As we've already established, there are many pros and cons for working on holidays. Companies may have scrimped on workplace perks during the recession, but as the economy has steadily improved, workplace holiday parties have made a comeback, said Mike Baize, manager of HR services at Insperity, a Houston, Texas-based HR services provider. Step #2: Personalize My Email, Looking for more ways to foster an inclusive space at school? For your convenience, you have permission to make copies of the Classroom Seder Guide to use with your students during your classroom Seder [CLICK HERE]. The Music Okay, look. While class pets can be a great teaching tool, they can also be a huge distraction. Place this plate on the table. At my school, this lines up with our four pillars: knowledge, community, effort, and kindness. This means youll need to do your research carefully to ensure that you represent each holiday accurately. Fourth-grade teacher Sarah Pemberton periodically uses 10 to 15 minutes set aside for in-class reading to teach her students about cultural, federal, and religious holidays and celebrations. That includes: Check out our blog on, Empty cart. Your session has expired. That extends to these areas of potential conflict:Days off. Focus on the awareness of religions rather than acceptance of any one religion. Copyright 2014, Bayard, Inc. All rights reserved. Holidays give families an opportunity to spend time together and celebrate. This is certainly true regarding holiday practices. On the one hand, they help teachers save valuable class time while boosting student engagement. Visit WETA's other education websites: Start with a Book| Reading Rockets|AdLit|LD OnLine, Web development by Boxcar Studio and Rapid Development Group, A bilingual site for educators and families of English language learners. The government or public action in question must not actively promote or prohibit religion. However, they may be ridiculed for not believing, as it is not a social norm. 2. Reasons to avoid Vietnam during Tet (lunar new year) Everything closes down. Even then, its important to clarify that within any belief system, different families celebrate in different ways. Gives time to carry out the repair and cleaning of one's home. Tell students that Jewish people celebrate Passover each year with a sacred meal called a Seder. Become an organizational or corporate partner to inspire early childhood education at the local and national level. Check multiple sources for the most comprehensive view of the history, traditions, and meaning behind the special day. Support access to high-quality early childhood education programs and opportunities and resources for educators. Soon, many of the children enrolled in our public schools had come from such faraway places as Italy, Poland, Greece, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and China. School holidays comprise a significant portion of any school year. Teaching respect for diversity includes helping children understand that families have different ways of acting, and these may not be the same as the behaviors in their own family. Brief Description. School work, especially in junior high and high school, becomes a child's job. You may think that celebrating holidays in the classroom solely comes in the form of reading a story or doing a craft. Your language choices also support or undercut the concept of religious diversity and each familys freedom of choice. Be sure the table is large enough for all class members to sit around. Artwork by Caldecott Award-winning illustrator David Diaz and Pura Belpr Award-winning illustrator Rafael Lpez is used with permission. She does not realize it is Ramadan, when observant adult Muslims fast between dawn and dusk. Enhance your career and improve your knowledge, skills, and practices with our in-person and online training. Review the Story of ExodusMake a Seder Tablecloth. The pros and cons of celebrating Halloween email Christians across the UK will have different opinions on whether or not to celebrate Halloween. Along with these we also observe and recognize Martin Luther King Day, St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Kwanzaa, Labor Day, the Jewish holidays, and many others. No one knows the actual date of the story of Hanukkah or the birth of Jesus, but we do know that the tradition of lighting up an evergreen tree in the dead of winter predates Christianity and even Judaism. Consider the following holiday examples: A mother brings a special lunch to school for her childs birthday. Acknowledging or celebrating holidays in early childhood programs can bring pleasure to many families, staff, and children and can be useful in building connections between school and families. Each community, under the supervision of the rabbi, developed its own Haggadah, which means guide or script. What do seem to be fairly consistent are the four questions that are at the heart of the ritual. Christmas = Snow And snow means being cold, which is only cool when you're snuggling under soft blankets with a hot drink. Workers have sued over religious discrimination during the holidays. It's important to know what your purpose is in bringing up religion most often, teachers intend to foster tolerance for other beliefs and faiths, and one of the best ways for teachers to do this is to plan ahead and to consult with informed sources, colleagues, parents, and the community. No! You will see things that spark your curiosity, make you wonder, and amaze you all at once. Stay up to date with research-based, teacher-focused articles on birth to age 8 in our award-winning, peer-reviewed journal. So at the point we decide that we want to implement more culturally responsive instruction, where to do we start? Celebrate holidays from a variety of cultures, not just one. celebrating cultural diversity in your classroom! I avoid sacred topics but honor the stories, characters, and rituals of holidays