How do kindergarten celebrations and events benefit children?

Every day in kindergarten is full of discovery, but celebrations and special events hold a unique place in children’s hearts. They are not simply enjoyable occasions or opportunities to dress up – they create meaningful experiences that support children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

From small everyday moments of celebration to well-loved traditions – such as family days, birthdays, Christmas and Easter celebrations, Midsummer festivities, Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), or our traditional Fair of Nations and Cultures – each event becomes a memorable part of a child’s educational journey.

Kindergarten events often involve shared activities: performances, singing, dancing, improvisation, or collaborative games. Through these experiences, children learn to speak more confidently, express their ideas clearly, listen to one another, and work together as a group.

A festive atmosphere helps children understand that every contribution matters – whether it is a small role or a more prominent part. In such settings, social skills develop naturally, and the shared joy of celebration strengthens friendships.

At Saulės Gojus, we make every effort to ensure that children experience as little stress as possible when preparing or rehearsing for celebrations. Weekly sessions with a theatre teacher support this approach. During these sessions, the children explore creativity and improvisation, so preparation feels like a natural extension of their daily activities. It is play, not a test.

Excitement, the desire to do their best, and the joy that follows a successful performance all become meaningful parts of emotional growth. Celebrations help children learn to accept a range of emotions, to understand that feeling nervous is completely normal, and that setbacks are not the end – they are opportunities to learn and try again.

After the celebration, children often experience a powerful moment of pride: “I did it!” Such experiences strengthen self-esteem and help them believe in their abilities, even in more challenging situations.

Celebrations offer children a wonderful opportunity to create something beautiful and meaningful. Songs, costumes, roles, and decorations provide space to express ideas freely and think creatively. Children learn that there is no single correct answer in creative work – they can experiment, try new approaches, and improvise.

Such experiences nurture both critical and creative thinking, while also strengthening the inner confidence to act and create in their own unique way.

When preparing for events, children learn to memorise lines, step into their roles, plan their actions, look after props, and take part in shared activities. Although these tasks may seem simple or insignificant to adults, they help develop important life skills – responsibility, independence, and an understanding that everyone’s effort contributes to a shared outcome.

Through these experiences, a child may, perhaps for the first time, understand what it means to be a valued member of a team whose contribution is noticed and appreciated.

Kindergarten events often involve parents, which further enriches the child’s experience. Celebrations such as a kindergarten birthday or family afternoons allow children to see that their two worlds – home and kindergarten – can come together.

This is deeply meaningful for a child. They feel proud to show their parents what their life at kindergarten looks like, what they have learned, and what is important to them there. For parents, these occasions offer an opportunity to become more familiar with the kindergarten’s culture and community.

Celebrations such as Midsummer or Mardi Gras give children the opportunity to become familiar with Lithuanian cultural traditions, customs, and symbols. In this way, they begin to understand the rhythm of the seasons, value cultural identity, appreciate diversity, and develop curiosity about the world around them. Such experiences enrich their understanding and nurture respect for both their own culture and that of others.

The joys of childhood – a first performance, a song sung together, laughter shared with friends, applause from parents – remain in the memory for a long time. Celebrations are not simply events; they become part of a child’s emotional story. And a kindergarten that creates these moments together becomes a place where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow.