| Advanced | |
| Age: 4-6 | |
| 1 week | |
| Children plan and celebrate their own special day. They learn about their needs, develop planning and social skills, recognize their self-worth and importance to the group, and enjoy meaningful celebrations together. | |
| Growth mindset Managing learning | |
| Cognitive task Conversation Movement Music | |
|
Kira and Miro begin a playful conversation about celebrating special days. Kira says she loves birthdays and wants to celebrate on December 12th because she likes how 12.12 sounds. Miro wonders if everyone celebrates their birthday or if there are other ways to have a special day.
Together, they talk about how people celebrate - with songs, candles, games, or friends - and invite the children to share their ideas. They introduce the idea of a celebration plan and some celebration accessories, such as a paper cake, candles, or a decorated chair for the celebrant.
The teacher moderates a discussion about choosing a Special Day.
Children can choose:
Encourage them to think about the time of year, season, or feeling connected with their chosen date. Explain that resources and time are limited, so each child will have one personal celebration day per year.
Show pictures of past Special Day celebrations in kindergarten.
Ask:
Show photos of different types of celebrations (indoors, outdoors, in the forest, etc.) and discuss possible activities: games, dances, songs, role play, or sports.
Children decide if they want their Special Day to match their birthday or another time of year.
Give each child a large sheet of paper or poster template with key areas drawn on it:
Children complete the poster with drawings and ideas. In addition to planning what to do and who will help, children are encouraged to think about how they want to celebrate - at their own rhythm and comfort level.
The teacher gently guides questions such as:
This reflection helps children recognize their own needs and preferences and supports them in expressing what makes them feel comfortable and happy.
The teacher documents these choices on each child’s planning poster.
During the celebration, these preferences can be revisited — helping the group learn to respect individual differences and to adapt to others’ comfort zones.
Each child presents their Special Day plan to the group, explaining:
Before each Special Day celebration, talk privately with the child about their plan:
If a child has limited verbal skills, involve parents for suggestions or input.
Display all the Special Day posters together.
Lead a discussion:
Kira and Miro can join the discussion, noticing the children's strengths.
Celebration protocol:
Celebration:
Reflection on the celebration:
After the celebration, the teacher leads a short reflection with the children:
If the kindergarten serves meals (or if families bring food for the Special Day), the table can be decorated in the chosen theme.
All Special Day celebrations follow the same protocol, but the content varies according to each child’s interests, wishes, and strengths (superpowers).
Teachers can also prepare a small handmade surprise gift for each child - sometimes linked to the celebration theme, sometimes a simple didactic game the child can later share with friends or family.
The creativity of the gift is up to the teacher.
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