I am struggling with my storytime ideas for the next couple of weeks, trying to determine if I want to incorporate Christmas and Hanukkah stories into the themes, or stick w/a more generic WINTER theme, and then realized that if I DO go with the Holidays idea, there are more than just those 2 December Holidays (including Kwanzaa, Yule and Pancha Ganapati, a Hindu holiday which I had never heard of before) to consider. As much as I want everyone to feel included, I'm also worried about 'overstepping' bounds by incorporating religious beliefs . . . what do you think?? Personally, I feel that exposing children to all different beliefs/celebrations can be very educational, but I'm open to any suggestions and would love to hear how you all feel about this!!
Thanks!
~Lisa
:)
ps: click here to check out my previous post about new Holiday Books!
Thanks!
~Lisa
:)
ps: click here to check out my previous post about new Holiday Books!
13 comments:
Hi Lisa,
I agree that it is important to expose children to different ideas and celebrations. I don't think you are stepping into religious territory at all. Each holiday is important in an historical context. As our world becomes "smaller" it is essential that we all become more educated about other cultures. Thanks for all you are doing! This site is great! Charlotte
Talk about any and all of the holiday traditions (especially international) that you can, but don't go into detail about their religious significance. Give equal time to non-Christian celebrations.
Its Christmas.
Absolutely include any and all other significant religious traditions that you choose.
I have a very strong knee jerk reaction to making something tremendously significant so very small or non-existent so as not to offend.
While it is absolutely and always necessary to be respectful to others and open to their ideas and beliefs, do we not have a right and obligation to be open and respectful to ourselves and our own beliefs?
What are your beliefs? What are the beliefs of those in the community? If someone has something they believe and they want to celebrate it, invite them to come and do so. Educate us.
I think the whole idea of absolute inclusion can lead to losing our own identity and watering down who we are and what may be truly meaningful to each of us in our individual lives and heritage.
I suggest you post your readings so that folks can make a choice and determine whether or not the content is suitable for their children.
Thanks for your efforts Lisa. I appreciate all that you do. I admire your willingness to be mindful to others and trust that you will follow your heart and let your light shine.
With Respect
Robin Allen
It is through knowledge that the world will be a better place, I say go ahead and expose our children to new ideas and cultures. I also believe that in the end it will only strengthen ones own beliefs to consider anothers. However for the sake of our three and ups, I wouldn't go to deep into any religious significance. Beth D
I love the idea of an all-inclusive holiday storytime where you talk about the traditions without getting into the religious aspects. If you're really unsure, you can always go with a Winter or Snow theme. A "Happy New Year" storytime is always fun, too, with a countdown to 12 noon. Let us know what you decide!
I think it's important to expose them to everything too. It's not as if Christmas isn't everywhere anyway! It would be strange to ignore the wonderful Christmas stories that are out there - I certainly wouldn't hesitate to expose them to stories about Chinese New Year or other cultures so I don't think the tradition of Christmas or any other cultural/religious holidays should be ignored either. Maybe later in the year you can try to include Muslim, Buddhist and other books based on religious tradition if they're available. Good luck!
I think that as long as you do not go into great detail(you will lose them), the kids might find it interesting to see all the different holiday celebrations. I do see your point that you may unintentionally leave something out. Maybe you can ask the parents at next storytime what they celebrate and just cover those holidays.
Hi Lisa,
I feel, as many do, that we should incorporate books about the holidays. The kids love them! I agree that the less "deep" the better, in terms of attention span... But you always pick out very appropriate and fun books!
Exposing our children to other cultures and religions is, in my opinion, very educational.
Thank you all, for your wonderful comments! I have also rec'd several via direct email, and I will include a few snippets here: this is from a former library-school classmate & Children's Librarian at Worcester Public Library: " ... I am also thinking about holidays and religious 'threats'. ... I would suggest to have some stories that belong to your community background. ... See what groups you have and then decide. Remember, from the class? "We need to offer what the community needs!" ;) ... Happy Holidays!" AND . . . from a school librarian's point of view: "I'm with you on every aspect of the holiday issue. Education is key. Understanding and tolerating various religions would sure make this world a better place!" AND ... from a library trustee: "Lisa, here are my comments for what they are worth. The holidays are based on religion, no matter how much people might want to ignore that. So I think exposing children to as many beliefs systems and how each might resonate/minimize the days would be very educational. You are not promoting any one belief system, just offering information on as many as you can find. I know that it is important to separate religion and politics!!! (tell GW that!) but Christmas is a religious reality as are the other beliefs. SO appreciate all you are doing. Merry Christmas..."
Hey Lisa! I would say include all holidays as you are representing literature from all points of view. You also have super resources for this! As a teacher, i would wlcome that knowing that is available...Thanks for all you do!
Joel
I remember bringing my daughter to the Music and More program at the Town Hall. During December, EVERYTHING was Christmas- the songs, the books, the props, the stickers, the Santa hat the performer wore. If we celebrated Christmas, we would have loved it!
Instead, we felt- extremely- out of place. Knowing in advance about the content of the venue would have prevented us from going. However, being a weekly program offered to ALL families through the PUBLIC library (the law? the taxes? -Oy!) we would and do feel all the more excluded.
Please don't misunderstand. I hang "winter lights" on a tree in my front yard, my son plays "Jingle Bells" on the piano, and I attend "Holiday" parties with good cheer. More importantly, I appreciate the spirit and generosity that the Christmas season brings.
As far as the "library dilemma," I always have mixed feelings with this issue, especially as a mother struggling to raise her Jewish children in a town/world where we are a very small minority. I welcome the idea of sharing cultural experiences. On the one hand, I'd like to let this remain the responsibility of the families and places of worship to decide how to expose their members to religious holidays. On the other hand, perhaps the more exposure EVERYONE has, the better educated we will all be- and hopefully the more sensitive and tolerant of our differences.
Lisa, you have done a fantastic job with the website and have proven invaluable as our children's librarian. I thank you for opening up this forum and for considering the interests of our children and community. It would be safer to stick with winter themes, but if you don't I would recommend including the gamut of winter holidays and selecting stories that are more based on culture rather than religion. Children take such pride in their holidays, and it is a good thing to nurture that enthusiasm- especially if it also nurtures their love of reading. Happy Holidays to All. -Janet G
Thank you so much, Janet, for sharing your personal experiences, I really appreciate all the feedback I have rec'd! This really does raise so many issues for people! The 'safer' bet is definitely to stick w/winter themes, but honestly, the holidays are so much a part of the winter season . . . and the kids KNOW that, regardless of what they do or do not celebrate so that's why I don't want to ignore that aspect . . . one way or another, I will get through this 'dilemma' and it will all be a learning experience for next year! Thank you all! Enjoy the Season, however you choose to do so, with your loved ones! ;)
I think the sharing of traditions is nice but leave religion out of it for the preschool set. A winter theme is just as fun. What types of fun winter activities do other cultures have? Is it winter in South America? Do they have any favorite foods or drinks to warm them up i.e. hot chocolate?
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