Amen Crissleigh!!! As a teacher I legally can't get involved in religious practices with kids and their parents -- there are generally accepted traditions that take place in America -- Halloween, Christmas and Birthdays.....

I am a Christian ..... I guess like the rest of us that believe ourselves to be true .... I guess in time we'll find out won't we..... but that is a whole nother topic.

Birthday's celebrate the day you were born.... I don't think our existence as humans is a sin and why not celebrate the day God gave you the most precious gift ever ---- a child??????

Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ ..... but technically Christ was born in the Spring ...... Anthopologists tell us that it was not common practice for shepherds to be out in the fields watching their flocks in the middle of winter even in the desert .... trust me, I live in the Mohave desert and in December, at night, it's 30 degrees outside. Over time Christmas has been paganized with Santa, Reindeer and other symbols .... but what is the harm in allowing a little childhood magic and truthfully we all know if Santa weren't coming our kids would NEVER go to sleep on Christmas Eve LOL. I think it's sad whether poverty or religious practices that kids don't get to celebrate Christmas -- but that is my personal opinion.

Halloween --- Falls the day before All Saints Day. It was originally designed to honor the dead, but over time it has been paganized as well and is now more about dressing up and getting candy, but again .... what's the harm in dressing-up and candy again --- there are so many "safe" options for halloween today I don't see the harm in it -- but again my personal opinion.

Bottomline -- if you as a parent choose to not allow your child to participate in mainstream teaditions then it is YOUR job not the teachers to take care that your kid doesn't "make a mistake". Teacher's can't encourage religious practices and many will do what they do "normally" if this is something you have concerns with then you might need to consider a more sheltered education for your child --- public school is not that place .... ie separation of church and state. As I looked back at the posts -- I noticed a reference to a book for teachers that they could read -- I'M NOT GONNA READ IT -- enforcing your religion is not my job. It's a parent's job.

There is a huge difference between respecting other religious beliefs and enforcing them. I will respect your beliefs, but I will not enforce them. I won't make your child do something that goes against their religion, but I will only know what these things are if a parent tells me these things. I'm a teacher not a religion expert ...... if I were to read one book on every religion in the world when would I write lesson plans and teach, because if I start reading about JW's I also need to read about Islam, LDS, Catholicism, Buddahism, Hinduism, etc...... There isn't enough time .... please give me the CLIFF NOTES version. I can handle that.

Thank you ntemol ,

Like I said all religions have the right to believe as they wish but no one religion should try to force their views on others.
Yes children are a Blessing from GOD and they should be cherished and celebrated everyday .
As far as Christmas goes at my house I try to teach my kids the true meaning that the day is about celebrating God giving us all the wonderful gift of Jesus . I believe we should also celebrate that and it is not a sin for we are celebrating the greatest gift we have all been given . We worship and celebrate him everySundayy and that is not a sin .I can not see the celebrating of Jesus and how important he is to all ever being a sin .
For those who do that is fine stay true to your faith for it is a large part of a persons life. I would never consider asking a person to go against their faith .

I had stated in an earlier comment that a child in my sons class dose not celebrate Halloween and I would never dream of asking that child to . His parents pick him up early from school the day of our party and we still include him by giving him a treat bag of non Halloween items . Before I ever gave the child anything though I ask his parent if it was an acceptable thing to do .
Now if this child was left at school I would never want to make him feel like an outcast so I would ask his parents what was and was not acceptable to them .
I seen where the teacher who wrote this was advised to go pick up a book about the JW's beliefs but I feel it is the parents responsibility to let this teacher know if they do not want their child to participate in certain things at school. No one should ever expect that a teacher or homeroom parent should just know or they should be the ones to run all over looking for information on what is or is not acceptable for your child .

VERY WELL said Crissleig.
I am a TRUE CHRISTIAN and I celebrate the days my kids were born. They are Gods gift and I do believe celebrating your blessing is not a sin.

One would only be commiting a sin if he/she believes birthday is a sin but yet celebrate it...or condemn others who does.

