This morning my son brought a library book to share with his kindergarten called “Mouse”s Halloween.” In it, a baby mouse mistakes creatures of the forest for Halloween characters, and his mom repeatedly reassures him that they are simply his animal friends. It not only teaches children about the variety of animal life in the forest, but provides a nonthreatening glimpse of the types of make-believe creatures one might see while trick-or-treating. All in all, a delightful book for young children.
Unfortunately, my son”s teacher, a wonderful and thoughtful lady, explained that the book could not be read to the whole class because there is one student who does not celebrate Halloween. It would be intolerant of his religious beliefs and therefore offensive to this child to read “Mouse”s Halloween” to everyone.
According to the principal, there is no actual school board policy that supports this procedure, though he did express support for the teacher”s actions. Apparently, parents of the child in question require advance notice of the book being read to the class in order for them to decide whether their child should opt-out of the activity, due to the fact that the book happens to be about Halloween.
Much of the curriculum for young children requires teachers to utilize spontaneous opportunities for learning. In this case, my son was so excited to share his special book, and it would have done wonders in terms of increasing his self-esteem and confidence (quite necessary for learning) to be able to do so. (In fact, his adjustment to preschool last year was enhanced greatly by the teacher reading his shared books to the class.) Any good teacher will tell you that the best lessons children learn often come completely spontaneously, usually from the children themselves.
Are we going down the road to an era when a class that finds and observes a spider will be offending someone who associates spiders with witchcraft? Marveling at a rainbow outside the classroom windows will upset someone who dislikes gays? No talk of Santa Claus at circle time because Johnny”s family doesn”t celebrate Christmas? Or, God forbid a child paints a picture of American Indian in a way not approved by the authorities. I could make a list of a million absurd-sounding scenarios.
My children are in public school for many reasons, but the central one is that I prefer them to mingle with the public. I certainly hope that the schools would help students learn to tolerate and even appreciate different viewpoints, ideas and opinions ? not learn to prevent them from being heard or leave the room whenever something contrary comes their way.
Parents are free to encourage their own children to fear and suppress anything that goes against their beliefs, but I think it is inappropriate for the public schools to allow that practice to be reflected in the classroom.
Gale Tompkins
Former public school
teacher (11 years)
Kelseyville
