The holiday is here, and with it – the opportunity to combine holiday preparations with meaningful quality time with the kids. Simple everyday activities leading up to Passover can become a tool for learning, independence, and fun – all you need to do is bring the kids into the picture. So before you start cleaning, cooking, and decorating, here are 7 ways to make the Passover holiday an enriching experience for both you and the kids:
- Passover Cleaning – Both an Experience and Motor Practice
Invite children to join in on tasks like cleaning windows and mirrors, a fun task that also strengthens the shoulder girdle. You can ask them to empty cupboards, sort items by colour, type or size, this way they help, learn
And experience consistent activity. - Tidying up the room – time for order and values
Take the opportunity to sort through items with your child, what to keep, what to throw away, and what can be donated. Beyond learning about organizing the environment, this is also a way to teach about consideration for others and giving. - Passover Crafts – Homemade Decorations
Together with the children, make items for the holiday table, matzah boxes, napkin holders, or any other creative idea.
The activity strengthens fine motor skills and encourages creativity, especially when they cut, decorate, and glue. - Holiday Cooking – Children in the Kitchen
Even the little ones can contribute, by kneading, mixing, washing vegetables, and more. This is a great opportunity to learn about the sequence of actions, exposure to different raw materials, and perhaps even develop a new appetite for the foods they themselves have prepared. - Editing a table – an opportunity to practice arithmetic
How many diners are there? How many plates should be placed? And what kind of cutlery is appropriate? Simple tasks like these become a wonderful educational tool, and the children also enjoy taking part in the preparations. - Seating Cards – Practice Writing While Having Fun
Little kids can decorate, older kids can write the guests' names themselves, all in a festive and inviting atmosphere. This way, they can practice writing and creativity at the same time. - Afikoman Game – Creative Version at Home
Make "matzot" from Bristol, cut into quarters, draw dots and hide them around the house. Play "hot-cold" together, give clues and encourage sibling bonding, patience, cooperation and spatial understanding.
The most important thing is to enjoy the journey. The holiday is an excellent time to strengthen the bond with the children, to encourage independence and to have experiences that will stay with them even after the Seder night is over and the Afikoman is found.
Have a nice holiday and Happy Passover!
By: Adi Ravid, Occupational Therapist | The Institute for Child Development, Kiryat Shmaryahu, Clalit – Haifa and Western Galilee District
