Christams Activities in the Public School- Appropriate Focus

[zainabzks]

Hi,

Som my son's Kindergarten teacher has taken Christmas to the classroom to a point of contention. I have no problem with Christians celebrating Christmas but when it is taking away from instructional time, I have a problem.

The teacher has a Christmas tree in the classroom with santa clause ornaments on it. She counts the days to Christmas every day. She has them make paper chains (with a star attached) that count off the days to Christmas.

She says Merry Christmas to the class and starting on Monday she will do the twelve days of Christmas with them. I wouldn't be surprised if she reads the bible story to the kids.

Oh did I mention that they are learning Christmas songs (I don't know which ones yet).

My son is starting to feel uncomfortable. He has told her he doesn't celebrate Christmas....

[jais]

Maybe you should tell her?

[zainabzks]

I tired earlier on and she just said they'll make Christmas crafts. I guess I am not getting her a holiday gift. She'll get a birthday gift instead.

The aide will get a belated bday gift on Monday.

[dawbs]

Just to play the other side a wee bit...

Counting activities in a kindergarten class are invaluable.  And when you can make them engaging and interactive, even moreso.  (as are the books and learning about traditions).

You may want to be careful in how you address this, because the activities you've mentioned aren't an issue at all, I consider them *very* instructional.  They're the sort of activities that schools and teachers should strive to include (counting paper, associating calendards and days to numbers, etc).  

The issue becomes the 'Christmas focus" of the activities rather than the activities themselves.

[ShadesOfGrey]

OP - What's the etiquette question here?

I understand your frustration, but I dont see an etiquette infraction here, and religion and public school issues go WAY beyond this forum. 

[zainabzks]

This is more of a rant.

I'm not sure what I should do. At this point I'm going to keep my mouth shut. I'm going to teach my son the value of respecting all faiths.

Dawbs you got it spot on.

I'll change my title to reflect exactly what I'm trying to say.

She will not discuss any other faiths even ones that have a religious holiday coming up.

[MyFamily]

This is what happened to me as a child.  From Thanksgiving on, it was all about Christmas.  I still remember the teacher who said to me that I should be happy having the opportunity to celebrate Christmas at school since my parents didn't let Santa come visit at our home. 

This teacher has focused too much on one holiday.  She is making your son feel left out and different from his classmates.  Her inability to understand that makes me question her abilities as a teacher.  You need to talk to her - if she doesn't listen, you need to talk to the principal.  You are not trying to get her in trouble, you are trying to make sure your son has a positive learning experience. Trust me - I've been your son.

[zainabzks]

Principal saw all this today when I went in to observe the class.

I don't know if he will do anything. I have bigger battles to fight; otherwise, I would have spoken to the school about this. I haven't seen a Christmas tree in any of the other classrooms.

My son has has a mild expressive/receptive delay and we are already up to our ears with the school trying to minimize their required by law resources.

Maybe I will have a chat with the principal.

[zainabzks]

MyFamily,

I think I may end up addressing the issue with the principal.