We are not helping any other children to practice their religion either, if we're doing Santas an reindeer. What did I say that gave you the impression that I don't respect your beliefs? Did I not say that I would be happy to provide an alternative activity if the parents requested it? Did you find it disrespectful that I said I wouldn't initiate the conversation? Why would you think that would be my responsibility, anyway? I think you should go back and re-read my post. Just ask the parents and be specific about activities you have planned. Kind of the same principle when it comes to holidays.Ĭommitted, I appreciate the fact that you are giving consideration on how to handle the situation. I had a girl who insisted on wearing her coat outside because her mom told her to.by the time we went out for recess it was warm and no jacket was needed, but I respected that child's obedience and didn't try to coerce her to go against her mother's wishes. Usually the day of really big celebrations, they just stay home.Īs a teacher, though I would not encourage any child to go against their family's religious beliefs. I also understand that my children may eat a cupcake or make a different decision behind closed doors.they are just excersing their consciences because eventually they will make their own decisions as adults. However, if the lesson cannot be differentiated.then they can read and take AR tests, hop on the computer, or do something else that is academically comparable. However, in return, I expect that my beliefs also be respected.įor my own children, who are right down the hall from me.I have told their teachers/my colleagues that if it's a skill based worksheet that happens to be on Christmas bordered paper.they can just do the work, no biggie writing lessons can be tailored. I have opened my doors to the parents to decorate, plan parties, read holiday themed books. In my classroom, I respect that my students and their parents celebrate holidays. JW's do not expect the class to conform to our beliefs and practices. Just because the majority celebrate, doesn't mean that we can ignore the individual rights and feelings of the minority children, whatever their faith may be. Also, many people feel peer pressure from other adults and they may, unfortunately, compromise. While JW's are unified in our beifiefs (yes our), people are at all different stages of spiritual development, so it's not uncommon to have differences from family to 's not easy to go 'cold turkey'. ![]() Ironic, huh? That is a discussion for another board. The traditions associated with Christmas are not actually Christian traditions. He is sitting at about 20 days out so far. This is my child who never comes to school anyway and mom already is asking to pull him for the last week before Christmas to take him to Mexico. I feel like I did my part by calling her and now it is up to her to be more specific with me. If we do a math page in class with a Santa or tree on it, I will just keep it in class and not send it home. I will do my best, but I am not going to send him away unless mom specifically tells me to do so. When we do a craft that could be related to Christmas - making ornaments, he will make a snowflake. ![]() My plan is this: When we write letters to Santa (letters that high schoolers respond to as "Santa") he will write a letter asking what high school is like. He seems to not understand and they were not JW last year. Then she said, but if it is for school it is okay. I was told "Salute the flag -NO!- Sing Happy Birthday - NO! Celebrations - NO! But you can NOT deny him food." Ummm.okay, I wouldn't deny your child food if we were having some but if a parent sends in Santa cookies for treats is this okay? I guess I will just pull cheerios for him. ![]() Her responses to my questions about what he could and couldn't do were vague at best. For some reason, mom waited until the day before Thanksgiving break to inform me that they are JW! This was after all of the Halloween themed writing and Thanksgiving themed writing we did throughout October and November. Sorry to piggyback on your post, but.I just had this conversation with a parent.
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