Kindergarten students have been engaged in some amazing inquiry-based and experiential learning activities over the past few weeks, guided by their teachers, Sam Cohen, Carly Humes, Susie Lorge. and Jenna Miller. Students expressed interest in participating in an imaginary trip to Israel, and the level of detail and their dedication have been remarkable. They prepared for the trip by researching airplanes, drawing blueprints of airplanes, brainstorming jobs needed for the flight, and then volunteering for the various jobs at the airport. They transformed the classroom into a fantastic airplane and designed various spots in the airport. Some students collaborated to build an elaborate airplane, complete with a cockpit and a control tower. Others decided to create an airport, mapping out different areas and utilizing a variety of languages to bring their vision to life. Some students incorporated their literacy skills by writing signs and making labels, while others assumed the roles of several essential jobs, including security agents and passport control officers.

Once on the airplane, the pilots led their passengers through take-off, followed by flight attendants passing out Israeli snacks, and they viewed an in-flight movie. They even had the opportunity to Zoom with an El Al flight attendant and an Israeli pilot the week before the trip (friends of Hebrew Teacher Nitsan Heimer) and ask questions about their jobs.

Then they visited Jerusalem, where they wrote letters and placed them in the Kotel, and visited the shuk. On Lag B'Omer, students visited the artists' village of Ein Hod, where they created their own mezzuzah and hamsa. Next week, they will see the Dead Sea and an Israeli bakery. They will zoom with archaeologist and alumni grandparent Fran Alpert, who created, along with her husband Bernie Alpert z"l, Dig For A Day in Israel. Students will go to Tel Aviv where they will eat at a cafe, "swim" in the sea (water feature), and listen to Israeli pop music by the beach.

Next week they will be "flying" home to Chicago, but first they'll meet with the Grade 8 students to hear about the highlights of their actual trip to Israel. We hope our young travelers enjoyed this momentous class trip!