Celebrating Birthdays the Montessori way at IMS
At IMS Sotogrande, birthdays are more than a date on the calendar—they’re a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey of each individual child. In line with Montessori principles, we mark this special occasion with a thoughtful classroom tradition known as the “Walk Around the Sun.”
This child-centred experience highlights the passing of time in a way that’s both meaningful and developmentally appropriate—helping young children begin to understand the rhythm of the year and the concept of personal growth.
A journey through the years
To begin, a bright representation of the sun is placed in the centre of the circle, surrounded by the months of the year. The birthday child holds a small globe—symbolising the Earth—and slowly walks around the sun once for each year of their life. This gentle walk mirrors the Earth’s annual orbit and gives children a concrete way to understand the passage of time.
As the child walks, the teacher shares short stories or memories from each year—highlighting important milestones, special moments, or simple joys from the child’s early life. These reflections, paired with a photo from each year, help bring the child’s story to life for their classmates.
Photos and reflections
The photos—one from each year of life—are shared with the group as part of the birthday walk. Children love seeing how their peer has grown and changed over time. These images create a sense of connection and give classmates the opportunity to appreciate the child’s unique journey.
It’s a moment filled with warmth and pride, allowing the birthday child to feel truly seen and celebrated.
More than a celebration
While joyful, the Montessori birthday walk is also deeply educational. It helps children begin to grasp abstract concepts like time, seasons, and growth by making them visual and physical. The act of walking around the sun—once for each year—makes the idea of aging and development both relatable and real.
It also reinforces a strong sense of community. Classmates join in singing songs, listening to the shared memories, and often offering kind words of their own. The atmosphere is calm, respectful, and joyful—a true reflection of the Montessori environment.
A celebration of the whole child
At IMS, this tradition embodies our belief in recognising the whole child—not just their academic growth, but their life story, experiences, and place within the classroom community. It’s a quiet, beautiful way to mark the passage of time, honour personal growth, and nurture a deeper sense of belonging.
For our students, the Walk Around the Sun becomes a highlight of the year—something they look forward to and remember fondly. And for us, it’s a chance to celebrate every child for who they are, and how far they’ve come.
