CUXX-22

K-1:24 Shavous Symbols – First Fruits, Welcoming the next season
Goal: Students will discuss the beginning of a new season and the contents of the Torah. 1. ** Gain attention of the learner ** Bring two baskets of fruits to class winter fruit basket – apples, nuts, squash and summer fruit basket – grapes, strawberries, cherries, and blueberries. Ask students to describe the differences between the two basket contents. 2. ** Review relevant past learning ** Many of the celebrations we mark as Jews pertain to seasonal happenings in Israel. 3. ** Present new material ** This time of year is when the first fruits planted around the time of Passover begin to ripen. There was a time in the United States that we would only get certain foods during one season. Now that many countries around the world export their produce, we don’t always have to wait to get these fruits in season. The festival of Shavous is a time that we celebrate the beginning of a successful growing season. The Jews have historically been known as very educated people. The Torah contains the legends used to explain different festivals and folklore. Until the Torah was written the stories and legends of the Jewish people were told in story form. 4. ** Provide guided practice ** Family stories are always wonderful to hear again and again. Each family has unique fun and sad things they share. Invite and older class to come and be recorders for your students. Explain to them that when the older students come to class, they will tell them a favorite family event that they remember – a trip, a family celebration, something silly someone did, or anything special. (The very last page of the “Me Book should include a bio of the author. Ask the recorder to help compose this. The bio should detail the authors age, where they live, favorite thing and a special memory of this year at the Folkshul.) 5. ** Provide independent practice ** After the story is written, let the children illustrate the tale. Since this is the last entry in the “Me” book students should make invitations to their parents inviting them to come to see the book next week in class. Assign a snack for each person to bring to the class for a book party. 6. ** Close the lesson ** Share the stories with the class.