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Home : 2003 : October : 14

Religion
By Ally

I always seem to have one or two kids whose families are Jehovah's Witnesses and do not celebrate holidays...to make it easier, I have gotten away from making such a big deal about these holidays in school. We still do arts
and crafts and have class parties but I try not to make October "Hallowe'en Month" for instance and centre most of the class work on "Autumn" type things and save Hallowe'en stuff for the last week. (it is more manageable for me as some holidays get the kids so jazzed up!)
I usually have alternatives for holiday oriented projects...we recently made pastel resist pictures and I let

the kids chose between a pumpkin, a leaf or a turkey.

When it comes to parties, generally parents will keep their kids home on party days or I find another spot for that kid to be. (if they do have to stay in the school, I would leave them with some "fun" work and ask the parent if they were allowed to have some of the treats and also try and find some other kids in the same boat so they are not alone)

I have found that each family has its own ideas about what is appropriate in terms of holiday participation, so it is a good idea to ask what they would like for their child. For instance, we sing O Canada at the beginning of our assemblies and some kids are allowed to stand and just not sing, while others do not stand. I am less concerned with checking with families when the kids are older, but when they are young, I like to have the "ok" from parents.

I really do not find it that inhibiting so I am certain you will be fine...