In our lead up to Rosh HaShanah our ELC children have been engaged in a range of fun experiences to extend the children’s learning and understanding about this Chag. Some of the activities include making our Rosh HaShanah cards, our own shofar to blow, Eldad from JNF visit, and getting hands deep in themed art activities. 

Particularly this week, we have been beeeeezzzyy learning all about bees.  The children were fascinated to hear some interesting facts about bees such as:

Bees have 6 legs which makes them an insect.

Bees have 5 eyes- 2 big ones for looking for flowers and 3 smaller ones so they can follow the sun

Bees have 4 wings

Bees have 3 body parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen

There are 3 types of bees in a colony: worker bees, queen bee, and drones

Bees have 2 antennae which they use for smelling

Bees have 1 very long tongue

We have gone bee observing at the lavender bush located outside the Prep building, drawing and painting bees, bee folding origami, and researching questions the children have asked during our Mat sessions. One of the questions asked was what does a beehive look like?

Luca: Yellow

Noam: I think a beehive is connected to a tree and it’s also brown

Aria: I think its yellow and it’s connected to a house

It was important listening to the children’s thoughts as it not only showed their understanding and perspective but also for us to view them as experts on their own lives. They are our key informants and best source of advice on matters affecting their lives (MacNaughton et al, 2003).

Together we researched and found that each child’s answer is correct! The manmade beehives can come in different shapes and sizes.

Zach: Aria you’re right! The beehive is connected to the house.

Embedding Indigenous perspective, we investigated the native bees of Australia and found that the Australian stingless bees (Sugarbag Bees) made their hive swirl-shaped.

Noam: It looks like a circle.

Inspired by the spiral shaped beehive, the children created a lovely spiral building together as they entered and left the experience, adding something it it. 

Lisa Lu

Kindergarten Teacher