Respecting All Holiday Traditions this Season

posted 11/20/23 -- Celebrating holidays in schools is familiar to many parents. They may have their own fond memories of decorations, crafts, songs, and classroom parties that they want their own children to experience.

But we must remember that our school families can be very diverse, with different beliefs and traditions. Even families that do celebrate the same holidays can do so in very different ways. This poses a challenge to educators, who must work to ensure that all children are respected and represented.

To keep from alienating families or children, teachers must think of holidays as a time to learn and share, rather than participate. Teachers can have children share stories and photos, and families can participate in recipe exchanges.

Dramatic play centers can be stocked with food boxes and spice tins that are used by families. Different types of music can be played during class. In these ways, children can share with their teachers and friends the things that are meaningful to their families.

Teachers can also create unique celebrations during traditional holiday seasons. All Head Start directly operated centers will be celebrating Winterfest on December 15th with a planned activity and special snack. If you would like to share your families’ holiday traditions with the class, please speak to your child’s classroom teachers.