Festivals

Posted on May 17, 2017

Because we do not select children, educating all who come our way, we fairly represent those who live nearby. We have a vast wall-display which indicates this, with national flags appearing next to children’s names. At the time of writing there are 24 different nationalities in our school community. Within this mix are different cultures, foods, religious festivals, modes of dress, and so on. An important aspect of the Montessori philosophy is allowing children to realize the breadth and richness of human culture. One of the ways in which we do this is by way of a festivals theme each autumn. Festivals presented to the children include Eid, Chinese Moon, Sukkot, Shichi-go-san, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas and more. This can, on occasion, lead to a little confusion as exemplified by the boy who, on seeing the new crescent moon (which heralds the end of Ramadan), said to his parents “The Hindus must be partying tonight.” And some quite sweet moments too, such as when a young girl, during the week of Thanksgiving, retrieved a Pilgrim doll from the role-play area, told the doll that she would take care of him, took him to the Reading Village (where no shoes are allowed), took off her own shoes and his slippers and started “reading” to him!