At Hazelmere Kindergarten we have many special rituals which the children anticipate keenly.  A ritual is something which has been elevated and made special because of the care and attention which has gone into it.  One of these is our Birthday Tray Ritual.

When it is a child’s birthday tamariki get to choose from a selection of special cups and trays.  We put flowers, a candle, ice cream and sprinkles, a fancy biscuit and a cup of either fruit tea or milk on the tray they chose.

They often sit surrounded by their friends as they savour the delightful treats.

A photo is taken and put on Storypark for whānau to see.  We often get to see this ritual replayed in the children’s homes too as they have adopted the ritual as part of their family tradition too.