This is to traciyoshi and Leigh08,

I do not think that anyone is trying to knock your religion or put it down in any way . I think all religions are valid in what they choose to believe . I understand why JW's do not celebrate such things as birthdays . Thank you traciyoshi for the giving us a glimpse in to why .
I mean this with no disrespect please know that up front . The real point here is not if it is right or wrong to celebrate it is about everyone having the right to believe in what ever religion and that no one should try to impose their religion on another person . Just as you are free not to celebrate the rest of the class is fee to celebrate.
I do not believe in that the kids JW's or any othreligionion should be forced to participate in anything that goagainstnst their religion.
People also need to realize that if you choose to have your child educated in the public school system and you are a JW's or any other religion with this type of beliefs that you are going to need to deal with things of this nature .
I am 33 years old and I know when I was in school we had birthday parties along with Christmas and Easter so i am sure this is not a big shock to you that you will need to be prepared to deal with such matters .
I would hope that most families would make arrangements for early pick up or ask the teacher to have the child to sit quietly and do other things till the party has ended . Just as you would not want your child to celebrate I would not want child's right to celebrate taken away.

I do celebrate my son and daughters birthday and I do not consider it a sin I am celebrating the day that God chose to give me the best gift he ever could in life .

I hope my comments do not offend you in any way shape or form .

I have not had many experiences with JW's in the classroom. I usually leave this to the parents to inform me about their child's religious practices on this topic. I ask specifically what the child should not be required to participate in. For instance JW's don't recite the pledge -- I therefore don't require kids to recite the pledge, but I can ask that they "respect" the beliefs of others by standing quietly while everyone else does. On the birthday topic, we celebrate birthdays -- I just don't publically celebrate that child's birthday to honor their beliefs, but I still have to honor the beliefs and values of the other students in the class as well. If the JW child does not wish to sing -- fine, but they sit quietly while the rest of us do. Christmas is a whole different topic the years I have a JW we don't celebrate Christmas. We make penguins and bears and reindeer -- we study winter not Christmas. When we don't have a JW in class we CELEBRATE Christmas.

Celebrating birthdays to most teachers celebrates the fact the kid is here and it is just another opportunity when we can let your child know this in addition to the other times we do this. Most kids enjoy this -- I'll modify, but won't remove it from my classroom. I live in the hear and now -- not to worried about 100 AD.

Your Welcome Leigh08 ,
I just hope that everyone understands that as TRUE Christians, we have a legitimate reason. I hope this information will help those of you who do not understand our reasons. Some of you may even be offended, but that is not the reason for the explanation it is just to let you know that we do not observe birthdays because it is not scriptural, and for you teachers, please understand the child's reasons for not wanting to participate, its not to cause any waves but they are just tyring to remain faithful, let the parents know, and there is brochure for teachers to help them understand what they can do to make this Topic of Discussion a little easier on ALL.

This is To traciyoshi:

Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you! It is soo comforting to know that someone took the extra time to further explain our beliefs on this matter.

With my warmest regards,
Leigh

A PUBLIC figure recently celebrated his 70th birthday—only he didn’t call it that. “It’s the 31st anniversary of my 39th birthday,” he quipped.

Not everybody feels the same about birthdays. Little Johnny may eagerly anticipate the day with its cake, candles and presents. Mommy, on the other hand, may not wish to be reminded of her age.

Some people even decline to celebrate their birthdays for reasons of conscience. Does that seem strange? Actually, if you had been a member of the early Christian church, you would have refused to celebrate your birthday.

“The celebration of the anniversary of an individual’s birth, though customary among the ancients, was originally frowned upon by the Christians,” notes William S. Walsh in his book Curiosities of Popular Customs. Historian Walsh goes on to quote from early Christian writings on the subject, saying: “Thus Origen, in a homily on Leviticus xii 2, assures his hearers that ‘none of the saints can be found who ever held a feast or a banquet upon his birthday, or rejoiced on the day when his son or his daughter was born. But sinners rejoice and make merry on such days.”’

Where did early Christians get their distaste for birthdays? Partly from the Jews. “In the Bible there is no instance of birthday celebrations among the Jews themselves,” points out M’Clintock and Strong’s Cyclopædia, adding: “In fact, the later Jews at least regarded birthday celebrations as parts of idolatrous worship.”

Birthdays and Astrology

Of course, early Christians had reasons of their own for not celebrating birthdays. Back then birthdays had strong connections with pagan religion that are less noticeable today. “The custom of commemorating the day of birth is connected . . . in its content, with certain primitive religious principles,” points out the Encyclopædia of Religion and Ethics. What principles?