as symbols of positive values. The Seder was further developed in medieval times, yet scholars believe that the wording and sequence of aspects of the Seder differed from community to community. They can also help teach important lessons about kindness, gratefulness, and selflessness. Celebrating holidays can be a fun and festive way to break up the repetition of day-to-day instruction. Adding technology to the classroom increases the overall amount of exposure to electronic devices. On the other hand, they can increase prep time for teachers and can present challenges to students. Some students, especially those in early elementary grades, may not be mature enough to care for a class pet. Place a small pillow on each chair. The representations of religious artefacts, customs or traditions in public . When I answered, "Cooking with my flatmate and going for Turkish!" they longed to join us. Serving and Supporting Immigrant Students, Bilingual & Dual-Language Education: Overview, Schools and Families: An Important Partnership, Supporting ELLs During COVID-19: Educator Voices, Family Literacy: Multilingual Video Series, Meaningful Multicultural Education in a Nation of Immigrants, The December Dilemma: Acknowledging Religious Holidays in the Classroom, The December Dilemma and English Language Learners, TESOL Resource Roundup: December Holidays, Teaching the Holidays: The December Dilemma. $("span.current-site").html("SHRM China "); Please confirm that you want to proceed with deleting bookmark. Pros. Pro: Appreciate the money, time, and effort spent in decorating the tree as much as you can prior to Christmas Day, because after that, they are just a sad reminder that the holiday is over. $(document).ready(function () { There's no doubt about it; at some point in your experience, you're going to miss something about where you come from, whether it be the people you love, your pet, the food, or just being able to speak your own language more often. Statistically speaking, it falls below the national average for religiosity, with just over 20 percent of the population officially affiliating with a specific church, temple, or mosque. A student teacher, enjoying her cupcake, gives Esther a piece because she feels sorry about depriving Esther. Okay, not everything, but most businesses, including museums and other tourist attractions, are closed. Regardless of how commercially advertised or widespread these secular approaches may be, they are grounded in specific religious and cultural assumptions. Perform a science experiment: test which fruits and vegetables dye Easter eggs best or. There are definitely pros and cons of celebrating this spooky day. For any reprint requests, please contact the author or publisher listed. The government or public action in question* should only engage in secular or civil matters, leaving religion up to the individual. By most accounts, the United States educational system has fallen behind that of other countries. And dont be afraid to look for primary resources within your school. 00:48. Excessive screen time It can often seem that students are constantly in front of a device cell phones, tablets, computers, and gaming devices are prevalent in their lives. It teaches them to be more social Explain that a Seder celebrates the story of the Jewish Exodusthe freeing of the Jewish slaves in Egypt. First, we build a democratic foundation for equal access to education. May offend families with different beliefs. Secondly, we help students develop their own culturally sensitive skills to be successful in our diverse, multicultural, and global world, enriching not our classroom, but our nation as well. As Catholics, we praise God that Jesus passed over from death to new life and pray that we, too, may one day share that new life. The pros of using technology in the classroom are dependent on how well teachers and faculty acclimate themselves to said technology. Keene, New Hampshire, where I teach music today, is a relatively secular community. This article shows teachers how to bring rich cultural content into their teaching in a way that expands students' knowledge, interest, and respect for the group being featured. Sponsor study about religion, not the practice of religion. For example, when talking about Christmas, focus on giving and kindness rather than Santa or the religious implications of the special day. Having taught about holidays for the better part of 15 years in four schools, I have rarely been questioned but know theres always the potential concerned parent. The ritual on these pages is intended to help students understand what happens at a Seder and to participate in an important tradition in the lives of our Jewish brothers and sisters. According to Gallup, employee recognition can boost productivity by 14 percent, increase profit by 18 percent, and grow customer satisfaction by 10 percent. When the students have finished decorating their portion of the tablecloth with the part of the story they are illustrating, have them explain their drawing to the class and tell how it relates to the Exodus story. For a copy of the Classroom Seder Guide, see The Seder below. Holiday parties take away from classroom instruction. Look at historical photos from the holiday and have students make up their own stories about what is taking place. Part of honoring diversity in your classroom is teaching about holidays you dont celebrate. Members may download one copy of our sample forms and templates for your personal use within your organization. Holidays give families an opportunity to spend time together and celebrate. Find research-based resources, tips and ideas for familiesfrom child development to reading, writing, music, math, and more! Email your shopping cart to your school/district contacts to request purchasing approval. Materials: You will need Bibles, a new white bed sheet (large enough to serve as a tablecloth for the table where you will