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Candle Warmers (Safer for Cats & Kids!)

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My cats are kind of crazy, so lately I’ve been into using safer options such as candle warmers or metal/glass covered lanterns.

A steel screen on top of a lantern or metal container will work as a barrier for lit pillars, votives, tapers and containers. It also creates a beautiful centerpiece!

If you’re going to make a cover, make sure the screen is strong metal and that the smoke can still escape through the small holes. This is an example of a simple yet beautiful candle lantern from the Candle Lantern Store.

Candle CrockYou can use warmers for any container candle so that you still get the scent without the soot or flame. Of course the warmers will also work for candle melts or oil burners. I have a plain plate candle warmer, which works fine. Another attractive option is a candle crock from Candle Warmers. I like the fact that it’s enclosed and it comes with a lid.

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Hanukkah Unit Studies for Kids

Learning about Hanukkah is important for people of all faiths as a reminder that December isn’t just about Christmas and that their are many other important holidays that happen during this time. Hanukkah unit studies can give you ideas for incorporating the holiday into your holiday studies that happen in December, or to use at home for learning about people of different faiths.

Homeschool Superfreak has a lot of basic ideas for how to build a Hanukkah unit study, as well as FAQs about what Hanukkah is and why it is celebrated. This list is a good stargint point but doesn’t include all the details you’ll need. For example it says you can play the dreidel game but doesn’t explain how to do that or why it’s important. (If you need that information, this post from Mama Smiles is a good source.)

Teachers Pay Teachers has lots of great lesson plans and activities if you’re willing to pay a little bit to get some good content. Two I really like are this Hanukkah PowerPoint presentation from Shelia Melton, which provides a good overview of traditions, food and the history of Hanukkah; and a virtual field trip to Jerusalem from MagiCore, which includes lots of videos showing the city and activities like playing dreidel, drawing a menorah and making latkes. It’s a Google Drive folder and also includes writing activities and more for kids in second to fifth grade.

Kids Activities Blog has some simple printables with facts about Hanukkah and things kids can color in like a Star of David, sufganiyots (jelly doughnuts) and a menorah. These are great for learning the basics.

Homeschool Giveaways has a printable ebook about Hanukkah complete with questions kids can answer after they read. This would be a good one for older kids with good reading comprehension.

NurtureStore’s Hanukkah unit study includes a printable mini book, tons of crafts, as well as math and writing activities. I love the dominoes game that’s part of the unit.

And check out our previous posts for more Hanukkah crafts and learning activities!