PDA

View Full Version : holidays? birthdays?




OnTheBrink
09-06-2005, 01:46 PM
How does your Montessori school handle holidays? We basically don't do it so as to not exclude any children that don't celebrate. We don't "do" birthdays, at least not in the sense that I grew up with.

From our website:
CELEBRATIONS/EVENTS/BIRTHDAYS
Families will receive email flyers concerning upcoming events and celebrations at the school as we will need parent participation for planning and implementation. As we will be teaching and modeling acceptance and respect of diversity, school celebrations and events will be planned so that they can be participated in by people of varied backgrounds. Celebrations such as Friendship Feast, International Children’s Day, Earth Day, Festivals of culture such as a festival with Chinese cuisine, art, costume, etc. will be planned throughout the year by the Parent Action Committee.

In recognition of the day a child is born, we gather at group time and tell their life story as they hold a globe and “orbit the sun” provided that we receive the Milestones Form with your child's information. You are welcome to join us for this activity. We are unable to accommodate birthday party type activities during classroom time. If you wish to invite children to a party, please use the Student Directory to send out invitations.




flyingspaghettimama
09-06-2005, 11:27 PM
At my daughter's previous school, they did "The Earth Goes Around the Sun," and I also brought pictures for each year of life. She donated a book to the library for her birthday, as all children were requested to do. Parents could bring a treat, but the teachers asked for healthier-type treats (i.e. muffins, healthy homemade cookies). They did celebrate predominantly Christian holidays at the last school, which I was not so comfortable with. It was the teacher's choice (she was v. religious, Catholic I think).

I loved the Earth Goes Around the Sun when I was a kid in Montessori.

I'm not sure how they do holidays at the new school yet, will find out soon!

On the Brink, I love those ideas for holiday/festival celebrations at your school.