It is kind of a bonus if you have some beautiful diversity among your students. In most classes, there are children who speak other languages, children who subscribe to different faiths, and children from multiple races and cultures. Honor every culture represented by making a child your resident expert on Jewish traditions, Muslim holidays, Buddhist beliefs, African holidays etc. Those children love to share their traditions with children who want to learn so make your classroom a safe place to explore other cultures and beliefs.

Holidays are a great time to introduce your students to other faiths of students on your roll. Children were always curious about the Muslim hijab worn by a student but were too afraid to ask. Opening the lines of communication where the students can ask the questions and have them answered without being scolded for drawing attention to another student’s differences is a tremendous learning opportunity for everyone. When you have a Jewish child, or Indian child or even  a military child who has lived in another country, be sure to seize the opportunities to  let that child teach you and your students about their holidays and beliefs and answer your questions in a safe environment. 

When my child was about four years old, we saw a man in the grocery store wearing a silk kurta. In a loud voice, he asked, “Mom, why is that man wearing his pajamas at Kroger?” I was horrified and talked to him all the way home about not drawing attention to someone whose cultural garments we don’t recognize. The lesson I was teaching him was that it was not okay to have questions about cultural dress because it embarrassed me. I am sure that other parents have done the same thing, which is why children are hesitant to ask the questions in your classroom.

Whatever faith you claim as your own, be very careful how it impacts your classroom. The moment of silence is for everyone to personally reflect or silently pray as they see fit but it is not okay for you to proselytize for any religion in a public school.