First Grade Teacher denounces Santa

[Joe Wordsworth]

Originally posted by Lisa Denton
Anti-santaclausism is a scourge on our society.

Well, maybe not but whether first grade is when you are told that from an adult you trust is not the teachers decision to make. If it was a direct question she should have told the kids to talk to their parents, then gotten back to her freakin job, which ain't the fuckin easter bunny either.

Every normal person over the age of 16 who gets some enjoyment out of christmas probably gets caught up in christmas through the eyes of a child. The innocence, the wonder, the cookies left out for santy claus.

Santy claus is not a lie, its a fairy tale, its a soothing kiss for the child you love. Its the same as telling your child everthing is allright, when you are worried and scared.

When children are told the they are not the little princess's and prince's in the stories, and that santa claus is just a story too is up to the parents, and absolutely none of the teachers concern. What could these first graders have been learning during this discussion, perhaps at that age there may have been one or two things having to do with education they hadn't got to yet.

The teachers rightfully say they have too many students and not enough time, I really believe this witch could have managed the little time she had to teach something having to do with what does concern her instead of making decisions which parents thought they had the right to make.

What is the difference between a fairy tale and a well intentioned lie?

 

[TheEarl]

Santa IS real! He's just running late do to airport security. Rudolph was smuggling catnip in balloons in his . . . nose, and Dasher and Dancer wanted to stop off in Massachusets to get married . . . the whole thing is a big mess.

God bless your little cotton socks. Do Alpaca's have socks?

Lisa: Understand your POV, but it is bloody hard for teachers. I personally think she should've dodged the question, but it's very hard to keep ahead of kids. Given the question on the fly - she can't really say he doesn't and maybe shouldn't say he does, because there are parents who don't do the Father Christmas thing and would get annoyed at the teacher lying to their kid.

The Earl

 

[Lisa Denton]

What is the difference between a fairy tale and a well intentioned lie?

To a 6 year old? WTF?

 

[Guest]

What is the difference between a fairy tale and a well intentioned lie?

Art.

Perdita

 

[Joe Wordsworth]

Originally posted by Lisa Denton
To a 6 year old? WTF?

...?

 

[Goldie Munro]

Art.

Perdita

to you P

Sweetsub - your answer was perfect - Santa is part of the spirit of Christmas to children and adults alike - keep the magic alive!

 

[Guest]

Wonderful comments, all -

Thank you so much.

We are not too concerned so we're downplaying the issue.

But - I don't think a teacher (or another respected adult) should be allowed to ruin the magic for a child.

As kids grow and become more logical ( ) of course they'll figure it out.

But my family has always had stockings on the fireplace, always left treats out for Santa and the reindeer, etc. Even when we were in college and came back for the holidays we still did the stockings. It was just part of family Christmas for us.

I hate to see it spoiled for him so young. And Joe - you don't quite seem to have a grasp on this issue.

Children learn at an early age to discern the difference between fantasy and reality. They are quite aware that Fairy Tales are just that - tales.

In fact, though some today claim that the violence in those stories is outrageous and dangerous, other experts maintain that the stories contain ways for children to experience and understand strong emotions.

The magic of Santa is different. And for my family it is part of the whole of the holiday season - Peace on earth, Good will toward men, etc.

Santa rocks.

 

[Joe Wordsworth]

Re: Wonderful comments, all -

Originally posted by sweetsubsarahh
Thank you so much.

We are not too concerned so we're downplaying the issue.

But - I don't think a teacher (or another respected adult) should be allowed to ruin the magic for a child.

As kids grow and become more logical ( ) of course they'll figure it out.

But my family has always had stockings on the fireplace, always left treats out for Santa and the reindeer, etc. Even when we were in college and came back for the holidays we still did the stockings. It was just part of family Christmas for us.

I hate to see it spoiled for him so young. And Joe - you don't quite seem to have a grasp on this issue.

Children learn at an early age to discern the difference between fantasy and reality. They are quite aware that Fairy Tales are just that - tales.

In fact, though some today claim that the violence in those stories is outrageous and dangerous, other experts maintain that the stories contain ways for children to experience and understand strong emotions.

