Session 7 Notes
Holidays
False Assumption
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Fairness means that all religions must be given equal time in the classroom.
Correct Assumption
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Fairness sometimes means proportional, not equal.
Thanksgiving
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Proclaimed by Washington
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Giving thanks to God
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Duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to
be grateful for his benefits- Washington
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Lincoln- giving thanks to God
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Quote presidential proclamations
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Teach about gratitude
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Invite a parent to share about family thanksgiving traditions
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Planning
o Watch presidential address clips about giving thanks
o Write what/who they are thankful for
Christmas
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Carols
o Sacred music may be sung or played as apart of schools academic program- may
include religious music
o Supreme court- lynch vs. Donnelly (nativity scene)
o Read the biblical account
▪
Cultural understanding- non devotional
o Ask a parent to share
o Arts and crafts demonstration made of different materials
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Teach about the impact of jesus
o Why do Christians celebrate his birth? Attribution
o Good Samaritan
o Turn the other cheek
o Go the extra mile
o Give him the shirt off your back
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Planning time: ask a parent to share, explain sayings, teach by using attribution
Hanukkah
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Read John 10:22-39
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Teach the real story
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Ask a parent to share
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Show and explain symbols
Easter
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Cultural connections
o Art, history, cultural movements
Passover
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Biblical account exodus 11-12
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Angel of death
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Lead to parting of red sea
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God saved Egyptians
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Lead to 10 commandments
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Significant impact on America and western civilization
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Ask parent to come in
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Explain symbols- connect with Luke 22
Planning
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Teach them back to back
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Ask parents to come in
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Explain the impact on western civilization
