“Every child reveals himself, and it is remarkable how clearly individual differences stand out if we follow this procedure.” -Dr. Maria Montessori

Purpose of a Birthday Celebration

Engaging in this activity is a meaningful and memorable way to demonstrate deep respect for each child. It fosters a sense of community and belonging with peers and establishes lasting pride in the child for their own growth and development as a person.

The tradition of the earth moving around the sun also serves a purpose of acting out the passage of time in a visual way for the entire class. The globe moving around the sun represents the passage of time and the growth of the child from birth to this present day. They are visualizing how their existence fits into the greater world while gaining a basic understanding of astronomical concepts at a young age.

The CMS birthday tradition is a meaningful way to honor and remember each year of a child’s life on earth. Families sometimes bring a nut-free snack to share with the class, or the birthday student works on baking a treat earlier that day with help from their teacher!

Students love this opportunity to welcome their loved ones into their classroom for a shared, special moment.

Celebrating in Elementary

Birthdays are celebrated monthly in the Lower Elementary environment. Students of each monthly group pick out a dessert to make together, coordinating the baking project with a parent volunteer. They ensure their treat is made in time, and they can invite their parents/loved-ones to the celebration, typically held at the end of the school day.

Giving the students a sense of independence and responsibility, they are now using social skills to work as a group and collaborate the details of their birthday celebration. Students look forward to sharing their homemade treat and inviting important people in their life to join their classroom.

“The child has other powers than ours, and the creation he achieves is no small one; it is everything.” – Dr. Maria Montessori