[HANASHIR:1767] Re: HANASHIR digest 377

[ESDreskin <ESDreskin...>]

Dear Susan,
As a clergy person who has led alot of "Tot Shabbat" type services, I caution
you against doing too much.  All of the prayers you listed here are going to
last way too long for any Kindergarten attention span, no matter what version
you use.  I have found that if it lasts longer than 30 minutes, and doesn't
include at least some movement and a really good story (interactive, if
possible), and if you aren' ready for it to be a little bit rowdy, you limit
your chances for success.
One thing that I have found to be highly successful, both in terms of time and
in terms of establishing a "ritual" that they can depend on each time (another
thing that is very important at this age) is the regular echo to the tune of
"Where is Thumbkin?', It goes something like (I give you my version and you
can elaborate...)
Are we ready (Yes we're ready)
For Shabbat (echo)
Did we get all dressed up (echo)
For Shabbat (echo)

We then do "did we light the candles?"  They naturally say yes the first few
times, but you haven't lit the candles, so you stop to light the candles, do
the blessing, and then continue., etc.
We end up with:
Did we hug our family
Did we bless our children
Did we sing Shema
Did we sing Hamotzi
Did we do the Kiddush
Did we light the candles
Did we get all dressed up
For Shabbat.....

Add a story on to this (or right in the middle), and you have a 30 minute
"Shabbat experience," and a good time is had by all.....
Hope this makes some sense.  If not, I'll elaborate if you want me to
privately.....
Good luck!
-Ellen Dreskin