How to Tell the Easter Story in Public School

Education leaders from around the country recognize the importance of students learning about the Bible. For example, California’s sixth grade academic standards expect that students will learn about "the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as described in the New Testament" (History-Social Science Content Standards for California Public Schools, p.26)

In Massachusetts, seventh graders are to "describe the origins of Christianity and its central features: A. monotheism; B. the belief in Jesus as the Messiah and God’s son who redeemed humans from sin; C. the concept of salvation; D. belief in the Old and New Testament; E. the lives and teachings of Jesus and Saint Paul." (Massachusetts History & Social Science Framework, p. 90)

In Florida, sixth grade students are to, "Identify key figures and the basic beliefs of early Christianity and how these beliefs impacted the Roman Empire. Examples are Christian monotheism, Jesus as the son of God, Peter, and Paul.” (Florida SS.6W.3.13)

Objectivity

It is important when teaching students about a religion, that you remain objective. The best way to achieve this is by attribution. For example, when introducing this lesson on Easter, explain to students that it is from Luke’s account of the life of Jesus. Use phrases such as, "Luke wrote that...," or "The Bible says...".

When referring to beliefs about the story, use phrases such as "Christians believe...," or John Newton believed..."

Your goal should be to introduce students to the story and help them understand the influence it has had on history, literature, art, and music. The lesson is not designed to prove the story is true, nor question whether the story is accurate.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s guidance on religious expression in schools:

“Public schools may not provide religious instruction, but they may teach about religion. For example, philosophical questions concerning religion, the history of religion, comparative religion, the Bible (or other religious teachings) as literature, and the role of religion in the history of the United States and other countries all are permissible public school subjects.”

As a teacher, you can be confident in addressing this topic. This story has had significant influence in world history and should be understood as such. You are not teaching Sunday school; you are teaching history, literature, art, music, and language arts.

CLICK HERE to download our free textbook-style lesson on Easter. Make copies and share it with your students.

What is Religious Freedom Day? - Teaching Without Fear, Part 19

Each year since 1993, the President declares January 16th to be “Religious Freedom Day,” and calls upon Americans to “observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship.” It’s not the day you get to have religious freedom! It’s a day to celebrate the freedom we have year ‘round.

It’s the anniversary of the passage, in 1786, of the Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom. Thomas Jefferson drafted the legislation and considered it one of his greatest achievements. It protected the rights of people to express their religious beliefs without suffering discrimination and it influenced how the First Amendment was written just three years later.

It’s a great opportunity for students to learn a civics lesson about their religious freedom at school. Ask your school to recognize the Day, and have teachers give students a list of their freedoms to express their faith in class.

For more information on Religious Freedom Day and the list of freedoms students have, click on the link below.

Resources:

ReligiousFreedomDay.com

Christmas & Religious Freedom - Teaching Without Fear, Part 18

How have your local schools recognized Christmas this year? Did students learn about the birth - and life - of Jesus? Were they allowed to say "Merry Christmas" and give out Christmas cards in class? Could they talk about their faith in Jesus? Or, did the school censor the religious aspects of the holiday and suppress students' freedom of expression?

If your schools did the latter, I have good news. There's a special day coming in January that could help solve the problem. Every year since 1993, the President - whether Democrat or Republican - declares January 16th to be "Religious Freedom Day."

It's a day to learn about and celebrate the freedom of religious expression protected by the First Amendment. It's a great opportunity for students to learn a civics lesson about their religious freedom at school. AND, it's a great way for educators and school administrators to learn that students DO have the freedom to express their faith in class.

The U.S. Department of Education has clarified students' religious freedoms. We've created a pamphlet that quotes right from their document and you can distribute them in your church and in your schools. To get the pamphlets, click on the link below.

Resources:

Free to Speak pamphlets

www.ReligiousFreedomDay.com

Acknowledging Christmas in Public Schools - Teaching Without Fear, Part 17

Did you know the Supreme Court assumes public school children are singing traditional Christmas carols at school? That’s right! Many teachers think it’s unconstitutional to sing carols like Silent Night or Away in a Manger, but it’s not.

In the case of Lynch v. Donnelly, dealing with the public display of a nativity scene (which the Court said was fine), it stated the following:

“To forbid the use of this one passive symbol while hymns and carols are sung and played in public places including schools…would be an overreaction contrary to this Nation’s history and this Court’s holdings.”

If you would like a more information about teaching the religious aspects of Christmas in public schools, click on the link below.

Resources:

Gateways Christmas Resources

Teaching About Christmas in Public Schools - Teaching Without Fear, Part 16

 How should you talk about Christmas in a public school? Here are three things I suggest:

1. Use the term “recognizing Christmas” rather than “celebrating Christmas.” Using the word celebrate may cause some people to feel that you are promoting religious participation in the holiday. There is a difference between participating in the holiday in a devotional manner and recognizing the holiday in an engaging and enjoyable academic manner.

2. It is also best to teach about Christmas using words of attribution such as: “Christians believe...;” “The Bible says...;” “Christmas is special for Christians because...;” and so forth. In other words, can someone who is not a Christian agree with you: “Yes, Christians believe. Yes, this is what the Biblical story says…”

3. If you read the story of the birth of Jesus to students, emphasize that you are doing it so they understand this event which has inspired so much music, art, and literature. When students become familiar with the story of the birth and life of Jesus they gain a basic academic familiarity with a person who has influenced so many people throughout history in government, art, literature, music, and social movements.

If you would like a list of lesson plan ideas for teaching about the religious aspects of Christmas in public schools, click on the link below.

Resources:

Christmas in Your School