What types of "holiday" activities are appropriate for JW students in middle school?

Question

I teach 6th grade reading and we're embarking upon an objective unit of winter holidays around the world. We are study 5 other holidays in addition to Christmas. We're looking at the documented history of the holidays, and will then be comparing and contrasting different countries and cultures with our own.

Several students say they are "not allowed" to be in the classroom during this time. I am, therefore, sending them to another classroom (for three weeks!!) while we work on our unit. Rather than give them pointless worksheets, I'd like to learn more about their beliefs. Do JWs take offense at this? What other types of activities are "ok" to ask of JW students?

JW = Jehovah's Witness

School = public

There is no religious instruction going on. We're looking at documented historical information, which tells where the specific worldwide holidays came from, as well as what SOME people may believe. There's no promotion of any holiday or religion over another.

Answer 1

It would seem that the questioner likely teaches at a parochial school, or perhaps in a country which does not permit its students to be free from the establishment of religion by government entities. True Christians (such as Jehovah's Witnesses) believe that, ideally, a child should receive religious instruction from his own family.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe that their children should receive religious instruction from non-Witnesses, with the biblical exception of the child's own parents.

(1 Corinthians 7:14) For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in relation to his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in relation to the brother; otherwise, your children would really be unclean, but now they are holy.


Since Jehovah's Witnesses reject interfaith, it would seem that most Witness parents would feel that ANY type of so-called "holy day" (or "holiday") activity is inappropriate in a school environment. It would seem that the questioner should respect the religious sensibilities of his or her students and their parents, and the questioner should refrain from indoctrinating them with ideas about what she or he perceives as "our own" culture and holy days.

Ideally, the questioner should re-think his or her plan to focus on religious education in a taxpayer-funded, government-administered school system which requires the attendance of its resident children. It would be a shame to perpetuate the shameful history of "education" with regard to its claims of "separate but equal" programs.

Of course, where necessary, it seems rather obvious that an alternate assignment could have students report on the history and development of religious tolerance (if such projects are permitted by the questioner's government). A Jehovah's Witness student might feel comfortable reporting on the history of pagan festivals, such as Saturnalia (which has been re-named "Christmas" in recent centuries), and why he feels compelled to avoid these.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/20001215/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/19981001/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/20041022a/article_03.htm

Answer 2

As a mom, Jehovah's Witness & former sub-teacher, I like your lesson plan for this project. I wish I had been a Witness when my children were younger as I would have encouraged them to participate. It would give them the opportunity to give witness to the pagan origins of these holidays as they did not originate with Christ.

I have a feeling that the children, being 6th graders, are seeing this project as... it's the holiday season, and we're studying holidays... and not really seeing the full scope of what the project is all about.

That being said, make a point to call their parents and explain what your project is about. I would think that the parents would be fine with this as this would encourage their children to study and research, thus giving them a better understanding of what they are being taught (religious wise)and strengthening their faith.

Answer 3

Ask them to get you the Brochure entitled: "Jehovah’s Witnesses and Education". It goes into detail about what we believe.

Just give them regular lessons. It doesn't have to be holiday themed.

Also ask to speak to the parents. Personally, I wouldn't have a problem with my children participating in the program you've described seeing how you're considering several different holidays as well as the histories of the holidays.

Best yet, ask the witness children to explain their reasons for NOT celebrating the holidays. The research should keep them busy for quite awhile lol and they wont be able to "parrot" what their parents say but will learn to reason and research for themselves.
Get the parents involved. I'm sure they wouldn't object.

Thank you for asking!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Hello. I am a Christian, one of Jehovah's Witnesses. First, thanks for showing kindness and a polite interest. Your best bet is to talk to these students and their parents, and go from there.

NO offense is, or should, be taken in you being curious about our beliefs.

Answer 6

What are JW students?

If you mean Jewish students the answer is yes and no. Judaism has a number of different subgroups. The students who consider themselves orthodox would be most likely to object. Other sub groups would probably welcome learning about different religions and couture's.