The magic of Santa is different. And for my family it is part of the whole of the holiday season - Peace on earth, Good will toward men, etc.

Santa rocks.

I think I have a fine grasp of it. I have two godchildren and they're at the Santa-age. But having a grasp of it doesn't mean I can't think or question the whole thing.

 

[Goldie Munro]

I remember when some kid told me there was no Santa when I was about 6. I didn't believe them at first then I thought - wow adults are cool to pretend these things to make life a bit out of the ordainary and went along with the 'lie' for many years later - in fact I still am!

 

[Virtual_Burlesque]

As a kid, Christmas was always spent at my grandparents place (a farm) with about a dozen aunts and uncles, and a score or more of kids. Learning “The Truth about Santa Claus” was a rite of passage which brought you closer to being an adult.

Those who knew would spend much of their time making certain that they passed on the stories, songs and stuff about Santa that they had particularly enjoyed when they still believed. This wasn’t looked upon as lying, but rather as adding to the festivities, like putting up a tree, or singing Christmas Carols, even if we couldn’t really sing.

There was only one old Auntie who wouldn’t participate. She had been threatened (I believe) about not destroying illusions, but she would never contribute, When Santa was being talked about she would say something like “Humph!” and change the subject. (Actually she was a rather cheerless fundamentalist-type, who never had much to do with us kids.)

I can’t recall any kid who, from their newfound maturity enlightened any of the younger ones. Nor can I remember any who, once they knew the truth, felt that they had been harmed, or belittled in any way.

I do recall having a feeling of nostalgia, several years after I knew the difference, for the bit of Christmas magic that I had out-grown.


Joe,

Supporting the belief that the world is a beautiful and magical place where fairies and Santa Claus can exist is a precious gift for a child. A lie is something intended to be hurtful and harmful.

Or, do you answer "Yes," when your girlfriend models her new dress and asks if she looks fat in it?

 

[Guest]

Re: Re: Wonderful comments, all -

I think I have a fine grasp of it. I have two godchildren and they're at the Santa-age. But having a grasp of it doesn't mean I can't think or question the whole thing.

Of course you can question the whole thing (so what else is new?)

I'm not attempting to be argumentative but I imagine you'll discover a bit more about the issue when you have your own children.

 

[LadyJeanne]

Supporting the belief that the world is a beautiful and magical place where fairies and Santa Claus can exist is a precious gift for a child.

I still like to believe in a little magic - how dull it would be without it!

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Sarah, as a mom of a child same age and grade, my opinion is this: It's up to me to give them the news, when I feel they are ready and I only hope I can keep this little bit of magic going for a while.
We allow children so little time to be children, so why can't we let them have some magic while they are young, there is plenty of time for them to see the bad in the world...let them have good memories and pass this down to their children too.

Just my ramble.
Abs.

 

[Goldie Munro]

I think VB is right when she says that finding out there is no Santa is like a right of passage - it makes kids realise that this little egocentric world they live in is not the only world and opens up new wonders.

 

[Joe Wordsworth]

Originally posted by Virtual_Burlesque
Joe,

Supporting the belief that the world is a beautiful and magical place where fairies and Santa Claus can exist is a precious gift for a child. A lie is something intended to be hurtful and harmful.

Or, do you answer "Yes," when your girlfriend models her new dress and asks if she looks fat in it?

I can understand that. My sister's kids (I'm their Godfather) are being raised Catholic. That's what she said, more or less, when I asked her why.

 

[Guest]

Sarah, as a mom of a child same age and grade, my opinion is this: It's up to me to give them the news, when I feel they are ready and I only hope I can keep this little bit of magic going for a while.
We allow children so little time to be children, so why can't we let them have some magic while they are young, there is plenty of time for them to see the bad in the world...let them have good memories and pass this down to their children too.

Just my ramble.
Abs.

And a lovely ramble it is.

I completely agree.

 

[Goldie Munro]

I still like to believe in a little magic - how dull it would be without it!

I am so with you on that!

Quote from Joe -I can understand that. My sister's kids (I'm their Godfather) are being raised Catholic. That's what she said, more or less, when I asked her why.

Not sure I get the connection Joe!

