Happy Hanukkah! I like to teach my kids about all the major holidays and customs, even if we are not that ethnicity or religion. These Hanukkah Activities are so fun for kids of all ages. My sons both started playing the dreidel game in preschool, and now one still asks for it. Personally, I think it’s just for the chocolate.
Here are some ways to adapt traditional Hanukkah activities or enhance their therapeutic values. I originally wrote this post over three years ago, but I am updating it to check for content and links.
Hanukkah 2024 overlaps completely with the Christmas holiday. It starts on December 25 and goes until January 2.
Introducing a new, fun activity at this time may help keep them entertained and focused when they are getting antsy about upcoming holidays and days off from school. Especially with the shorter and colder days, these are fun, easy, indoor activities. Here are some ways to adapt traditional Hanukkah activities or work on finding therapeutic value in those activities.
Hanukkah and New Language Activities
For starters, if you do an internet search on the history of Hanukkah, you can adapt what you find to read to the level of your child. But Hanukkah has many new and unusual words to accompany itโHanukkah, gelt, menorah, dreidel. And of course all the words in the dreidel game. Pronouncing new words and letter patterns can help speech and expand vocabulary.
Food–This link has simple,ย traditional recipes for Hanukkah. At my sonโs school, they sometimes do โfood groupโ to get the kids to try new foods. So why not do one at home and try new foods?
Menorah-You can work on counting, patience (8 whole days!), safety, and blowing out candles (oral motor). With the eight candles and eight days, you can also track something for eight daysโsomething theyโve been working on. Such as โI will make my bed every day for eight daysโ and have a reward at the end. Have daily goals and daily prizes, which is common with Hanukkah and you can make it rewards based.
You can also use it to reflect and memory recallโwhat did we talk about when we lit a candle yesterday? If a candle is just out of the question for your child, do one on paper and either glue or tape a โflameโ for each day. That still helps them work on fine motor skills.
- Bring holiday cheer to your home with the Colorful Menorah, a perfect way to celebrate the Festival of Lights. For the youngest child at the…
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- Hanukkah Children’s Wooden Chanukah Menorah With Removable Candles 10 Piece Wooden Set with bags for candles and menorah Includes one Wooden…
- The Kids will love this Fun Educational Interactive Menorah.
- Kid Friendly Design: Crafted from durable wood, this menorah is perfect for children, offering a safe and engaging way to celebrate Hanukkah
- Colorful Removable Candles: Includes vibrant, removable wooden candles in assorted colors, making it fun for kids to participate in the candle…
- Brighten up the Chanukah celebration for the youngest of celebrators among us! This super fun mini-Menorah with wood candles is constructed of…
- Make Hanukkah memorable for your little ones with the Rite Lite My Mini Wood Menorah! Specifically designed for kids, this charming Menorah…
Hanukkah Coloring Pages
These free Hanukkah Coloring Pages can be used to reinforce all of the above. You can talk about the words and what they mean. And, work on expanding vocabulary. Plus coloring is great for a lot of skills like fine motor and following directions, and creativity!
Dreidel Game-The dreidel game has lots of fun stuff! Spinning it definitely takes fine motor skills. All the words are new. Thereโs taking turns, waiting, learning rules, counting and so on. Thereโs also the community kitty of gelt, so you have to be willing to share. Here are some printable dreidels and printable dreidel game rules for you to use. Below I listed some sources on finding gelt or dreidels.
If you want, you can really go old school and make one out of clay. Working with clay is a great activity for their hands. There are dreidel templates and how to make a clay dreidel in this PDF.
- High Quality 3″ inch X-Large Blue & White Solid Colored Wooden Dreidels. Let’s Play Dreidel Hanukkah Game Spinning Top
- Hand-Painted Sold Blue & White Wood XLarge Dreidels with Foil Embossed Hebrew Letters & English Translation. Great for all Kids Ages 3 and up
- High Quality 1 3/4″ inch Medium Natural Colored Wooden Dreidels. Let’s Play Dreidel Hanukkah Game Spinning Top-
- Natural Wood Medium Dreidels with Foil Embossed Hebrew Letters & English Translation. Great for all Kids Ages 3 and up
- I have a little dreidel, It’s made out of wood, And when it’s dry and ready, Then the dreidel game play I should.
- The four sides of the Driedel are marked with the letters in Hebrew and English Transliteration “Nun Gimmel Hey Shin”, And the words that they…
- 3 Inch x No Hole Hook and Loop grip backing on sanding disc gives flexibility, durability and speed
- Wide open coat & stearate resin reduces clogging, even on sticky materials
- DREIDELS: Extra Large Blue and White Wooden Dreidel – 2 Pack
- DREIDELS FOR KIDS: Made for endless games of spin the dreidel.
