by: Rosalyn V. Ablir, Teacher III
Ricardo A. Pronove ES
Magdalena, Laguna Sub-Office
As the cliché goes — It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas brings joy and excitement to everyone — especially to our young learners. They eagerly anticipate the holiday season, not only for the gifts and treats, but also for the magical atmosphere and special traditions that comes with it.
Christmas holds great significance in the lives of young learners, serving as a time of celebration and cultural traditions. It is a time when children are often filled with excitement and anticipation, eagerly waiting for Santa Claus to visit their homes and deliver presents.
As teachers, we need to acknowledge and embrace the cultural diversity within our classrooms and provide opportunities to learn about the values and customs associated with Christmas around the world. With this, we can use this opportunity – celebrating Christmas – to foster a sense of respect and understanding among our young learners, while also promoting several of classroom and life skills.
One is developing their language development and critical thinking skills. By exploring the various stories and customs surrounding Christmas, young learners can not only expand their vocabulary and language skills but also gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and traditions. For instance, they can learn about the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance to Christians — that we celebrate the birth of the Son of God and his message of love, peace, and hope.
In addition, we can also introduce to them the concept of giving and generosity, emphasizing the importance of kindness and compassion not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. We can ask our learners to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas — not just as a time for receiving gifts, but also for giving and spreading love to others.
Furthermore, we can use Christmas as a platform to teach our young learners the value of gratitude and appreciation. We can encourage them to reflect on the blessings in their lives and express gratitude for the love and support they receive from their families, friends, and community. This would help them to develop a sense of empathy and appreciation for the people and things around them, cultivating a positive mindset that extends beyond the holiday season.
However, it is important to strike a balance between celebrating Christmas and respecting the beliefs and traditions of students from different cultural backgrounds. Teachers should be mindful of the diverse cultural backgrounds of their students and ensure that all celebrations are inclusive and respectful. They should avoid making assumptions about students’ beliefs and practices and create a safe and accepting space where all students feel valued.
This Christmas 2023 is a great opportunity for educators to embrace cultural diversity and promote understanding and acceptance among our young learners. By incorporating diverse Christmas traditions into the curriculum, we can create opportunities where students can learn and be happy while appreciating the richness and diversity of our world.
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