Honoring the Assumption of Mary with Your Children: A Montessori-Inspired Celebration

August 15 marks a beautiful solemnity in the Church calendar—the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this day, we remember that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into Heaven. It’s a feast full of hope, love, and joy, offering children a glimpse into the glory of Heaven and the special role of Mary in God’s plan.

In the Montessori tradition, we offer children real, beautiful, and meaningful experiences that engage both the mind and heart. Celebrating Marian feast days, like the Assumption, gives children a chance to grow in their faith through hands-on activities, prayerful reflection, and simple joys shared as a family or classroom community.

Here are Montessori-inspired ways to celebrate the Assumption of Mary with your children on August 15:

1. Share the Story of the Assumption

Begin by telling the story of the Assumption in simple, age-appropriate language. Children love real stories, and Mary’s life is one of trust, love, and perfect obedience to God.

You can say:

"After her life on Earth, Mary was taken up into Heaven—body and soul—to be with God forever. She had lived her life saying 'yes' to God's plan, and now she shares in His glory."

Books to explore:

• Mary, the Mother of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

• The Life of Mary by Inos Biffi (for older children)

  
  

Use a globe to show where Mary lived, helping children connect geography with her story.

2. Create a Marian Prayer Table

Invite your child to help create a special space to honor Mary. Include:

• A white or blue cloth (symbols of purity and devotion)

• A statue or image of Mary

• Flowers (real or paper)

• A candle

• A rosary

  
  

Let your child place each item with care. This practical life work teaches reverence and mindfulness.

3. Pray Together

The Montessori method honors the child’s spiritual nature. Use this feast day as a chance to pray as a family. You might:

• Pray a decade of the Rosary (focus on the Glorious Mystery: The Assumption)

• Say the “Hail Mary” or “Hail Holy Queen” together

• Offer spontaneous prayers of thanksgiving

  
  

You can also sing Marian hymns like “Immaculate Mary” or “Hail, Holy Queen” to celebrate joyfully.

4. Do a Flower Offering for Mary

Mary is often honored with flowers—symbols of purity, beauty, and life. Invite your child to pick or arrange flowers to place at your prayer table or near a Marian statue at church.

Activity ideas:

• Create tissue paper or felt flowers together

• Go on a nature walk and collect wildflowers

• Visit a Marian shrine or garden and bring a small bouquet

  
  

5. Art: Draw or Paint Mary’s Assumption

Encourage your child to express their understanding through art. Provide materials such as watercolor paints, crayons, colored pencils, or collage supplies.

Ideas to inspire:

• Mary being lifted into Heaven

• Angels welcoming her

• A crown of stars (Revelation 12:1 imagery)

  
  

Afterwards, invite your child to share what their picture means. This encourages thoughtful reflection and language development.

6. Bake a “Heavenly” Treat

Mark the day with a special snack or dessert to celebrate! Cooking together is a great Montessori practical life activity.

Ideas:

• Angel food cake (light and airy—symbolizing Heaven)

• Cloud-shaped cookies

• Blueberry muffins (blue is the color traditionally associated with Mary) Let your child help mix, measure, pour, and serve.

  
  

7. Read Scripture Together

Share the Scripture that the Church uses for the Assumption, even if you simplify it:

Luke 1:46-55 – The Magnific at Mary’s joyful prayer gives thanks to God. You can read it aloud and then ask your child:

"What are you thankful for today?"

8. Crown Mary with a Flower Garland

If you have a statue or image of Mary, help your child make a paper or flower crown and place it on her head to symbolize her Queenship of Heaven and Earth.

Crafting materials:

• Paper flowers, pipe cleaners, or real blossoms

• Ribbon or string to form the crown

  
  

Talk about how Mary is our Queen, but she is also a mother who loves and prays for us.

9. Attend Mass or Watch Online

If possible, take your child to Mass to celebrate the Assumption. It’s a holy day of obligation in many places and a beautiful opportunity to experience the liturgy and honor Mary as a family.

If you can’t attend in person, consider watching Mass online and lighting a candle together at home.

10. Reflect on Mary’s Example

End the day by talking with your child about what Mary teaches us. Ask:

• “What do you love about Mary?”

• “How can we say ‘yes’ to God like she did?”

• “What would you like to thank Mary for?”

  
  

End with a prayer of gratitude and love, perhaps lighting a candle one last time to close your celebration.

Feast days like the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary remind us of the beauty of our faith and the gift of Mary as our spiritual mother. Montessori education encourages children to encounter these truths through real experiences, prayer, art, movement, and joyful reflection.

By celebrating August 15 with your children in simple, meaningful ways, you invite them into a rhythm of faith that nourishes the soul—and you help them grow closer to Mary, who always leads us to her Son.

Mary, assumed into Heaven, pray for us!