Behrman House Blog

Below you’ll find six activities to help enrich the experience of three- to six-year-olds at the seder table by engaging them and keeping them entertained. Enjoy! 1. I Spy: Throughout the seder, we point to Passover foods and ritual objects before discussing their significance. Transform this process of identification into an enrichment activity with a game such as “I Spy.” For example, when the seder leader introduces the seder plate, announce to young children, “I spy something round on the table” or “I spy a plate that has parsley and maror on it.” You might play this game with a variety of items, such as matzah, haroset, a haggadah, or Elijah’s and Miriam’s cups. Feel free to personalize the activity, for example, “I spy something squishy and soft that Grandma Barbara gave to you” (answer: a pillow). 2. “Lotsa’ Matzah”: Before the Seder begins, tell young children that they have a seder mission: to count the number of times the word “matzah” is said and to call out “lotsa matzah” each time the word is mentioned. This assignment will help young children stay engaged throughout the length of the seder and add a bit of fun to a matzah-filled meal. 3. Mini-Seder Chorus: Before the seder, teach young children the words or tune to one of the Passover songs, such as “Dayeinu.” Then, encourage children to sing along during the seder. Children also may have learned playful songs in a Jewish pre-school or kindergarten, for example, “Frogs Were Jumping Everywhere” or “Let My People Go.” For the music and lyrics to these songs, visit http://www.totshabbat.com/. 4. Plague Plaques: During the reading of the ten plagues, distribute 10 home-made signs to the children, each with the name and picture of a plague (alternatively, distribute “Plague Finger Puppets” that can be purchased at local Judaica stores). As the leader reads off the plagues, involve the children in the seder by having them stand and hold up their signs. 5. Seder Helpers: Enlist young children to help serve as Seder Helpers. Create name tags for them that list their new titles. For example, they might help bring the seder leader a towel to dry his or her hands during the Rachtzah section of the seder (the washing of the hands). The Seder Helpers might also help distribute matzah before the Motzi Matzah section in which a blessing is said over the matzah. 6. Another Four Questions: After the Four Questions are read or sung, ask young children to pose their own set of Four Questions. Encourage them to be creative. Some sample questions you might suggest include: How was Miriam a heroine? How would you have felt living in Egypt? What is your favorite part of the seder (aside from the meal!)? If the children are too young to pose their own questions, consider asking these questions yourself and give them the opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas. We hope that these activities will allow even the youngest seder participants to learn from the seder rituals, have fun with their families, and look forward to next year’s celebration! Chag sameach