“Once upon a time there were four little rabbits, and their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter.”
Each spring, those familiar words open the door to a long-standing Jackson Academy tradition: the Beatrix Potter Tea Parties. Held in the Preschool library, this special event invites K4 and K5 students into the world of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” with lemon tea, cookies, and carrots served as they listen to the classic story.
The library is carefully transformed into an English garden with decorations inspired by the story itself. From garden gates to watering cans and vegetables, the space becomes a scene out of Beatrix Potter’s imagination. Students are fully immersed in the story, often reciting favorite lines along with Heard and responding with wide eyes and smiles as Peter Rabbit’s adventure unfolds.
K2 and K3 students were also invited to tour the space, giving them a glimpse of what they can look forward to in the coming years. These younger students observed the decorated library and watched the older classes participate in the storytelling, helping to build excitement and familiarity for their future experience.
The Beatrix Potter Tea Parties offer more than a fun break from routine. They support a love of reading, encourage student engagement, and help spark the imagination at an early age. By blending storytelling with sensory experience, the event makes literature come alive in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
This tradition reflects the heart of JA’s Preschool program, where creativity, curiosity, and early literacy are woven into everyday learning. Through events like this, students not only learn the value of stories but also discover the joy of being part of something special.
