Dearborn Heights Montessori Greek Cultural Festival

Each year, the students of Dearborn Heights Montessori Center study an ancient culture through a variety of curriculum and classroom projects. They learn about the way people lived years ago, including their art, music, geography, history and society. To showcase the children’s studies, the school holds an annual day-long cultural festival in May for students, teachers and families.

This year’s festival brought the ancient culture of Greece to life as the school’s classrooms and hallways were fully decorated throughout with students’ projects and artwork. During the festival, children dressed in brightly colored Greek costumes and were assisted by several parent volunteers to serve traditional foods, sell handmade items in a Greek style marketplace, perform ancient folk music and dances, and present the story of “The Tale of a Wooden Horse.”

Third grade students from Dearborn Heights Montessori dress as gods and goddesses and prepare to parade through the school in celebration of this year’s Greek Cultural festival

From preschool through middle school, nearly 300 students become immersed in Greek culture during several weeks of study.

“As children study different cultures, they learn that people are truly more alike than different,” said Lynn Manwell, art director for Dearborn Heights Montessori. “They receive a very broad cultural perspective.”

Studies of different ancient cultures are also carried into the school’s full- and half-day summer programs that are available for children aged 3 through 12 years old, beginning June 21, 2010. The summer camp program includes a broad range of activities that provide a balanced blend of learning and play suitable for each age group.

“With the wide variety of interactive and cultural programs that we offer, students and their families have the opportunity to enjoy lasting memories,” added Manwell.