My son's teacher is teaching her children some cultural diversity classes this holiday season. He is in first grade. They are learning about Chanukah and Kwanza. I really dont mind her teaching about kwanza as it is more of a thanksgiving type of thing. but the Chanukah thing really has me spining....no i'm not anti-sematic. But she is teaching him very indepth details about it. One of the answers to the questions was blessing and praying. Am i wrong to expect her to teach what Christmas is about....which i know she cant do because you cant teach religion in school but isnt she doing that by teaching them about chanukah? I guess i really would not have minded so much but my son came home last week and proclamed he was now jewish because he ate latkas...and wants a menorah now instead of a tree! I have explained our beliefs to him. Should I say something to his teacher about this or just let it go?
2006-12-01 14:21:20 · 7 answers · asked by t 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
I would definitely say something to the teacher. I know that in my teaching experience in public schools, you were not allowed to teach about holidays unless you taught ALL of them. With so many holidays at this time of year, that would be a daunting task, and she obviously left out Christmas. Take your concerns to the teacher first before seeing an administrator, though...your concerns definitely warrant it.
p.s. The power of teachers' words is amazing - a colleague of mine once posted the wrong birthdate of one of her students on a poster and the child went home debating with her parents that her teacher knew her real birthday and that her parents must be wrong because Mrs. "Smith" would never be wrong. Cute story, but proves a point, too! (It was in a third grade classroom.)
2006-12-01 14:37:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anne C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a teacher, I do not think it is wrong to teach about Chanukah, when you teach about Kwanza and Christmas also. I do however think it is wrong teaching the prayers and blessings. I work in a Jewish school now, so of course we teach nothing but Chanukah - but when I used to work in public schools all we taght the children was that Chanukah is a winter holiday, you eat Latkes, light the menorah and play driedel... that's it - nothing religious.
When I have children and they go off to school, I don't mind if they learn a little about Christmas (Santa, Trees, etc.) But once a teacher starts teaching my child about Jesus, that's when they've crossed the line. I would say something to the teacher or principal if I were you.
2006-12-02 03:52:08 · answer #2 · answered by Cranberry 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would wait and see if she teaches how Christmas is celebrated in the other countries as well before speaking with her, I know before I became a nurse I was a tutor in the 1st and 2nd grade for 10 years and every year Christmas around the world was taught. They cannot not teach the true meaning of Christmas, (because of that unjust law that gives the atheist the rights and takes ours away), but the teach how each country celebrates Christmas. Believe me when I tell you she did not teach him all that goes with the Jewish celebration it is very in depth. See if he is learning about another country next week if not than I would speak to her. Be calm and open minded when you go and simply state your objections, and ask that she refrain from that in the future. Remember you can get further and get your point across better if you remain calm. GOOD LUCK!
2006-12-01 14:39:12 · answer #3 · answered by nursie poo 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would not say that you are overreacting, because it's obviously something that's very important to you, but do try to see it from the teacher's point of view. Children do need to learn about the diversity of religion and to tolerate other children who are different from them. Some children are growing up in homes where they are taught intolerance to anyone who is different from them. Many parents will never teach their children about other religions other than to say negative things about them. I think these things do need to be brought up in school in a factual way, although teachers do need to be careful so they do not try to impose thier own beliefs on their students. The kids need to be exposed to non biased views just so that they are not ignorant about other's beliefs and cultures.
First grade may seem early to start this because a first grader is so easily influenced, but on the other hand first graders can be incredibly mean to another child that is "different" from them.
Personally, I wouldn't get too upset over this. A first grader could learn about giraffes or horses and come home pretending to be one, it's just the nature of a young child. I would just have a gentle talk with my child about the differences in the religions and also have a discussion about my own chosen religion and beliefs.
2006-12-01 14:39:34 · answer #4 · answered by redhairedgirl 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
do not worry too much. inguldge in your child's moment. they only stay that young for a second. i think he is only doing what every child does, and that is to imitate what he has learned. nothing is wrong with maybe having a menorah and a tree for christmas. god is god. as far as the teacher goes, i think you should let her teach. she seems to be doing a good job. she is only educating your son on things that are positive. i could go on but hopefully this is enough.
2006-12-01 14:37:34 · answer #5 · answered by akitaaleik 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The teacher is wrong for teaching any form of religion in school. If Christianity can't be taught, neither should Judaism. I am very much for religion being taught at home, being personal and not pushed on people.
2006-12-01 14:30:25 · answer #6 · answered by FaerieWhings 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've no more right to impose beliefs on him than she. Does "our" refer to your beliefs or his? If you must force your religion upon your son, at least make it clear that it's his choice whom to believe.
2006-12-01 15:02:34 · answer #7 · answered by Jeff 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