My kids loved the ambulance, hospital and vet office that Habitot used to have. They are working on bringing it all back with their fundraising efforts. Their fire truck fundraising was so successful, and we hope that this campaign is too! Kids can take care of baby dolls while wearing doctors' scrubs. They can also work in the ambulance, and take care of plush pets inside and outside of their cages. It is an inspiring hands-on place for kids to visit, where they get to learn more about being patients, and try their hands at being doctors too!

OOGIAH is honored to sponsor Habitot's Preschool Teacher awards this year. Here they describe this year's judges: An exemplary panel of judges will review this year's preschool teacher nominations for Habitot's "Preschool Teachers Make a Difference" Awards. They include Dr. Stacy Thompson, former Department Chair and Faculty of Child Development at Merritt College, member of the Advisory Panel on Oakland Head Start, and current Dean of Academic Pathways and Student Services at Merritt College; Tanya Smith, Senior Quality Counts Coach for Alameda County First 5, which mentors and coaches teachers in licensed childcare centers; and Laura Arellanoof Growing Light Montessori preschool and a 2012 Preschool Teachers Make a Difference Winner. 

It's not too late to nominate a preschool teacher. The deadline is May 31 at 5:00 pm. For more information or to nominate online, click here.

Here are three fun videos that teach about Shavuot, recommended by Alison Faith Levy. Kids and parents will enjoy these!

G-DCAST
Rebbetzin Tap
Shalom Sesame


Alison Faith Levy, formerly "Sippy Alison" of the beloved Bay Area band The Sippy Cups, recently released her colorful indie pop album for children, World of Wonder. Alison teaches children's music classes at SF Bay Area Jewish Community Centers. She is currently working on an album of original pop rock tunes about the Jewish holidays for young children. You can find out more about Alison at www.alisonfaithlevy.com. 


Posted by Rachel Teichman

Long before I actually baked up these boxes full of Chocolate Chip Cookie Stars to donate to our preschool silent auction, I had to order the labels! The ingredients were set in print so I had to stick to them. I tweaked the recipe here and there, and consulted an expert cut-out cookie baking friend on her chilling/cutting timing. I went through a couple of batches that weren't perfect enough for me shape-wise, and those became much enjoyed snacks at Tot Shabbat services and dinners with family friends! Once I had it all down, I packed five star cookies per box, with the sticker label of course! 






Chocolate Chip Cookie Stars Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Cream the butter and sugars. Add the the egg yolk and vanilla. Add the flour and salt. Mix in the mini chocolate chips. Roll out the dough to 1/4". Cut with Star of David cookie cutter, pushing it through the chocolate chips. Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, and chill in the freezer for 5 minutes. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes.

Posted by Rachel Teichman

Here is a video which very creatively teaches the Havdallah blessings, along with what to do when during the prayers. The words to the prayers are included on the screen which is very helpful too. This is by "the wonderful Elana Jagoda" as Alison Faith Levy says! Elana Jagoda is a music educator, performer and cantorial soloist in the SF South Bay.

Alison Faith Levy, formerly "Sippy Alison" of the beloved Bay Area band The Sippy Cups, recently released her colorful indie pop album for children, World of Wonder. Alison teaches children's music classes at SF Bay Area Jewish Community Centers. She is currently working on an album of original pop rock tunes about the Jewish holidays. You can find out more about Alison at www.alisonfaithlevy.com. 

Posted by Rachel Teichman