TC Jewfolk: Dear Public School Principal…
As someone who went to Catholic school from grades 3-12 and as such was never exposed to anything else until much later in life, I found this particularly interesting. I’m surprised – and yet not – we’re still having this issue.
You might be surprised to hear that I have participated in decorating a Christmas tree, playing “find Baby Jesus” and making a reindeer art project or two. All in my classroom. When I was I a public school teacher. I have also been a part of a Kwanzaa creativity share, made Hanukkah latkes and eaten long soba and udon noodles in honor of the Japanese Omisoka (New Year). Again, all in my classroom.
The issue isn’t about taking Christmas OUT of the classroom. It’s about letting everyone else IN. For example, I used to invite all families into the classroom to share a holiday tradition with the kids. We all learned so much from each other, enjoyed ourselves immensely and authentically experienced our differences and similarities. Everyone’s traditions were acknowledged, respected and celebrated. I kept a Christmas tree in my classroom. It was right next to the Hanukkah menorah, the Kwanzaa kinara and whatever else any family was willing to let me use for the season.
And…
In my experience, public educators do want to be inclusive of all students but may simply not know how or where to start. It’s hard to approach the unknown. So our goal is to become the known. And to be helpful. And to partner up and move forward. We’re in this for the long haul. We’re in this for our kids.
I want my kids learn about all cultures reflected in their classrooms and community. I want them to feel comfortable and excited discussing their own celebrations and everyone else’s as well. I would love to see “moving forward” go beyond the “Christmas-Hanukkah” issue and tackle stumbling blocks like standardized testing occurring during Ramadan (when many students are fasting). You get the idea, change for the sake of kids. In my heart-of-hearts, I think that’s what educators want and envision as well and that working together, we can make a dent in this vision.
(via Twin Cities Daily Planet)
Hi there! Thanks so much for posting this. Yep, shocking (or not so much?) that issues that we faced as kids are still prevalent for our own kids! It’s fun being part of your site– thanks! :)