelt for all the kids,

Hanukkah is here!

 

Hanukkah is here, Hanukkah is here,

Icing and cherries on our doughnuts,

Hanukkah is here!

 

Hanukkah is here, Hanukkah is here,

Celebrate with friends and family,

Hanukkah is here!






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