Does your family celebrate Hanukkah? Or do you want to learn more about the Holiday of Lights to share with your child?
Hanukkah (or Chanuka) is a beautiful celebration that marks a special miracle that happened long ago and still is inspiring today! And for young kids, one of the things they love with most about this holiday is the little spinning top, called a dreidel, that is both a song and a game.
Is it Dreydl or Dreidel?
The word dreidel comes from the Yiddish verb “dreyen” which means to twist or turn, so it’s a perfect name for this little top. Because Yiddish and Hebrew words are written several different ways to reflect sounds that aren’t in the English alphabet, you’ll often see various spellings of the same word, such as Hanukkah and Chanuka or dreydl, dreidel and dreidl.
Watch The Video
What do each of the Hebrew letters on the spinning top mean? Watch this short, sweet video to find out! Also feel free to check out any of the resources below to get the song as an mp3, game instructions or free coloring pages.
Little Dreidel Song Lyrics
Although people are most familiar with the first verse and chorus, here’s the longer version of the lyrics heard in the video above.
I have a little dreydl , I made it out of clay
And when it’s dry and ready, a dreydl I will play
CHORUS: Oh dreydl, dreydl, dreydl, I made you out of clay
And when you’re dry and ready, A dreydl I will play
My dreydl has four corners , and a letter on each face
To remind us of the miracle
, that long ago took place (repeat chorus)
The letters also tell us , who will lose or win
I have a pile of goodies (walnuts)
, I’m ready, let’s begin (repeat chorus)
Here’s wishing you a beautiful and inspiring holiday season!
Links and Resources
DARIA’s Oh Dreydl on Itunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/celebrate-season-multicultural/id344193347
DARIA’s Oh Dreydl on Amazon mp3 http://www.amazon.com/Celebrate-The-Season-Multicultural-Holidays/dp/B00302OL0K/ref=ntt_mus_dp_dpt_6
Play The Dreidel Game – Free From TeachersPayTeachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Dreidel-or-Dreydl-Game-918616
Dreidel Coloring Page – Free From TeachersPayTeachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dreidel-Coloring-Page-985694
Dreidel Song And Game Activity – From TeachersPayTeachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dreydl-Dreidel-Song-and-Game-Activity-921898
