Here’s another of my, “While I was in Las Vegas at Glass Craft” posts. What can I say, there was a lot to see. So I picked up some project sheets to share with all of you from Spectrum Glass. It’s part of their System 96 Glass Craft Program and this little fusing project is a glass coaster called Mediterranean Mosaic. It’s a simple beginner’s fusing project that can be done in a small kiln. Over at their web site they have this project and as well as a number of others. Here’s something to keep in mind with this project. You can use other glass for it but you must make sure the glass you use is compatible. System 96 has a COE of 96 and if you use COE 90 you’ll need to use that. I’m not saying you can’t use 96 but you can’t mix 96 and 90. The glass must match. But other than that have fun with this cute little tutorial.
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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!