gather for your Seder), and several sets of fabric markers. Cons of visiting Vietnam at Tet Festival. Many school texts provide curriculum ideas for Christmas-related activities, which are then supplemented each year by instructional magazines aimed at teachers, preschool directors and child care workers. She has students choose one to three resources, which include songs and videos in addition to stories and articles. While students may not need the amount of time off they currently receive, some breaks encourage rest and give students the boost they need to do their best when they are back in class. Diversity, a Greenwich, Conn.based firm that promotes diversity in the workplace. Many educators have fought to continue celebrating holidays in the classroom because they see firsthand the value these lessons bring to their students. Cons of Keeping Valentines Day Simple. For the many families of other faiths, the activities are inseparable from the underlying meaning of the religious rituals themselves (after all, a Christmas tree is still a Christmas tree, and the Easter bunny is the Easter bunny). Learn about NAEYCs informed positions on significant issues affecting young childrens education and development. She has a bachelor's degree from Ball State University and a master's degree from Pepperdine University. An educational opportunity. After all, schools used to have Coke machines on campus and allow students to. Explore key early childhood topics such Developmentally Appropriate Practice, play, and math. Celebrating holidays in the classroom is fun and exciting, but it can also be very educational and culturally valuable for students. * Arrange the following items on a large plate: a lamb shankbone; a hard-boiled egg (on a separate plate, place slices of hard-boiled eggs, enough for each student to have one slice); a bowl of chopped horseradish; a bowl of parsley sprigs; a bowl containing a mixture of apples, nuts, cinnamon, and grape juice (called charosesha-ROW-seez). Expand your toolbox with the tools and techniques needed to fix your organizations unique needs. The holidays can be used to explore how people of diverse backgrounds practice similar values. 4. Educate about all religions do not promote or denigrate any religion. The Supreme Court decided that schools could not receive public funding if they engaged in religious instruction. } Some of the most prominent are African-American History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Women's History Month. Browse pros and cons of halloween resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, a marketplace trusted by millions of teachers for original educational resources. Pros of Celebrating Holidays: Only shows limited view of a culture. Lets freeze your piece and you can eat it after the holiday. Esther relaxes, gives her cake to the teacher, and goes off to play. If your child does not believe in Santa Claus, there's no risk of some kid at school telling them about Santa before you can handle it with kid gloves. Fill each cup with grape juice. The highest amount is $38,804, while the lowest amount is $45,909. So why cant you sing about Jesus? Public school teachers know that the answer is tied up in the U.S. Constitution, but the question did prompt me to ask myself a question that I still ponder today. There are countless Christian Seders available online if you choose to go that route. Teaching about a holiday requires that teachers make very clear that the class can enjoy learning about each others holidays while holding to their own familys beliefs and traditions. Common sense is the rule when it comes to decorations put up by management and holiday items brought in by workers. Worst Mistakes You Can Make At A Company Holiday Party. Since the decision does not speak to holidays specifically, most schools have continued to celebrate holidays in the classroom, but some have employed stricter guidelines to ensure the lesson content is appropriate and does not jeopardize their funding. Just because public schools in Texas have celebrated Halloween for generations is no reason to mindlessly continue it. Here are some key ideas. More school time could increase student learning. From Lunar New Year celebrations to Holi celebrations, a vibrant range of festivities and holiday traditions happen all over the world. Help them recall that on the night before he died, Jesus gathered with his disciples to celebrate Passover. To request permission for specific items, click on the reuse permissions button on the page where you find the item. You have to be sensitive to peoples religions, said Louise Ann Fernandez, a labor and employment lawyer with the California-based firm Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell. Winter is the least busy month for movers because not many people want to move when it is extremely cold outside. Major support provided by our founding partner, the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. Election Day could be made a holiday if a bill were passed by the House and Senate then signed into law by the president. And dont schedule the event at a time (such as Friday night) that might conflict with someones religious observances. A Society for Human Resource Management poll found that 65 percent of HR professionals said their organizations will have a 2015 end-of-year/holiday party open to all employees. Pros and cons. Find the latest news and members-only resources that can help employers navigate in an uncertain economy. Flipped classrooms have pros and cons. She has been published in "Teaching Today" and "Burnside Writer's Collective." Years ago, following a holiday concert I had just conducted at a small Vermont elementary school, a parent approached me with a complaint. So as Thanksgiving 2021 the 400th anniversary of the supposed first Thanksgiving approaches, you may be wondering exactly why Thanksgiving is bad. At Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil services, Catholics, too, proclaim the Exodus story. Luckily, the teacher notices the conflicted expression on Esthers face and intervenes: Esther, do you know that cake is made with leavened flour and that you cant eat it during Passover? Esther nods her head. Esther, one of the Jewish children, states that she cannot eat leavened bread during the whole week of Passover. Taking days off here and there can provide students with the mental break they need to be engaged when they go back to school. Many in the education community believe that this is due to an outdated school schedule still based on a harvest schedule that gives students summers off and extensive holidays throughout the year. * Ask for five volunteers: the narrator and four readers. