A Proud Moment at My Son’s Kindergarten Christmas Event

On Saturday, we attended a wonderful Christmas event hosted by my son’s kindergarten.The program was a creative rearrangement of a traditional tale called *Gloves*. My son was given the role of leading a team in which all the members acted as bears. Since his kindergarten follows the Montessori method of education, there is a strong emphasis on cultivating individual independence. One well-known aspect of this approach is the mixed-age classroom system. As a result, the program included children from two grades: the first and second years of kindergarten.

My son seemed very responsible in his role as the leader of the bear team, ensuring their performance was perfect. The way he mimicked the movements of a real bear when he first appeared on stage, his voice projection while singing, and his upright posture—all of it was excellent and made me incredibly proud. However, what struck me most was the expression on his face during the performance. It revealed a mix of nervousness and seriousness, emotions that I rarely see in our day-to-day interactions. Through this, I realized another admirable side of him: his keen sense of responsibility. Unlike some of the other children who moved around the stage playfully, not fully following the rhythm or positions instructed by the teachers, my son paid careful attention to his pace and the designated points where he needed to stop.

This realization evoked a mix of emotions within me. On one hand, I was delighted to see his commitment and sense of responsibility. These traits are valuable life skills that can benefit him greatly in the future, fostering self-discipline, reliability, and engagement. On the other hand, I found myself slightly worried. I do not want him to grow up as someone overly concerned about pleasing others or overly conscious of how others perceive him. Striking a balance between being responsible and maintaining his inner freedom and self-confidence will be important for his personal growth.

All the decorations in the venue, the masks of the animals in the performance, and the costumes were handmade by the kindergarten children under their teachers’ guidance.

This added a personal and heartwarming touch to the program, showcasing not only the children’s creativity but also the effort and dedication of the teachers. My parents, who were attending a Japanese kindergarten event for the first time, were deeply impressed.  They remarked that such opportunities are rare in China due to overpopulation and the imbalance in teacher-to-student ratios. These challenges make it difficult for every child to receive the guidance needed to deliver a well-prepared performance.

Afrer enjoying the wonderful even, I reflected on how fortunate we are to have chosen this Montessori kindergarten for our son. The values and opportunities it provides are shaping him into a thoughtful, responsible, and capable individual. Moments like these, where I see his talents and character blossom, remind me how significant these formative years are. I look forward to witnessing his continued growth and development, and I am excited to see the person he will become.

In conclusion, this event was not just a celebration of the holiday season but also a testament to the potential within every child when nurtured in the right environment. It reaffirmed my belief in the Montessori approach and filled me with gratitude for the teachers and community that support my son’s journey. As parents, these small yet profound moments of pride and reflection make us realize the beauty of watching our children grow, one step at a time.