Each December, the Cross of Life Montessori parents and teachers gather for a Christmas Coffee Talk. Our school community is filled with diverse cultures and traditions, and we come together to discuss the value of tradition in Montessori and share some of our favorite holiday celebrations. From the Ukranian Shchedryk song to Romanian Cozonac bread and German Weihnachtspyramide decorations, we learn about the traditions that filled each of our childhoods with holiday magic.
In tandem with reflecting on our own experiences of holiday traditions, we discuss the ways we hope to carry on traditions with our own children. One aspect of Montessori education that is interwoven with an appreciation for tradition is the emphasis on cultural awareness. The celebration and discussion of holidays, customs, rituals, and festivals from around the world enriches children’s learning experience and also helps foster respect for diversity. By learning about traditions around the world, children also develop a sense of global citizenship and interconnectedness. And by celebrating their own traditions, children find consistency and stability. The Montessori classroom itself is built on the traditions of familiar routines and rituals that enable children to venture into new realms of learning with a sense of security.
The beauty of tradition is that it weaves a thread throughout our memories that can be carried on from generation to generation. For the almost 30 years since our school doors opened, there are a few lasting traditions that our students and parents hold dear as part of their school year experience. The shared rituals, celebrations, and events create lasting bonds among our students, teachers, and parents. Here are a few of our favorite traditions that we repeat year after year:
If you’re interested in learning more about any of these traditions, or our school in general, we’d love to hear from you! Send us a note through this form and we’ll be in touch.
Cross of Life Montessori School
1000 Hembree Rd, Roswell, GA 30076, United States of America