school room parties

[rhonda]

I WOULD LIKE SOME COMMENTS ON THIS: I HAVE BEEN A ROOM MOM HERE IN MONEE SINCE WE MOVED HERE IN 2002 BEFORE OUR "NEW SCHOOL" WAS BUILT WE HAD 3 ROOM PARTIES HALLOWEEN CHRISTMAS VALENTINES DAY NOW WE CANT EVEN CALL THEM BY WHAT THEY ARE OR HAVE OUR KIDS WEAR THEIR COSTUMES WE USED TO HAVE PARADES THRU TOWN ON THE DAY OF OUR HALLOWEEN PARTIES WHAT HAPPENED? THIS HAS BEEN BUGGING ME IN A BAD WAY FOR A LONG TIME. I ONCE WAS TOLD IT IS OFFENSIVE TO SOME PEOPLE HOW THE HELL CAN SEEING KIDS THAT HAPPY AND HAVING FUN BE OFFENSIVE???????

[dntlk18]

chiming in as an ECE professional myself, As time has progressed, curriculums and settings are more multicultural and eliminating the parties is part of it. It is not about the kids not being aloud to have fun. It is avoiding religious issues and eliminating activities which, when you really think about it do not have place in the classroom. Do children go to school to party or to learn and explore? Why not have a multicultural celebration where the students learn about different customs/foods/attire from many countries in December rather than a 'party day'? There is nothing wrong with a fall festival! Why does it have to be about costumes and candy? And valentines??? Have a January winterfest where they learn about snow and cold climates, etc. Research the IL learning standards and Project approach in the classroom. You can adapt and have an event every few weeks if you would like.