Spiritism, for one. “The Greeks believed that everyone had a protective spirit or daemon who attended his birth and watched over him in life. This spirit had a mystic relation with the god on whose birthday the individual was born. The Romans also subscribed to this idea. They called the spirit the genius. This notion was carried down in human belief and is reflected in the guardian angel, the fairy godmother and the patron saint.”—The Lore of Birthdays, Ralph and Adelin Linton.

Another reason for early Christians to avoid birthdays was the connection with astrology. “The keeping of birthday records was important in ancient times principally because a birth date was essential for the casting of a horoscope,” say the Lintons. To early Christians astrology was associated with Eastern religions, Roman Stoicism and the twisted thinking of the Gnostics. Christians wanted no part of that!

Change in Church Attitude

Eventually the nominal church’s opinion of birthdays changed. Why? Because the overall attitude of the church toward the Roman world changed, not surprisingly, when persecution ceased under Emperor Constantine. Nominal Christianity, much corrupted from the apostolic version, became the state religion. Now what happened to her previous hostility to anything pagan?

As the church “emerged from the storm of persecution into the sunshine of imperial favor,” wrote 19th-century clergyman Henry J. Vandyke, “she passed from the lower conception of a church saved out of the world, to the higher conception of a world to be saved through the ministry of the church.”

What was the result of such unscriptural reasoning? “Then it was that, opening her heart to the humanity of religion, she began to draw near to the humanity of Jesus, and to seek with eager interest for the day of His birth, that she might make it holy.” If Jesus’ birthday could be celebrated, what about other birthdays? William Walsh makes the connection, saying: “With the celebration of Christ’s Nativity returned the celebration of the nativities of ordinary mortals.”

Does It Matter Today?

All of this happened many hundreds of years ago. Why should it affect birthday celebrations today? Well, if first-century Christians celebrated neither their own birthdays nor Jesus’ birthday, why should not sincere Christians today follow their example?

‘But isn’t that an extreme position to take, even fanatical?’ some may ask. ‘After all, what harm is there in a birthday party? No spiritism or astrology is involved today.’

Interestingly, much that is taken for granted in birthday celebrations today retains the flavor of ancient religious rites. “The custom of lighted candles on the cakes started with the Greeks,” say the Lintons. “Philochorus [an ancient Greek historian] records that on the sixth day of each month, the birthday of Artemis, [the fertility] goddess of the moon and the hunt, honey cakes round as the moon and lit with tapers were placed on the temple altars of this goddess.”

What do the candles mean? “Birthday candles, in folk belief, are endowed with special magic for granting wishes . . . Lighted tapers and sacrificial fires have had a special mystic significance ever since man first set up altars to his gods. The birthday candles are thus an honor and tribute to the birthday child and bring good fortune,” notes the same source.

How about the traditional greeting “Happy Birthday”? Says The Lore of Birthdays: “Birthday greetings and wishes for happiness are an intrinsic part of this holiday. . . . originally the idea was rooted in magic. The working of spells for good and evil is the chief usage of witchcraft. One is especially susceptible to such spells on his birthday, as one’s personal spirits are about at the time. . . . Birthday greetings have power for good or ill because one is closer to the spirit world on this day.”—Page 20.

Does that mean that Christians cannot have anything to do with any custom that might have originated in false religious rites? No. A great many common practices may have had such origins. But when features of the custom, as carried over into modern-day practice, go contrary to Bible principles, then true Christians must conscientiously refuse to participate.

Self-Glorification

The Lintons note that birthdays are unlike other holidays, for they are times “when all the presents and good wishes are for oneself. The birthday cake, splendid with colored icing and shining candles is a personal tribute. Other holidays lift the heart, but birthdays warm the ego.”

Is it a good idea for Christians to engage in celebrations that “warm the ego”? Speaking to the proud Pharisees, Jesus warned that “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matt. 23:12) Too much ‘ego-warming’ could lead to humiliation at God’s hands. “Let us not become egotistical,” the apostle Paul counseled.—Gal. 5:26.

‘But why pick on a little thing like birthdays?’ some might object. Because Christians believe that the Bible principle “the person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much” applies here.—Luke 16:10.

Besides, while a birthday party might be ‘a little thing,’ a big principle is involved. The fourth-century church began to accept birthdays only after a major change in her thinking. As we noted on page 13, clergyman Vandyke referred to the Scriptural principle that the Christian church is “no part of the world,” as a “lower conception.” But Christians who base their belief on the Bible cannot subscribe to such thinking!

