At Academia Montessori, we believe the holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to embrace diversity, foster inclusion, and celebrate the many beautiful traditions that make up our school community. Every child comes from a unique background, and we honor those differences with joy and curiosity.
Honoring the Traditions of Our Families
Our classrooms reflect the diverse cultures of the children and families we serve. During the holidays, we take time to explore how people celebrate around the world through:
- Music and dance from different cultures
- Storytelling and folktales that highlight various traditions
- Tasting foods that represent different celebrations
- Creating crafts tied to cultural symbols and holiday customs
Children love learning about Hanukkah, Christmas, Las Posadas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Lunar New Year, and many more celebrations—each one approached with respect and age-appropriate understanding.
An Inclusive, Montessori Approach
True to the Montessori philosophy, we teach children that every family’s way of celebrating is important and worthy of recognition. We encourage children to share their own traditions and experiences, helping them feel proud of their identity while learning to appreciate others’.
This inclusive approach fosters:
- Empathy and kindness
- Cultural curiosity and respect
- A sense of belonging in a diverse world
Our guides carefully choose materials and activities that celebrate differences while highlighting shared values like love, generosity, and togetherness.
Celebrating with Intention
Rather than focusing on commercial aspects of the holidays, we center our activities on connection, gratitude, and giving. We invite families to contribute ideas or participate in classroom events, ensuring each child’s culture and traditions are represented and honored.