The end of the school year is in sight. Similarly, as a farmer works towards the harvest, the children work too. Whether this is the first year as a toddler or the last year writing exams. At the end of the year, we engage in a celebration of all our achievements.
Why do we celebrate festivals?
Birthdays, weddings, and passing milestones in our lives are all reminders. We also celebrate holidays. This word consists of two parts, HOLY and DAY. These are the days on which we remember holy events. Right from the beginning of time in every culture and tradition, and this is how we recognise these special days.
In modern times the connection and meaning for mankind is mostly lost. Rudolf Steiner spoke of the importance of introducing the children to the year’s cycle—the seasons and the holy events according to faith and acknowledging all creeds and cultures.
From the Kindergarten perspective I share with you a recent anecdote, and what happens in our classes (see the pictures, taken at our School Fair which inspired me).
Recently some Primary School children came to visit the Kindergarten. They looked into the classroom. I noted their curiosity, and maybe a longing, so I invited them into the room. I greeted the children I recognised and they in turn introduced the new children from their class to me. They asked;
‘What are you doing?’
“Preparing the work for the festival“, was my reply.
“What do you remember from when you were in Kindergarten?” I asked.
After a moment one child replied, ‘Big tidy-up day’.
In the conversation that followed it felt as if an inner flood of memories poured out of the children. Reflecting on this moment made me smile. Not festival day but ‘Big tidy-up day’!
This is the day before the festival. Toy baskets are tipped over and sorted. Lost blocks are found. In the animal basket, the families find themselves again in pairs. If we know something is missing, we look feverishly in all the corners. The dolly clothes are washed, and all the cupboards and dishes are cleaned. The wooden animals are polished and oiled. The whole class is a hive of activity! When all our work is done, we go for a picnic, a run on the field, and climb the trees at the Craft Shop.
In the afternoon the teachers transform their classrooms. The class is ready when the toys are hidden under beautiful cloth.
The children leave in anticipation of the next day. Festival Day itself. There is a night of rest and sleep in between. Some children jump out of their beds and rush the whole family to get to school. ‘What shall I wear?… I do not need a lunch box! We are having a feast!’
You can find more information on our website under Primary School – Festivals.
Or you can borrow the following books, at the school library.
• The Seasonal Festivals in Early Childhood: Seeking the Universally Human By Nancy Foster
• The Four Seasons and the Archangels Rudolf Steiner
• Festivals with Children Brigitte Barz
• African and Caribbean Celebrations Gail Johnson
• Education Towards Freedom Frans Carlgren
Further reading online: “The Rudolf Steiner Archive” https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA223/English/AP1984/CyYear_foreword.html
Wilma Dawes, Kindergarten Teacher