Nowhere do the Scriptures authorize the church to reject Jesus’ statement that “you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” (John 15:19) Where did the church get the authority to reject Jesus’ words as a “lower conception” and to follow a self-proclaimed “higher conception,” that the church should become part of the world in order to save it?

The Bible letter of James puts it strongly, stating: “Adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God.” (Jas. 4:4) Does that sound as though the church can save the world by becoming part of it and adopting its rituals?

Something Better

Although childbirth is a joyful occasion, the Bible puts it in perspective with this interesting comment: “A name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one’s being born.” (Eccl. 7:1) How can that be?

At birth all of us have inherited imperfection and sin from our ancestors, Adam and Eve. We are born outside of God’s favor with the prospect of a brief, trouble-filled life and then death.—Job 14:1-4; Rom. 5:12.

Although we are all born under God’s wrath, so to speak, the situation is not hopeless. The Bible writer John put it this way: “He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.”—John 3:36.

So the imperfect life we have at birth is not really life at all from God’s point of view. That is why a good “name” with God is so important! If one’s life has been spent acquiring such a “name,” then, at the end of such a worthwhile life, it can truly be said that ‘the day of death is better than the day of one’s being born.’ Such a person has the sure hope of a resurrection to live again. (Isa. 26:19) Would it not be better to seek and rejoice in a good relationship with God than to celebrate a birth date? After all, we are but a “mist” from his standpoint, “appearing for a little while and then disappearing.”—Jas. 4:14.

“They Don’t Celebrate . . .”

When one of Jehovah’s Witnesses spoke to a family recently, he was informed that other Witnesses lived next door. How did the family know they were Witnesses? A youngster piped up, “They don’t celebrate!”

“It’s true that Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t celebrate birthdays or holidays,” agreed the Witness, “but did you know that we do get together socially at other times and we do have fun?”

The youngster’s eyes got big. “You do?” he asked.

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not wear sanctimonious black robes and hair shirts. Their refusal to celebrate birthdays stems from a sincere desire to please God. They cannot help but note, as Christians have noted since the time of Origen, that the only two birthday celebrations mentioned in the Bible were those of an Egyptian pharaoh and Herod Antipas, a Roman ruler, neither of whom was a servant of God. It is also significant that both celebrations were associated with an execution.—Gen. 40:20-22; Matt. 14:6-11.

Yet Jehovah’s Witnesses enjoy life. They enjoy sharing with one another in healthful periods of relaxation. They look forward together to the hope of everlasting life that comes under God’s kingdom. (Matt. 6:9, 10; Rev. 21:3, 4) They believe that the time is coming when babies will no longer be born with a painful inheritance of human imperfection and death. At that time, everyone who is born will be able to look forward confidently to a life so long that counting birthdays will be pointless. In the meantime, the Witnesses’ sincere love of life, as well as their love of God, makes them desirous of pleasing him even in ‘little things’ like their attitude toward celebrations that still carry the fundamentals of false religion.

i hope this will help those who still think that our not participating in these celebrations is unfounded, and will see that there is a very good reason that we do not.

I have known a few Jahovas witness kids and I nevr knew any of them that didi'nt celebrate their birthday.If you have a party and the child feels uncomfortable eaither ask him or remove him and send hiim to another room but it is my oppinion almost every kid loves cookies and cake.Julie

Very interesting historical lesson!

Hi buckaroo,

once again beautiful horse. My school does not have birthday party rules, but you know I'm going to bring that to the board. : )

My school has rules but sometimes I really feel each teacher does their own thing and there isn't enough "togetherness". At the same time though, most (not all) of the teachers are very kind and very child orientated.

LOL and thank you for the drinking thing LOL, you're a riot!

Your response has been extremely helpful.

Traci,
Since birthdays aren't a relligious event, it is not putting Christians, Jews, etc over the Witness religion.

Suomi,
I was always under the impression that each school develops their own birthday party rules. Does the school have a bday party rule?

Definately have the parties. In fact, pick a day to have a party for those whose special day falls in the summer. It makes for a nice day and is 15 minutes well spent. I have found that my wee ones work best if they have a fun little break once in a while. And of course, it's nice to feel a little special.

I think this should be handled like they currently handle the sex education films. As a parent, you can opt your child out, and they are taken from the rest of the class to sit with another or in the office until the film is done.

