What the Maccabees Heroes and Pre-Writing Have in Common

In early October there was a lively discussion on the Director’s Shamash ListServ about the acquisition of pre-handwriting skills. Many felt the best approach to this concept was the implementation of the “Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum. While some felt it was inappropriate to use a pre-written curriculum, others felt that if used correctly the curriculum noted was both extremely developmental and at the same time very age appropriate.

Handwriting is a developmental skill that emerges over time. So, now that we are fully into the school year and fast approaching the Chanukah season that celebrates the strength of a small band of Jews, it seems like a fitting time to revisit this discussion that focuses on strength in small motor development.

In the past, prior to the availability of commercially written curriculum, it was second nature for the classroom teacher to provide multiple classroom opportunities so children would strengthen growing muscles. Since there were no curricula, we used our own ingenuity and creativity.

So let’s go back to the basics! What are you doing in your classrooms to encourage small muscle strength in the fingers, hands and arms? What kinds of vertical and horizontal large motor activities are you providing which strengthen the body? What kinds of weight bearing activities are you providing to strengthen the shoulders? And how are you tying all of this into your Chanukah based curriculum?

Here are a few ideas. (1) Using playdoh to make a pretend chanukiah; (2) Taking turns rolling cookie dough as you make Chanukah cookies for snack; (3) Pushing or pulling a wagon full of blocks as the class rebuilds the temple.

Perhaps we can come up with our own developmentally appropriate list of things to do at Chanukah time that not only teach about the holiday, but also help children to be strong like the Maccabee heroes while at the same time develop those small and large muscles.

Now it’s your turn to share!