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). Con: If it's real pine, you'll be vacuuming needles all month and opening gifts under a glorified stick. --Making attendance at all holiday events voluntary. Some platforms are complicated, depend on other software programs to work, or just don't fit a teacher's instruction style. Teacher materials produced for February's celebration of black history are often limited to the most-celebrated black Americans Martin Luther King, Jr., George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks. Check out 10 negative and positive things Halloween can teach your kids. The Good (Pros) Celebrating holidays can bring students together and help create a sense of community in the classroom. Kids who can't participate in the costume party can feel left out or uncomfortable. The focus for students moves away from school and onto family and culture. Everyone points out the advantages of homeschooling, but before you jump in, what are the drawbacks? This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience. Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically. Colorn Colorado is a national multimedia project that offers a wealth of bilingual, research-based information, activities, and advice for educators and families of English language learners (ELLs). However, during the present-day global era, the role of traditions in schools has become an increasingly complex issue. How do teachers approach such issues as textbook content, values education, controversial issues, and religious holidays? These more nuanced differences might include how we understand and define concepts like family, responsibility, education, and success. Edutopia and Lucas Education Research are trademarks or registered trademarks of the George Lucas Educational Foundation in the U.S. and other countries. Search an ECE degree directory, explore professional standards, and join our community of practice. She complains to the head teacher that both her and her daughters feelings were hurt. An Anti-Bias Guide to Including Holidays in Early Childhood Programs, have contributed to the authors thinking.--Editors. Some [employers] give major Christian and Jewish holidays off and are moving to include major Muslim holidays as well. "Medication has to do with managing behavior in a variety of different circumstances.". Pros and Cons PROS Students have more control over their learning. Breaks give students time to bond with family and friends. In pluralistic society, it's important to raise children with a greater awareness of others around them, especially those who are different. Image Credit: Brian A Jackson/Shutter Stock 145450387. As part of the meal, a lamb bone is used to represent the lamb God commanded the Israelites to slaughter and to mark their doorways with its blood. The best reason to move during the holidays - you will save money. Celebrations can be respectfulfor example, Honoring Our Families get-togethers; Thanking the People Who Make Our School Work (cook, janitor, bus driver, etc.) Join us at the members-only event and build your advocacy skills, expand your networks, and advance federal and state early childhood policy. Read about this initiative focused on equity in early childhood and find other equity-related content. Read about NAEYCs leadership, mission, values and beliefs, and strategic governance. Like our Jewish brothers and sisters, we give thanks that the angel of death passed over the homes of the Israelites. Many holidays include the motif of light, which you can use to begin to discuss what they have in common: Teachers sometimes focus on the winter holidays just to provide cover for discussing Christmas. Arguing that it is okay for a program to celebrate a dominant culture religious holiday, on the rationale that the props and activities connected to the holiday are not specifically religious, but just fun and therefore okay for everyone (e.g., Christmas trees, Santa Claus, cards, and gift giving, or Easter bunnies and egg hunts), does not respect cultural and religious diversity. Sign up today for free resources, activities, lessons plans, special promotions, and much more! School work, especially in junior high and high school, becomes a child's job. Helps to relieve the fatigue of continuous work and to restore the energy and health for the next schedule. Answer (1 of 14): If you're into cold weather and winter sports (skiing, ice skating, sledding) it can be wonderful. Field trips to a neighborhood market or library firm up real life applications of classroom learning. Ultimately, all of these strategies for cultural responsiveness support our goals for student achievement in two ways. The focus for students moves away from school and onto family and culture. Please enable scripts and reload this page. In this blog, by the authors of the current as well as the upcoming second edition of Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves, Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwardlay out some principles about how programs and teachers can think about holidays in their classrooms.

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