The last week of the Celebratory Themed Month of August at Beaumont saw our children celebrating myriad International Festivals. Celebration of these festivals helps to instill a sense of appreciation for different countries, their diverse cultures and festivals. The festivals of Germany, Japan and USA were selected as we have students from these countries studying here at Beaumont.
Toddler and Nursery kids celebrated Oktoberfest a German Festival, a tradition which started in October 1810 to celebrate the marriage between Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Saxon-Hildburghausen Princess Therese. Students made Edelweiss / Alpine hats and pretzels from play dough which looked yummy enough to eat!! For High tea kids made delicious fruit sticks . No celebration is complete without a dance. Kids grooved on Chicken Dance and that was fun!! They viewed a presentation on Oktoberfest a one of a kind festival, with amusement rides, games, folk dances and food galore. All the children truly enjoyed the festivities.
Junior KG kids celebrated the Japanese festival called Hina Matsuri or Doll's festival. Kids learnt how Japanese people display a special set of Hina dolls in the house, wishing for girls' healthy growth and happiness. It is held on March 3rd. Students loved making origami Japanese dolls. JKG students also celebrated Japan's Cherry Blossom festival which is known as Hanami in Japanese. Cherry Blossom festival is an important custom and held all over Japan during spring. Children enjoyed learning about this festival and listening to the Hanami festival song, they also viewed the story- Sakura’s Cherry Blossoms, by Robert Paul Weston. They were excited to paint the Flag of Japan and Cherry Blossom trees.
Senior KG students celebrated the American Independence Day. This Independence Day is annually celebrated on July 4. It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States. Kids viewed videos and learned about the significance of the USA Flag, they enjoyed colouring the Fireworks and USA Flag worksheets, they also made savoury corn chat. During Hanami Festival celebration Kids explored the Japanese Flag and its significance, viewed videos related to Hanami festival, and attentively listened to the story about Hanami. In craft, they coloured Cherry Blossom Trees.
Thus we come to an end of our much loved theme ‘Lets Celebrate’, Students had the opportunity to explore very many festivals –local, national and international which greatly added to their knowledge and understanding. These and other learning experiences at Beaumont facilitate our kids to evolve into caring and open minded individuals who embody the true spirit of international Mindedness.
Celebrations at Beaumont are not just confined to one theme, they are ongoing throughout the year and are much enjoyed by all.