Don't know if I'd equate it to the party drinkers with the non-drinker. You need at least ONE non-drinker to get everyone home safe! :)

This is to Suomi0304 - Again without imposing any beliefs upon you... Did you know that many that birthdays are linked with superstitious practices or beliefs, some having to do with deities or spirits. Birthday observance has its origin in astrology, which attaches great importance to one’s exact birth date. The Greeks believed that everyone had a protective spirit or daemon who attended his birth and watched over him in life. This spirit had a mystic relation with the god on whose birthday the individual was born. The Romans also subscribed to this idea. . . . This notion was carried down in human belief and is reflected in the guardian angel, the fairy godmother and the patron saint. . . . The custom of lighted candles on the cakes started with the Greeks. . . . Honey cakes round as the moon and lit with tapers were placed on the temple altars of [Artemis]. . . . Birthday candles, in folk belief, are endowed with special magic for granting wishes. . . . Lighted tapers and sacrificial fires have had a special mystic significance ever since man first set up altars to his gods. The birthday candles are thus an honor and tribute to the birthday child and bring good fortune. . . . Birthday greetings and wishes for happiness are an intrinsic part of this holiday. . . . Originally the idea was rooted in magic. . . . Birthday greetings have power for good or ill because one is closer to the spirit world on this day.”—The Lore of Birthdays (New York, 1952), Ralph and Adelin Linton, pp. 8, 18-20.

Despite the fact that the Bible shows that only pagans celebrated birthdays (You can read Genesis 40:20; and Mark 6:21) and despite its warning against worship that is mixed with paganism, some may feel that joining in such celebrations is such a small thing that no harm can come from it. But it is a matter of principle. Those who think that a little violation of principle will not hurt are like people who would not think of committing a bank robbery, but they do not mind cheating people out of a few dollars, because it is just a “little thing.” They excuse their violation on the basis of “littleness,” but in doing so they undermine their own morals.

As a room parent for over 6 consecutive years, I have helped to plan quite a few parties and activities. There have been several years in which I was informed by the teacher that one of her students was a Jehovah's Witness. I have never seen a case where the Witness student tried to impose his or her beliefs on the entire class. Instead, the child was usually absent the day of the party, or excused for the time-being. I have actually tried to be sensitive to the child's beliefs in order that all of the children could attend the party and have fun. Luckily, by communicating through the teacher what the parents can and can't allow for their child's beliefs, I have found that it is really very easy to plan a Holiday party so that all will enjoy, without stepping on anyone's toes.

As far as birthdays, I have brought in cupcakes for my own children's birthdays through their elementary school years, and have never heard any complaints about this at all.

I am not sure about your schools policies, but as a Witness I can say that we are given recommendations to speak to our childrens educators at the beginning of the school year to inform the teacher of what our scriptural stand is on certain Holidays & celebrations. We do not try to impose our beliefs on others in the classroom. If there is a celebration that goes against our bible trained conscience, we will make arrangements for our child. We truly appreciate the cooperation of the teacher and other school faculty. Thank you for your efforts in helping to educate our children.

traciyoshi

Did you give me a five star rating? Whoever did, I'd like to thank them for that because it was a first.

lara1967
i know you think its just a birthday party, but have you thought about how the kids feel that have BIBLE based knowledge of why a birthday is NOT to be celebrated? if you took the time to find out why the kids don't celebrate then you would see that it does not become JUST another birthday party..knowledge is important before a judgment. You wouldn't't want to go before a judge and be found guilty of something just because of what someone else said, you would want the judge to have knowledge of what really happen, and the judge has the responsibility to find out the truth before he passed judgment or find you innocent. Good lesson to think about.

it might help if you ask, it is part of your responsibility as a teacher to understand the jw child's beliefs as you would any other child and his beliefs. Maybe it might be nice to start asking the kids when there is a one on one , i think it would be great planning on the teachers part to get to know her students better so there is a line of respect?

chrisnkev
fist of all, this is not about one religion dominating over the other that is something that others brought out. This is about respecting the beliefs of one child, you say that it is cruel for the child to be left out, when if fact it is not. Showing respect for this child and his beliefs are being kind and respectful, some people don't even know why Jehovah's witness don't celebrate this pagan holiday and are quick to judge and say it is cruel. I'm happy to see that some people here understand that it is just showing that child or children that what you believe is just as important then what another child believes. Most JW children are starting to get home schooled because of this issue, and what is allowed at school. I went to a high school last year to pick up a friends daughter , i went on campus and i could not believe what i was seeing and what these kids were getting away with... but that is they way of the world now.. and its just going to get worse..

