Mommy & Me
With Jewish Themes and Songs
Chabad’s “Mommy & Me with Jewish Themes and Songs” has completed its spring session and will commence again in the fall. Mommy & Me provides a weekly opportunity for babies and toddlers from throughout the county to experience a special morning with their mothers. Traditional themes, holidays and famous Jewish characters spring to life. Mother and child share new experiences together and are exposed to varied stimulating and challenging experiences in a warm environment.
The program is geared for toddlers ages 1-3, regardless of affiliation and background. Chana Burston, an experienced educator and teacher, and co-director of Chabad of Orange County, creates and leads this unique program. The morning begins with free-play time for the moms and children, and continues with an animated circle time. Through lively puppets, musical instruments, dancing, singing and stories, the children learn Hebrew words, Jewish songs and gain awareness of fundamental Jewish traditions. The children learn to put coins in a charity box while singing a charity song and playing music with colorful tambourines. The toddlers sing a song about the Torah scroll as they each hug their tiny stuffed Torah scrolls. Parachute play, bubbles, and games keep the children and mothers excited and energetic throughout.
After enjoying a nutritious snack, Chana displays the “Mitzva Tree (Tree of good deeds)” the children have painted in the beginning of the session. This tree is covered with spring flowers, and on each flower the Mothers write a positive deed the child has done in the past week. The children giggle with pride as everyone sings the “Mitzvah Song” as the flowers are placed on the tree. The morning finishes with a creative Arts-and-Crafts project.
“We want to develop relationships in three areas,” explains Chana. “Firstly, the bond between mother and child as they learn to master skills together in a friendly and loving atmosphere. This is also a wonderful chance for moms in a large county to meet other moms and develop friendships. Lastly, to instill Jewish love and pride within our children, thereby developing a foundation for each child to connect with his or her Jewish heritage.”
To learn more about “Mommy & Me with Jewish Themes and Songs,” please contact Chana at 928-1701 or write [email protected].
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