What do you do when you have students who don’t celebrate the holidays? I was a little nervous to write this post because I know how sensitive this topic can be. I was afraid that I might upset people and get angry mail.
But this conversation needs to be had.
I have seen so many Facebook posts where teachers are asking what to do if they have students who don’t celebrate the holidays. Some of the responses are helpful, but others just make me so sad. I have seen people say things like, “I’m going to celebrate Christmas in my classroom anyway because I’m the adult and I can have my own beliefs too.”
They are right, they can have their own beliefs, but our students’ beliefs are equally as important.
I personally believe that we need to love all of our classroom babies. That means I don’t do anything in my classroom that will make a student feel disrespected or left out. And I don’t feel that respecting the differences in my classroom ruins it for others. I think that makes them richer and more knowledgeable.
I still think we can have fun in our classrooms during the holidays! Here are some tips that have helped me to respect different cultures and beliefs while still making the rest of my class feel like we are celebrating.
#1 Talk to the Parents of Students Who Don’t Celebrate the Holidays
I’m serious!
Before you get all freaked out, have a conversation with the parents.
Every family will feel a little different than another. Ask what the family is comfortable with. Ask what past teachers have done. Ask what the parents don’t want their child to do. Ask if they will be at school the day before break. Ask if it is okay for you to put holiday decorations up in the classroom.
Get the details before you start stressing!
#2 Respect the Students Who Don’t Celebrate the Holidays
Our beliefs and traditions are just as important as those of our students. Don’t make them feel like they are being punished! It breaks my heart when I hear of teachers who send the students that don’t celebrate the holidays or give them busy work. Instead, use this opportunity to teach your students about diversity. It is a great opportunity to learn about how different cultures and religions celebrate holidays around the world. We aren’t all the same and that is part of our beauty!
#3 Adapt and Get Creative with Students Who Don’t Celebrate the Holidays
I know that you want to make the holidays feel special for your class. I totally understand that. And if you get creative (and chat with the students’ parents about what they are okay with), you can do a lot of fun things together!
How about focusing on reindeer? You can do an animal research project about reindeer!
How about focusing on snow? Discuss the states of matter and do fun art projects to go along with it!
How about focusing on holidays around the world? You can learn about geography and different cultures, thus showing students how everybody is different.
The rest of your class will feel like you are celebrating the holidays even if they don’t have a class elf on the shelf. However, the students who can’t celebrate will still be included and not made to feel uncomfortable. Everyone will have fun!
I know that everyone is not going to agree with me and I respect that. I just hope that you will think about ways to make every student in your class feel like they are included in your classroom family during the month of December. Please don’t send me angry mail!
Looking for more tips revolving around the holidays and breaks? Check out the blog posts linked below!