This isn't the case of a religion taking over but instead being a "public" class and you are trying to play favorites. You must adjust to and against others for sake of everyone's education. I think you are simply against a jehovah witness because their is only one in there

I have taught school children for 23 years and in that time I have had the opportunity to instruct several Jehovah's Witness children. While school can in fact be a tricky place for the younger ones because of birthday, patriotic and holiday themed activities, I have yet to meet a JW family that doesn't already have a plan in place to help their child navigate through. Usually, the kids have an alternate activity they quietly do during these times. As a teacher it is my responsibility to teach the curriculum adopted by the school district and to adhere to the State Standards. Birthday cupcakes, flag salute, holiday themed worksheets are part of the educational experience. Jehovah's Witness parents usually understand this and decide for themselves to what extent their child can participate. As a public school teacher, I do not monitor any religious preferences, but I will do my best to honor religious preferences as long as they do not impact the rest of the class.

It is really, sad---i hate, for children, to be caught in the middle,, "OVER A B-DAY PARTY????

Hi. I have to agree with you. I am so against 1 religion dominating over all the others. Religion can be a never ending battle and it's pathetic it has come to this. The problem that may occur is if the party does occur, what are the consequences with the parents of the Jehovah's boy? Can they come to the school and ask for the party not to happen? I guess if his parents are against it, then he can leave the room until the party is over. To me that sounds cruel to leave the child out, but you are left with no other option.

Witnesses generally tend to know their limitations and the children (at least the ones I know) would just choose not to participate and would explain why. It would not stop the classroom from celebrating anything. The student would choose not to participate.

In my humble opinion, that's why a lot of things in public school have gone to "Fall Harvest" type parties, and things of that nature. Now that my daughter is in Middle School, this is not an issue. They don't do those things in school as the kids get older.

I am not sure as to how this teacher was told .We were made aware of the child at my sons school one because as the kids talked about what they were going to be he told them he did not go trick or treating and why he did not . Yes his parents made arrangements for him to be picked up the day of the party . While they are not JW this is still a religious belief . After my son had told me what the child had said I ran into his father while picking up my son and ask if it would be OK to let his son have a treat bag as long as I did not put any Halloween items in it . He said that would be fine thanked me for wanting to make his son feel included and still being respectful of what they believe . No big deal and I am sure these parents would be the same it is just a matter of showing respect even if we do not believe the in the same way .

I have a basic question. I was a room parent a few years ago in my son's public school classroom, and planning class parties was part of our responsibility.
If we're talking about a public school, I wouldn't normally expect any parent to announce their religious beliefs. Do JW parents let teachers know at the start of the year that their child is not allowed to participate in different celebrations? Otherwise, how would a teacher even know to ask that family about an upcoming party? (Presumably, the teacher would then have to let the room parents know, since we were the ones handling details.)
My son has a Muslim friend, and the boy won't eat pork, so I know to offer something besides pizza with sausage when the kids come over. He let us know, and we all plan accordingly, but I'm still unclear how a teacher is supposed to know about all the religious beliefs of children in their public school classroom, if the families don't speak up.

I would send home a paper letting parents know that I plan on having class room birthday parties to start off. Ask for suggestions and if any parents have any objections to it. If this child’s parents object call and speak with them. They may be willing to pick this child up early when you have a party or you may find another solution . I do not suggest going a head and having the parties with out speaking to them . Give them a chance to voice their opinion and see what you can work out. I agree 100% that 20 kids shouldn't have to do with out because of 1 kid . I also don't believe in putting a child that young in that situation when they are told it is wrong and a sin against their God . I think if you show the parents respect you will get the same in return .
We have a child at my sons school who dose not partake in the Halloween parties he has been picked up early every year and we have had no trouble with it . Most of the parents in the class bring and leave him a treat to be picked up the next schooldays we just leave any thing that has to do with Halloween out . I would say the parents already know things like this take place at school and are more prepared to deal with it than you think .People who are JW do not partake in birthday parties or celebrate any holidays and everyone knows at public school these parties exist . If these kids have had such a rough past then take the 15 minutes and spread joy to their lives or at least try and if the parents don't want to work with you find away around calling it a birthday party . Best of luck and don't take the comment of Traci to heart she is just one person and entitled to her voice as you are yours .