 

[Lisa Denton]

I can understand that. My sister's kids (I'm their Godfather) are being raised Catholic. That's what she said, more or less, when I asked her why.

Without gettin sidetracked Joe, its your sisters decision to tell her children there is a god. If their first grade teacher tells them that is not true, it was none of her business no matter what her beliefs.

Maybe that puts it in perspective.

 

[Joe Wordsworth]

Originally posted by Goldie Munro
I am so with you on that!

Quote from Joe -I can understand that. My sister's kids (I'm their Godfather) are being raised Catholic. That's what she said, more or less, when I asked her why.

Not sure I get the connection Joe!

She's of the opinion that supporting the belief of a world where God loves you, looks out for you, hears your prayers is a beautiful and magical thing, a wonderful thing to give a child.

 

[Joe Wordsworth]

Originally posted by Lisa Denton
Without gettin sidetracked Joe, its your sisters decision to tell her children there is a god. If their first grade teacher tells them that is not true, it was none of her business no matter what her beliefs.

Maybe that puts it in perspective.

No, no... I understand the situation fine.

It just begs a number of interesting questions. At what point is a thing their responsibility or right to tell? Religious things, oh maybe not. Fairy tale things? Hmmm. False things? Likely.

 

[Goldie Munro]

She's of the opinion that supporting the belief of a world where God loves you, looks out for you, hears your prayers is a beautiful and magical thing, a wonderful thing to give a child.

Thats a whole different ball game really - believing in Santa as a child and believing in God - hmmm I do see where you are coming from - but as a child grows and becomes aware that there really is no Santa is a bit different to realising - or deciding - or thinking - there is no God. Society does not discriminate against those who decide to believe (or not!) in Santa.

 

[Joe Wordsworth]

Originally posted by Goldie Munro
Thats a whole different ball game really - believing in Santa as a child and believing in God - hmmm I do see where you are coming from - but as a child grows and becomes aware that there really is no Santa is a bit different to realising - or deciding - or thinking - there is no God. Society does not discriminate against those who decide to believe (or not!) in Santa.

Not into the social commentary of it all, really. Its a parallel, in intention, that makes good enough sense to me.

 

[Goldie Munro]

Not into the social commentary of it all, really. Its a parallel, in intention, that makes good enough sense to me.

Ok I undersatnd that but I see believing in fairies and Santa etc as different to believing in God - not to me personally really but in society as a whole! Oh lets not go there!!!

 

[Edward Teach]

Re: Wonderful comments, all -

Thank you so much.

We are not too concerned so we're downplaying the issue.

But - I don't think a teacher (or another respected adult) should be allowed to ruin the magic for a child.

As kids grow and become more logical ( ) of course they'll figure it out.

But my family has always had stockings on the fireplace, always left treats out for Santa and the reindeer, etc. Even when we were in college and came back for the holidays we still did the stockings. It was just part of family Christmas for us.

I hate to see it spoiled for him so young. And Joe - you don't quite seem to have a grasp on this issue.

Children learn at an early age to discern the difference between fantasy and reality. They are quite aware that Fairy Tales are just that - tales.

In fact, though some today claim that the violence in those stories is outrageous and dangerous, other experts maintain that the stories contain ways for children to experience and understand strong emotions.

The magic of Santa is different. And for my family it is part of the whole of the holiday season - Peace on earth, Good will toward men, etc.

Santa rocks.

Sweet, you have a good handle on the situation, as I would expect of you. Of course you don't want to overreact but the teacher needs a strong message that she is overstepping her bounds.

While an email may be sufficient, I would probably pay her a visit in person with suggestions of how to handle similar situations in the future.


Ed

PS - Don't bust the kid's ass too badly.

 

[Guest]

Kids are a lot smarter than they're often given credit for. I don't think many over the age of five (maybe six or seven) actually completely believe in Father Christmas any more. They've kinda worked it out for themsleves by then, but play along with their parents, for their parents' sakes. I'm certain my eight year old does. She knows I buy all their gifts, then hide them away and wrap them up myself - has probably known this for years, but she plays along. She also talks her little sister up, egging her on about him coming on Christmas Eve and so on.

I often ask myself: Who's kidding who?

It doesn't matter, it's all part of Christmas.

Lou