Chanukah Suncatcher

Chanukah is a celebration of light. Create a suncatcher that shows what this holiday means to you.

• 1.

  The Jewish holiday of Chanukah means many things. Some people recommit to their faith. Others retell the holiday’s historic stories. Many Hebrew families gather with loved ones. Some symbols associated with the holiday include the Star of David, oil lamps, menorahs, and dreidels. Here is one way to make a suncatcher to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

• 2.

  Fold sturdy construction paper in half. Using a bowl as a template, trace a circle with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. With Crayola Scissors, cut out both circles at the same time (start by poking a hole inside the circle). Erase any stray colored pencil marks.

• 3.

  Place colored tissue paper inside the construction paper "sandwich." Secure it to one side with a Crayola Glue Stick. Glue ribbon inside the folded paper. Glue the sides together. With Crayola Metallic Colored Pencils, decorate the suncatcher with Chanukah symbols. You could also cut paper symbols and glue them on the suncatcher.

Benefits

• Students familiarize themselves with the traditions of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah and the symbols associated with it.
• Students construct a hanging decoration to commemorate their understanding of Chanukah, using appropriate holiday symbols.

Adaptations

• Take a survey to find out how you and your friends celebrate this occasion.
• Make two suncatchers. Share them with a Jewish community center or home for the aging.
• What are some symbols associated with other celebrations at this time of the year? Are there any similarities? Make ecumenical suncatchers using those symbols.
• Assessment: Ask students to explain the meaning of the symbols they chose for their suncatchers.