So a few years ago I created this form so that my families could tell me how and what they celebrate in December. I LOVE reading through their answers!
There is also a disclaimer at the bottom that says:
"Please note, although many cultural traditions are based on religious beliefs, we do not discuss any religious backgrounds or meanings. Please feel free to tell me about them but those cannot be discussed in class.
We will,
however, talk about different celebrations and cultural traditions celebrated
in December, which is a part of our Social Studies standards given to us by the
state. Please let me know if you have
any concerns with this.
This answers many common questions that parents have AND puts it on them to tell you if there is a topic they don't want covered for any reason.
This page is located in my Simply Kinder Random Freebie file. Please sure to grab it and use with your families.
(PS - I used to have a cute graphic of Santa, a menorah and a cup but I had to take that off because it did offend someone. So now we just go general and generic BUT you will LOVE reading about what your kids do at home!)
What a great way to build community in the classroom! I love this and cant wait to use it! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Thanks for sharing it! Found you through TBTS.
ReplyDeleteTheJugglingTeacher
I did something similar this year, - but I stapled a letter asking families to draw/write/make a poster (etc) that shows one of their family traditions. I stapled the letter to a large sheet of construction paper and sent them home. I look forward to having a great conversation about different traditions and hope that kids will see how special they all are!
ReplyDeleteI do the same...this just gives them a private place to tell me about Santa and whatnot. :-)
DeleteI made one for my sin last year too...we are from Hungary and so it was fun to dig deep and see how they celebrated there too!
DeleteI have a similar letter that I've used for about 15 years with my Holiday Traditions Around the World unit. I must say though, I do include appropriate clip art. After all, I am not highlighting just ONE tradition nor endorsing any specific belief. I am happy that I teach in an area that is pretty open.
ReplyDeleteIt bothers me that one person was offended thereby causing you to remove clip art. I think if we are to expect our children to be tolerant, then we as adults must model that as well. Sounds like one person responding intolerantly when your letter exudes tolerance! So sorry about that!
And thanks for sharing your sample letter. I will compare it to mine and then use it to upgrade my own letter. Many thanks!!!