So this happened last Friday.
Before the pandemic, our 2 Extended Content classes started a tradition where we would have stations that the kids participate in. My original idea was an all Christmas crafts activity thing. I was gently but firmly talked into including Hannukah. Fine. The kids loved it.
This year our tradition started up again. I included Hannukah.
One of the new teachers in my room was familiar to me. He is the assistant varsity basketball coach, and works in the severe behavior classes. I had grown to admire his willingness to mentor even the toughest kids. Our room is new to him–our level of disability was a challenge, but he met that challenge and eclipsed it. He earned my respect in spades.
I also know his faith is an important part of who he is, so I invited him to participate in our Holiday Craft Activity. His eyes lit up when I asked him. He was grateful to be asked, and took on the assignment with the same genuine love of teaching he demonstrated in our class all year long.
So, on Friday our kids learned about Christmas from me, and created an ornament. They learned about Hannukah from another teacher, and played the dreidel game.
And they learned about Islam from a responsible, principled, faithful follower.
I stand by that decision.