Harsh or direct, rose0214 said exactly what i have been trying to say... send out a fly-er , talk to the parents, don't just guess because of what you HEARD, if she was a great teacher as tebald states, why is she here and not going to the parents or other teachers, she stated that she new of a situation with another teacher, why not ask her, instead of making accusations that are based on hear-say. She stated that the situation was showing kids that one religion dominates over others, what about catholics or other religions that have the birthday party, is that not showing the jw child that the other religions are dominate?? Cant have it one way. Not sure what" go to the parents " some are not getting! She also stated that she had neighbors that were Jws she didn't even bother to talk to them about it.. i think that if it were any other religion she would have never come here.

I just want to say that I think traci was wayyyy too harsh on the teacher that just wants to find answers that help ALL children.
Good for you teacher, you have a wonderful heart and I do not think for a second that you are being discriminating.

I think the party should be celebrated. If there is a Jehovah witness child,tell the parents. A birthday flyer can be sent out with the child that way everyone knows. Then the parent can make arrangments for their child.
It's like when there is a get together and everyone is drinking but one, then the non drinker leaves the party. Right?

Wow, this is one of the best posts I've ever read. : ) Yes, I try to have children bond and form friendships as much as possible. Thank you for teaching me that birthday parties can even be a learning experience.

: )

Wonderful post! 5 stars!!

Suomi,

Since these children have such rough pasts, 15 minutes of celebration of one's life is not a waste of time, in my opinion but rather could be an important time for them to learn that they are an important part of the classroom community and to the bonds of friendship that are made in school.

As to what to do if a JW child ever enters your classroom, I agree that talking with "that" child's parents about what they'd like and possibly coming to some sort of arrangement. Possibly there is an alternative option for the child who doesn't attend the party, and perhaps this needs to be discussed with the school to come up with something.

I tend to agree that no family should not expect to force their religious choice on the rest of the classroom, *no matter what the religion is*.

The parents of the 4th graders do not really interact with the school. We have a big problem here of getting parents involved.

Yes, I did take a look at the website. : )

You know, I sat back and thought about this, do I really want to even have birthday parties in my class? After all this arguing, I thought maybe this whole blog is worthless. My students tend to be years behind in school, I really should not waste any of the time.

It's amazing seeing the catch up rate in my classroom. Some of these children have never been to school, are war refugees, are foster children moved from school to school, and most of them (in the class and the school) have had HORRENDOUS teachers.
Taking 15 mins away of learning for a party, I sat back and thought, is detrimental to them.

it is the official web site for Jehovah's witness, did you look? and as for the other children not being able to celebrate in the classroom was a teachers choice, and your remark makes no sense when you said "the parents refused to let the child do another activity while the rest of the class had some store bought cookies," what did you mean by that?? not sure i understand, and as far as no one allowed to do birthday party's after that, again the teachers choice. Nothing to do with the child and his religion. you also mad the comments if you knew witness parents you would go to them, i thought you said that there was a child in the 4th grade classroom last year, why not ask his parents, why not ask other teachers, why not ask some of the students, why not ask your principle, they should know, its there duty to know there students,.

If anyone is a Jehovah's Witness on this forum is the website below reputable?

jw-media.org/index.html

Yes, it was a 4th grade classroom last year where the other children could not celebrate a young boy's birthday in September (this was in my school) because it was against another child's religion. I respect that. What I don't respect is the parents refused to let the child do another activity while the rest of the class had some store bought cookies, therefore nobody that year was allowed to celebrate their birthdays.
That to me is not fair.

However, it is nice to learn that each Witness family is different. Nevertheless, this did happen in my school and I do not agree with it.

I do not have a Witness child. The only Witness people I know are 80 yrs. old and never had children. However, you excellent advice of calling a Witness church has been wonderful, and I shall use it.

Thank you once again.

PS. If I did know Witness parents, I would go to them.

Thank you for your advise, this is very helpful.

you don't have to get on and off the bus , just call the kingdom hall ( not church) simply ask someone to bring you one, or even ask the parents of the child to bring you one. someone will be happy to bring it to you, and it is designed for teachers who have witness kids in there classroom, it is to help the teacher understand the religion and what questions to ask the parent, not sure if any other religion has such a brochure to help the teachers out there to understand the bible principles children follow. But it will answer your questions instead of guessing or asking people who have no clue.
www.watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm
try this web site it will help asnwer questions you have.

