Beyond Costumes: Turning Seasonal Celebrations into Authentic Learning

Arborland's Annual Costume Party Performances Through The Years

What makes our annual costume party more than costumes? The short answer: Our students’ ability to perform in front of an audience. Sometimes for the first time, and inspiring generations to come. 

This year, our 4th–6th graders will once again step into the spotlight for our annual costume party. But what makes our annual costume party more than just dressing up? In the weeks leading up to their first public speaking event of the school year, students will have the opportunity to explore and express their interests creatively and build confidence through performances. 

Building Confidence

The Costume Party gives students an authentic opportunity to practice speaking in front of a real audience. While our 4th graders may have performed on stage during previous Arborland performances, this can be their first major public speaking experience. For our older students, it’s an opportunity to continue building confidence, strengthening their stage presence, and celebrating a meaningful milestone in their academic growth.

Student Interests into Authentic Learning

Behind each performance is research and preparation. Students begin with something that interests or inspires them and transform that interest into a presentation they can share with an audience. They may choose to perform a speech, recite a poem, sing a song, or even write and perform their own skit. While the costumes and performances are the fun entry point, the deeper purpose is the learning that happens along the way and the confidence students gain as they turn an idea that matters to them into something they can stand up and share.

Inspiring Generations

Costume Party creates a powerful peer-to-peer learning experience. Younger students aren’t just watching a performance; they are seeing what they will one day be capable of doing themselves. As with many of our performances at Arborland, our younger students actively participate in rehearsals and enthusiastically support the performers with applause and encouragement. In the process, students inspire one another. In true Montessori fashion, younger students look to their older peers as role models, while older students have the opportunity to see themselves as leaders and examples for those who will follow.

The Costume Party builds confident public speakers, transforms student interests into authentic research and learning, and creates a cycle of peer-to-peer inspiration that carries from one generation of students to the next. 

We hope everyone who participates in witnessing this seasonal celebration comes to support our students and understand the heart of why we commemorate the beloved tradition that is Costume Party!