Religious Plays in Public Schools

[miss_sarah]

The public school I am about to student teach in (and attended as a child) has been performing a Christmas play since before I began attending in the 1990's. Every year, the school's fourth graders perform the Christmas story as found in the Bible. The play has been performed during classtime in addition to after school performances.
Our school is nestled in the hills of a rural community, with little to no diversity in the population, with the exception of one or two students every year who are not allowed to attend the play due to religion. The school gives families the opportunity to allow their children to participate in and view the play.
What is your opinion of this practice?

[herdgrad]

I am also in a very rural county and our 2nd graders do one.

[hweber]

I think that as long as no one is offended, the kids are not required to participate or attend, and it is not mandatory for the rest of the student body to attend then it is okay. Not sure though of the legal ramifications. All it would take would be one person to complain...

[mustangapril]

Sounds good to me!

[Boxcar]

I agree. It isn't mandatory, and there doesn't seem to be an issue. The Bible can be taught as a historical work.

[mustangapril]

I agree. It isn't mandatory, and there doesn't seem to be an issue. The Bible can be taught as a historical work.

Yes! This year my co-workers and I each taught a different holiday. I was Christmas, another was Kwanzaa, and the third was Hannakkah. = ) I love being technical to get what I want :laugh:

[Boxcar]

Me too! For Valentine's Day, my center did themes on Emotions, Love, and Showing You Care to get around the "no holidays" thing. Something similar can be done for the winter holidays too. What you and your colleagues did is pretty neat.

[miss_sarah]

I really like that idea. It allows the students to see Valentine's Day as more than just the commercial holiday that our society has fallen into. :)