Using Rituals and Traditions to Create Classroom Community for Children, Teachers, and Parents

Scully, Patricia; Howell, Jacqueline

Early Childhood Education Journal, v36 n3 p261-266 Dec 2008

This article addresses the value of teachers establishing rituals and traditions in early childhood classrooms. Using the lens of a particular preschool classroom, where one of the co-authors taught for many years, the article describes specific traditions that have been established over the years and how these rituals, activities, and events helped to create community among the teachers, parents, and children. The article concludes with questions designed to encourage teachers to reflect on their own memories, values, and interests to create their own rituals and traditions within their classrooms.