Bring Hanukkah Into Your Classroom: Book, Snack, and Teaching Resource!

As the winter season approaches, it’s the perfect time to teach students about diverse celebrations that bring light, joy, and togetherness. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday filled with meaningful traditions like lighting the menorah, spinning dreidels, and sharing delicious treats like latkes. 

In this post, I’ll share a beautiful picture book to introduce Hanukkah, a simple classroom-friendly snack, and a resource to make planning your lesson easy and engaging.

Read A Picture Book

“Hanukkah Bear” by Eric A. Kimmel is a great read aloud. This heartwarming and humorous story follows Bubba Brayna, who mistakenly serves her Hanukkah latkes to a hungry bear, thinking he is the rabbi. With charming illustrations and an engaging plot, this book introduces students to Hanukkah traditions like lighting the menorah and enjoying festive meals. 

Why It’s Great for the Classroom: 

• The playful storyline keeps students engaged. 
• Includes a recipe for latkes, connecting to the holiday’s cultural traditions.

Enjoy a Taste of Hanukkah Snack 

Latkes or applesauce bring Hanukkah to life with a taste of tradition! Latkes, or potato pancakes, are a beloved Hanukkah dish that symbolize the miracle of the oil. While making latkes from scratch might not be practical in a classroom setting, you can: 

•  Bring in pre-made frozen latkes to heat and share. 
•  Serve applesauce as a standalone snack, a popular latke topping.

Hands-On Activities with a Reading Passage 

To dive deeper into Hanukkah, my My Countdown to Winter Break: Winter Holidays Around the World Activities resource includes a dedicated Hanukkah reading passage and an engaging activity. Students will learn about the history of the holiday, its traditions, and its cultural significance while developing reading comprehension skills. 

What’s Included: 

•  A two-page reading passage explaining Hanukkah in kid-friendly language. 
• A matching activity that reinforces key facts about the holiday. 
• Printable and digital options for flexible classroom use. 

Why Teachers Love It: 

• This resource saves time with ready-made materials.
• It provides a meaningful way to introduce Hanukkah in an inclusive and educational way.

Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Your Classroom!

Hanukkah offers a wonderful opportunity to teach students about resilience, faith, and the joy of sharing traditions. With a story like Hanukkah Bear, a taste of latkes or applesauce, and a hands-on resource, your students will walk away with a deeper appreciation for this special holiday. 

Ready to bring Hanukkah into your classroom? Explore my Countdown to Winter Break: Winter Holidays Around the World Activities resource featuring Hanukkah and nine other global celebrations. This all-in-one resource makes it easy to celebrate diversity and keep students engaged throughout the season! 

 👉 Countdown to Winter Break: Winter Holidays Around the World Activities

👉  Follow me on Instagram for daily countdown reels celebrating each of the ten holidays!