|
The Heart of Kindergarten:
Memorable Rituals, Traditions and Celebrations that Enhance LearningExcerpts from book manuscript by Nellie Edge Over the years, my kindergarten colleagues and I have shared many vignettes of memorable classroom rituals, traditions and celebrations. For us, school has always been a “celebrative place.” We delight in making each child’s learning experience more memorable and meaningful through thoughtful attention to classroom rituals, traditions and celebrations. These symbolic acts help us build a thriving community of learners. Children come to school with diverse background experiences. It is the stories we tell, the songs we sing and traditions we build that bind the children together emotionally and intellectually, creating an optimal climate for learning…I sincerely hope this manuscript, though still in draft form, will be a helpful guide and springboard for you as you plan year-end rituals, traditions and celebrations that will bring dignity and delight to your children and their families. When the children step into your unique community of learning and you become their teacher, mentor, and friend, remember — you’re also in charge of celebrations! Bring the pieces of the year together and end on a joyful, harmonious note so the child’s memories of your year together will be satisfying. You probably have vivid memories of year-end celebrations from your own early years in school to reflect back on. At the end of the year, your children will need to express the joy of being a part of something bigger than themselves, but they also will experience the sadness and loss at separation. These feelings need to be given symbolic order for the teacher and the children so that the year feels complete. As you plan now for the end-of-the-year activities, I encourage you to keep them simple and keep them meaningful! Many of the most meaningful rituals and traditions will evolve naturally as the children are working and learning together. Other symbolic gestures will involve more thought, parent help and planning. I often think of a quote from Mother Teresa, “There are no great things, only small things done with great love.” Perhaps that is the emotional key to “good first teaching” and to creating “just right” year-end celebrations. May you reach for the stars with the lives of the children that you touch. Do it simply — and with great love. Wishing you memorable year-end celebrations, Nellie Edge |
