JN Junior: Preparing for Purim, British Science Week and 5 things to do in March
In this week's dedicated section for our younger readers, we also look at World Book Day and Lego hospitals!
Genius Jake says: There is a lot to celebrate this month! On 16 March it’s Purim, when we celebrate the Jewish people living in Persia being saved from extermination by Esther, a young Jewish woman.
In synagogue, we read the Book of Esther (or ‘Megillah’) and it’s customary to hold carnival-like celebrations and dress up. And today is World Book Day and British Science Week, between 11 and 20 March, is a 10-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, with the theme of ‘growth’.
There are examples of this all around us – think of the growth of towns and cities, how plants grow, how buildings are constructed and the human life cycle from baby to adult. There are ways we can grow as people, such as improving a skill or behaviour, being creative, using our time better and trying new things.
Last year, I struggled to do fractions, and now I’ve learnt how – this is also a type of growing! Finally, it’s Mother’s Day on 26 March, so do something to make your mum smile!
Sasha Spencer, age eight, north London
I joined Cheder in Year 1 and could not read any Hebrew. I slowly learnt to read each letter. The Hebrew alphabet has 32 letters. Once I finished learning the alphabet, I moved onto vowels. The first was kamatz, the second patach and the third was tzeireh. Initially, it was hard reading the vowels with letters, but with practice it has become easier and I can now read some longer words. As you grow you can learn more things and I am enjoying learning this new language!
Good news!
Lego and hospitals
The LEGO Group is creating model MRI scanners to help explain the MRI process to children. LEGO will donate them to radiology departments within hospitals with the aim of familiarising children with the MRI process, making it less scary and allaying any anxiety. The build is split into two rooms, one containing the MRI scanner and another for staff to stay and monitor the patient.
Just for laughs with Ivor Baddiel
Why does time seem to go much faster for soldiers during this part of the year?
They’re always on a quick march
Five things to enjoy this month
1 Beano exhibition at Somerset House
The Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules ends on Sunday. Generations of children have loved the puckish cartoon archetypes including Roger the Dodger and Dennis the Menace.
2 British Science Week
To celebrate British Science Week, London Transport Museum is holding interactive STEM sessions for KS2 pupils on 9 & 11 March to explore the impact of vehicles and engineering.
3 The Elves and the Shoemaker
Younger children will enjoy watching Elvis Schumacher, cobbler and craftsman, trying to save his shoe business from evil businessman Bunyan Sole-less. Two shows on Sunday 13 March.
4 Family fun day at Ascot
There’s top quality Jumps racing plus themed activities for all ages at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire on Monday 27 March.
5 Purim at JW3
On Sunday 13 March, kids can design a superhero costume, fuel up on hamantashen and enjoy games, songs, face paints and more at JW3’s Purim Party Justice Carnival.
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