This will be Samuel's first year of preschool and we are SO excited. It really took me some time of stressing (when does it not, though?) over which preschool to send him to, which we could afford, which had a good philosophy, etc. I really wanted to send him to a co-op because I personally wanted to be involved in what he was learning. On the other hand, I was hoping to send him to a Christian preschool to add that critical God element. Unfortunately, I couldn't find one all wrapped into one... so, we chose what we thought we could swing money-wise and the rest is history. He will be going to Benson Hill Cooperative Preschool, which, oddly enough, is my Alma mater-- some 26 years ago.
Being that it is not a Christian school, however, it is described as "non-discriminatory" or some other big word like that. I have no problem with that, in fact, I think it makes for an interesting crowd. We had a meeting the other night to talk about the curriculum, though, and they mentioned this specifically in terms of holiday celebrations. As in, there will be NONE. I understand the whole not wanting to offend anyone business, but I actually am more offended by the LACK of acknowledgment than anything else. I would PREFER to talk about the Sikh holidays and the Jewish holidays and any other groups of folks represented in the class-- let's learn a few things about our world. We don't have to AGREE on this stuff, but for goodness sake, let's not IGNORE it! Isn't school about learning?
Anyway, I just felt the need to say something about this... what do you think? (By the way, I am not easily offended, so tell me what you really think!)
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6 comments:
C,
I did a co-op Preschool with Sierra, Kai, and now Jasper and LOVED the experience. Funny enough, it was in a church, though not affiliated with it. We had a "Holiday Celebration" for XMas, and Kai was like "Then when is Christmas Mommy??". Sometimes the PC thing goes alittle too far don't you think? Hope you are doing well. Nerve racking this whole "growing up" thing isn't it?? I have been stressed all week regarding Sierra and Kai.
I think you are right on. It would be interesting to know if the teachers are just not going to present it, or if kids will actually be discouraged from sharing about personal holidays. What a confusing thing for a kiddo to not to be able to talk about a very important part of their lives at school. Dialog, even simple dialog at the preschool level, is always better than avoidance. Aren't most cultural misunderstandings rooted in ignorance? The pendulum has definitely swung too far.
I kinda get offended that way too. My sons go to the county preschool housed in the regular city elementary school. We were immediately informed that holidays would be "downplayed", that Christmas would be a "holiday party", no wearing costumes on halloween, etc....
I was upsest by this too. I also would like to see everyone's holidays recognized rather than ignoring them totally. I think it would be a great learning experieince and teach diversity and acceptance.
Everything is so extreme these days!
Very sad and so closed minded! Personally I get the biggest kick out of halloween and christmas stuff at school (preschool and elementary). We are catholic. I would have no problem participating in or learning about other religious celebrations...
Makes me sad. The no celebrating thing would actually be a dealbreaker for me!
I'm with you. At least educate them about the differences.
BTW, catching up on your blog - happy birthday to the little guy! Hope he's recovered from his cold.
Best of luck to you on your journey to finding your little girl. He will lead the way!
Blessings,
Tiff (blessedwithsweetpeas.blogspot.com)
Yup... it is sad. I think in an atempt to be open-minded, we end up closing the door on so many experiences life has to offer. Instead of worrying about offending, I want to embrace all. We just celebrated the Moon Festival, today is Mexican Independence Day... have a blast, show your American spirit and melt away in this lovely "pot" we call home. Besides, kids LOVE a reason to party! What better way to teach about tolerance and cultural acceptance.
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