A Journey Through India: Celebrating a Year of Exploration, Creativity, and Culture

On Friday, June 6th, Big and Tiny 10th Street Preschool welcomed families and friends to campus for one of our most beloved traditions—our annual Culmination Celebration. This event marks the joyful close of a year-long, school-wide study of a single country—in this case, India—brought to life through art, music, storytelling, hands-on learning, and community.

The afternoon began with excitement and energy as families gathered to watch the children perform a heartwarming rendition of The Jungle Book. Complete with face paint, animal costumes, and big grins, the performance set the stage for an afternoon full of wonder. From the youngest tigers to the oldest panthers, the children sang, danced, and embodied the characters they had grown to love—offering a joyful welcome into the world they had spent the year discovering.

Following the performance, families were invited into our “Building Bungalow,” which had been entirely transformed into a breathtaking recreation of India. From the moment they stepped inside, visitors were immersed in color, texture, and sound. Sitar music played softly as parents and caregivers explored the vibrant space, guided proudly by their children.

One of the most awe-inspiring displays was an almost life-sized sculpture of the elephant, a keystone feature in the ecosystem and also a sacred animal representing Ganesha. The children spent weeks building it from cardboard, decorating it with paint, shimmering jewels, and soft pampas grass fronds. The elephant stood as both a symbol of new beginnings and a tribute to the time, effort, and creativity the children poured into their project.

All around the room, student work told the story of months of learning. There were detailed depictions of native Indian animals—snow leopards, elephants, and the shaggy-coated yak—each lovingly crafted and labeled by the children. A stunning, towering replica of the Taj Mahal stood in the center of the room, created collaboratively by the class and glowing with pride. On the walls, cut-out hands displayed intricate henna designs drawn by the children, reflecting their study of this traditional art form and its cultural significance.

A translucent blue paper Himalayan river flowed through the room, lined with floating lotus flowers and punctuated by facts about the Himalayan mountains and regional life. This immersive river installation invited visitors to quite literally follow the children’s journey of learning through the geography of India.

In one corner, a hands-on mandala station invited families to sit down and make their own “magic circles”—the Sanskrit meaning of the word mandala. As children guided their grown-ups through the steps, the space was filled with chatter, color, and connection, perfectly reflecting the community spirit of our school.

No celebration would be complete without food, and our amazing parent committee did not disappoint. A lovingly prepared spread of traditional Indian delicacies offered something for everyone, from crispy samosas to flavorful biryani. It was a true feast that brought the senses even deeper into the experience.

As the day wound down, laughter and music lingered in the air. What began as a curious study had blossomed into a deeply memorable and joyful cultural experience. Most importantly, this culmination reflected how much our students have grown—not only in knowledge and skills, but in empathy, curiosity, and confidence.

Each year, the children and teachers at Big and Tiny 10th Street Preschool vote on a country to explore together. This democratic process sparks early global awareness and empowers our young learners to engage deeply with cultures beyond their own. The yearlong study culminates in this very special celebration—a powerful reminder of the beauty of curiosity, the value of community, and the magic that happens when we learn with our hearts and hands.

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