Learning Outcomes

• To retell the story of Chanukah
• To become familiar with the symbolism of the Menorah

Introduction

Think, pair share: What is chanukah? Does anyone chanukah?

Show a menorah – what is this? Does anyone recognise this? What do you think it is used for?

Development

• Read the story of Chanukah pausing for questions and prediction throughout.
  • Why do you think the Jews would not leave Yahweh?
  • Who won the battle?
  • Why is the menorah special to Jewish people?
  • Who were the Maccabees?
  • What do people do today to celebrate Hanukkah?
  • What is your favourite part of the story? Why?
• In groups, children sequence and retell the story using pictures.
• Play song – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KKNnECMKbg
• Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah

Plenary

Children will make Chanukah art. They will use their handprints to make a menorah. Each hand will be painted blue and each fingertip painted yellow to represent the flame. The children’s thumbs will overlap to create the eight candles and the Shamash.