Mai Lesson
What Is Hanukkah?
Social Studies · 30 min · Any age · You and your child together
This Spark introduces families to Hanukkah and its ancient story of courage and a miracle of light. Discover traditions like lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel and enjoying special foods, all connected to a message of hope and dedication.
What your child gets out of it
- Recall the core story behind Hanukkah.
- Identify key Hanukkah traditions and their symbolic meaning.
- Connect historical events to modern-day celebrations.
What you need
- Paper — For printing the worksheet, drawing your own menorah or making a paper dreidel.
- Crayons or markers
- Small coins or candies — For playing the dreidel game. (or Small pebbles, Buttons)
- Toy dreidel — Optional. No dreidel? Make a paper one in 30 seconds: a folded paper square with a pencil through the middle. (or Paper square and a pencil)
- Printable worksheet — Menorah to color (Stage 2) and the tradition picture match (Stage 3).
How it runs
- Introduction · 5 min
- Explore & Plan · 6 min
- Discussion · 8 min
- Activity · 9 min
- Summary · 2 min
Why it matters
Learning about different cultural celebrations helps us understand and appreciate the diverse ways people find meaning and joy in their lives.
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