Alternatives to Valentine's

[Roobunny]

I've posted about a student before who is in my class. She is a Jehova's witness and therefore is not allowed to participate in the typical Halloween, Christmas, etc parties. In order to have her be a part of the celebrations, I've altered my parties a bit to be more "seasonal."

I am stumped on what to do for Valentine's! I can't call it a Spring party because a)It's not spring yet and b) I plan on having a Spring party right before Spring break. I like the challenge of being able to re-work it so she can participate and I know she (and mom) appreciates the fact that I am keeping it very generic to allow her to join in on the fun so I REALLY want to be able to figure something out...

Thanks in advance!

[czacza]

Celebration of friendship

[Roobunny]

Originally Posted by czacza

Celebration of friendship

I love this idea! I can start brainstorming some ideas for crafts, videos, games, etc.

Thanks so much!

[HeartDrama]

Just out of curiosity, has her mother been ok with you having parties that celebrate the season? That strikes me as rather Pagan, and I know several people who still would not want to participate.

I think the idea of a Friendship Celebration is cute and I love that you're finding ways to ensure she can participate! Multicultural Education at its best!

[Roobunny]

Mom seems ok with the seasonal celebrations. She was out sick for the fall party, but did attend the winter one we had before the break.

[Peachyness]

Heart, that's a good question. I don't celebrate holidays in the classroom just out of respect. So, I do the same.. I come up with alternatives. Easter is oviparous day, valentines has been heart healthy day, but I really like friendship day better, Halloween was spooky science week, etc.

[Roobunny]

Originally Posted by Peachyness

Heart, that's a good question. I don't celebrate holidays in the classroom just out of respect. So, I do the same.. I come up with alternatives. Easter is oviparous day, valentines has been heart healthy day, but I really like friendship day better, Halloween was spooky science week, etc.

I am with you on this. Jehova's witness in my room or not I still wouldn't celebrate holidays. I seem to be the minority on my team though...

[Peregrin5]

That's certainly a difference between primary and secondary I didn't think of. Nobody on our staff celebrates any holiday. On Halloween some kids will choose to come in costume and as long as their face isn't covered we allow it. We also don't do Valentine's, but the kids bring each other chocolate, which we can then confiscate and eat if they have it out in class.

[MsB2012]

Don't the kids still end up bringing Valentines cards and candy even if you call it something different?

The jw student in my class is simply pulled out of school by his parents during any kind of party we have, regardless of what kind of party it is or what we call it. He and his parents are never upset or offended by the parties.