Kids Welcome Fathers to Class

Preschool students at Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh’s Early Learning Center (ELC) welcomed their fathers into the classroom for a special program on Wednesday, December 25th. While most of the fathers had the day off from work, they chose to spend it with their children at school for a unique hands-on experience. Excitement built before the event as students prepared special invitations for their fathers and made welcome signs.

“Each room was filled with meaningful activities for fathers and children,” said Mrs. Chaya Sara Barrocas. “The walls were filled with poetry that the children wrote about their fathers and family portraits drawn by the children. Every detail was attended to.”

The students had studied the mitzvah of Kibbud Av Va’Eim in class and many of the activities reflected what they learned. In an effort to make their fathers feel welcome, the students crafted and presented gifts such as travel mugs, havdalah mats, and crowns. They also wined and dined their fathers by designing placemats, creating menus, and serving a delicious breakfast.

The teachers planned some fun and playful activities as well. One class constructed and flew paper airplanes with their fathers, another built cars out of food ingredients, and a third class played ball with their fathers. Students considered size differences by comparing their relatively smaller handprint sizes against their fathers’ much larger handprints.

Parent feedback after the event was almost immediate. “My husband came home with the most adorable projects… and it all looked like so much fun,” one preschool mother said. “I love the concept and know how much work and effort goes into planning such a wonderful day.”

“It’s so wonderful to come here and see the things my daughters are learning and the environment in which they’re learning it,” said preschool father Dovber Naiditch.

“The teachers did a wonderful job putting together a fun and interactive program,” said Yitzy Shollar, another preschool father. “We had a great time!”

“I’m very thankful to the teachers,” Naiditch agreed. “They already work hard enough to teach my children every day, it’s amazing they made time to let us come in and share in our children’s experience.”

The joy the children felt to be spending the day with their fathers was evident. It was such a special day – both preschoolers and fathers can’t wait to do it again next year.

Special thanks go to the preschool director Mrs. Robin Meyerowitz, the assistant preschool director Mrs. Chaya Sara Barrocas, and all the dedicated teachers who made this event possible.