Hanukkah Gelt
Gelt can be anything thoughโcoins, skittles, anything of value to your child. If you need to adapt the dreidel because your child canโt spin it, consider allowing them to just toss it like dice. Or, you can use a pencil gripper or rubber bouncy ball to put on the small stick to give them something more substantial to grab and spin.
If you do an internet search on the history of Hanukkah, you can adapt what you find to read to the level of your child. For many families, Hanukkah has many new and unusual words to accompany it. Such as: Hanukkah, gelt, menorah, dreidel.
Gelt is readily available in many metropolitan areas during December. If you cannot find it, you can order online. Or, use something instead of gelt such as actual pennies and nickels. Or even jellybeans sorted by color.
And, of course, all the words in the dreidel game. Pronouncing new words and letter patterns can help speech and expand vocabulary.
- These Hanukkah Gelt Coin Chocolates which are Made with High-Quality Premium Belgian Chocolate are the Highlight of everyone on Chanukah. There…
- The Chocolate Hanukkah Coins are the perfect addition to any Party. All your guests will enjoy seeing them as decorations and eating them! They…
- Hanukkah Chocolate Gelt – Milk Chocolate Coins These Hanukkah Gelt Coin Chocolates are the Highlight of everyone on Chanukah. There is no…
- The Chocolate Coins are the perfect addition to any Party. All your guests will enjoy seeing them as decorations and eating them! They are…
- Original Hanukkah Chocolate Gelt Gold Coins, Mesh Bags, Made with Premium Belgian Milk Chocolate, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher Certified These…
- There is no Chanukah Party that can Start without giving the kids these Bags with Milk Chocolate Gelt at the Menorah Lighting. It adds Fun and…
- RICH & CREAMY โ Our Manischewitz Chocolate coins with their creamy, melt in your mouth texture, and rich, milk chocolate taste, will be a sure…
- GREAT GIFT IDEA โ Treat your loved ones during this holiday season with these delicious and fun chocolate Hanukkah coins!
Hanukkah Worksheet
And here you go– a free printable Hanukkah activity booklet.
Hanukkah and Sensory Needs
Accommodating kids with sensory needs during Hanukkah can help ensure they enjoy the celebration while feeling comfortable and supported. Here are some ideas tailored for sensory-friendly Hanukkah festivities:
1. Lighting the Menorah
- Dim the room lights gradually: Sudden darkness might be overwhelming; allow the child to adjust.
- Use electric menorah candles: For kids sensitive to real flames or the scent of wax.
- Positioning: Allow them to sit further from the menorah if the light or heat is too much.
2. Dreidel Games
- Noise considerations: Use soft-surface dreidels or play on a felt board to minimize the clattering noise.
- Simplify rules: For kids who might get overwhelmed by multi-step games, adapt the rules to make it more straightforward.
3. Sensory-Friendly Foods
- Taste and texture: Provide alternatives for kids who may not enjoy traditional foods like latkes (e.g., baked options instead of fried, or foods with milder flavors).
- Safe zones: If the smell of cooking oil or traditional foods is overwhelming, designate a separate space where they can relax.
4. Hanukkah Music and Stories
- Volume control: Keep music and storytelling at a low volume or provide noise-canceling headphones.
- Alternative formats: Share Hanukkah stories through picture books or videos with subtitles to accommodate different sensory preferences.
5. Gifting
- Avoid sensory overload: Offer sensory-friendly gifts like fidget toys, weighted blankets, or noise-canceling headphones.
- Unwrapping: Allow them to open gifts at their own pace, away from the crowd if needed.
6. Decorations
- Minimize bright or flashing lights: Opt for subtle, steady lights and decorations.
- Textile choices: Choose decorations made from non-scratchy, soft materials for tactile-sensitive kids.
7. Inclusive Play and Participation
- Provide sensory breaks: Create a quiet area with dim lighting, comfy seating, and calming objects (e.g., stress balls, chewy necklaces).
- Engage through crafts: Let them participate in Hanukkah by making sensory-friendly crafts like dough menorahs or decorating dreidels with stickers.
8. Prepare and Plan Ahead
- Social stories: Use social stories to explain what will happen during the holiday and what sensory experiences they might encounter.
- Communicate needs: Let other family members know about any accommodations in advance to foster understanding and support.
9. Respect Their Limits
- Flexible traditions: It’s okay to skip or modify parts of the celebration that might overwhelm the child.
- Give choices: Let them decide how and when to participate.
Creating a sensory-friendly environment doesnโt mean giving up on traditionsโit just means making them accessible for everyone. Happy Hanukkah! ๐
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