OK white black, brown, green who cares.... that is not the issue, and it is being ignorant if you do have a child in the class room and you have not spoke to the parents and you go on the Internet asking people who may not know anything about the religion...why would you come here and not straight to the parent??? and your comment seams like you do not like them because of how you put your questions. First of all you said you HEARD so you just took it for granted what someone said instead of going to the child or the parent.. you say that it is highly discriminating to the catholics and Jews but again what about the wittiness child..and you made it apoint to bring out " just because of ONE witness child , you singled them out...and you Assume that because the child does not celebrate a holiday that is not scriptural that HE or SHE is trying to dominate the classroom.

Here in such a big city, I looked up the Witness church but I have no clue how to get there. I'm not going to jump on and off subway trains just for a pamphlet. Instead it's a better idea for me to ask a Witness parent if they could bring one in.

Maybe I am reading this wrong, but my public school does not have religious brochures. The public brochure where I teach doesn't even have doors on bathroom stalls.

Do not come on here and assume I do not like Witness children. I love, respect, and want the best for all children.
Currently, I do not have a Witness child in my classroom. I was not attacking any child, if I did, why would I be a teacher? I was saying that I do not think it is fair for one child's religion to dominate over another child. However, someone very kindly pointed out that I need to speak to a Witness family about what to do.

It also sounds like you are against Pagan families, or am I making an assumption?

Also, children's birthday parties in my class last about 15 mins. tops. The children come from poverty, so we don't have brought in cakes or whatnot. Instead I buy a box of cookies, they each take a couple, we put on some kids' music, and then they sit around and play vocabulary bingo.

For the record, one day when/if I have a Witness child in their class I would like her/him to be: academically, emotionally, and socially healthy. If that child had a low grade I'd even tutor her at her home (I often make house visits), if she didn't have any friends or was extremely shy I'd help her by introducing her to a group of students (I love to teach in groups and partners), etc.


But the "I heard" I got was from a fellow teacher who had a Witness child in the class. That Witness child actually to tell you the truth I've known for many years and she has a very special place in my heart as she is one of the children I found a home for as a toddler.

I have nothing against Jehovah Witnesses, in fact we have an elderly couple on my street who are Witnesses and are very, very nice people. I could go ask them, although I'm not sure what they will say as they are in their late 70s, early 80s.

No, I haven't gone to a Witness family so your answer was extremely helpful.

Thank you!

The school stated that some Jehovah's families do not want their children to celebrate birthday parties. The issue here is that at the same time we will be labeled with discrimination if we separate the Witness child while another child celebrates his/her bday in class.

Ok, thank you : )

traciyoshi, from reading the forum, it's clear that teachers have heard a variety of different attitudes expressed by different Witness families towards other children's parties. I agree that it would be best for Suomi to ask the parents of the child who is in her class, because the rest of us cannot know for sure what they will say.

you can go to the forum but your not asking a witness family.. there is a brochure for answers to your questions. or just go the the local kingdom hall and just ask for the brochure for teachers of witness kids... you might even want to ask some of the families when your there how to deal with the situation. if you want answers to questions go to the source, has always worked for me...you might try this because your comments starts out with I HEARD ... you haven't gone to a witness family to ask..

The same questions have been asked by others, and you might find this teacher's forum to have answers that you can use, too: www.proteacher.net/discussions/showthread.php?t=105669

It is again ts bible principle. sounds like someone doesn't like wittiness's to much or at all. its simple really, let the parent of the child know about the party. The parent can either take the child out of class while the other children have there party. I fell bad for the wittiness's child that has your classroom, you already have a dislike for this child and his true christian beliefs. you see birthday party's are a pagan holiday, so is the celebration of Christmas. IT is the child' s right to stay away from such pagan rituals. so just let the parents know , before you blast a religion you know nothing about, there is a pamphlet that you can get from the students parents, maybe you should ask for one , I'm surprised that being a teacher you have not already gotten one , but seeing your blog, i can see you have no knowledge just ignorance to this religion.

Who did you hear this from, an administrator? Principal? Did the administration tell you birthdays couldn't be celebrated in classrooms during school hours? You might want to obtain accurate information from your school on this issue. Then, you'll know how to handle the situation.