It’s the perfect time to jazz things up with some strategic scheduling. Break the routine with a division-wide event or observation that engages the students and gives them something to look forward to. A rally point like this is the perfect antidote to the winter blues.
Pull a theme from your school’s history or traditions. In 2007, for example, Montessori Schools were able to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Maria Montessori’s birth. Why not mark the anniversary of your school’s founding? If you have a particularly strong performing arts program, you could hold an "On Stage week", when your students present one-act plays they have written and perform dances they have learned or choreographed. Your Science Fair, planned strategically as a rally point, could be Science Week, with a series of assemblies and classroom guests presenting science concepts. The week could end with the Science Fair.
Cultural observances are a great place to find inspiration. Chinese New Year, for example, gives ample opportunity to learn outside the box. Your students could learn simple Chinese recipes from a local restaurant chef, or even a parent, while understanding why the Chinese use certain ingredients. Exploring the discovery of the Terracotta Army lets students use the Internet to see actual photos—then use them for inspiration to make their own warriors from papier mâché. Have the whole division make warriors, and then assemble them in a common room. Culminate your celebration of China with a visit from Chinese dragon dancers and drummers.
The Web site dailyholidays.net has a long list of days to recognize. While they all are not appropriate for your classrooms, you can cull through the list and find things like the usual International Children’s Book Day, Carnival, the Great Backyard Bird Count, and Flag Day. You will also find the unique: January 31 is listed as Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, February 23 is Curling is Cool Day, and March 03 is I Want You to Be Happy Day.
This year, February 11 is Be Electrific Day. Think about it. How many ideas can you come up with that could pull the school together for fun and learning?
