Yesterday in class we had an interesting discussion on dealing with a religious practice in our classroom and how we would handle it. (the student who was fasting) There seemed to many different opinions on this matter and I was curious as to how some of you feel about this or how you would handle that situation if it were to arise in your classroom. Just wanted to hear from some of you guys that maybe didn’t get a chance to speak in class yesterday.

If I had a student in my class who was weak from fasting, I would do the best I could to help the student get through the day. I would not punish students for their religious practices. I believe it is unfair to punish a student for their religion, because schools do not recognize all religions. Christmas is not celebrated by everyone, but yet schools still have a long vacation for this time. But yet how can you punish a student who practices Ramadan for being weak and coming to school, when the school does not recognize this practice and give them this time off?

I think that if I had a student who came to class that was weak from fasting, or had some other affect from any other activity, I would do the best I could to help the child get through the day. I do not think that the child should be punished or sent home. Everyone has the right to their own beliefs and ways of doing things. If the parents think the child is well enough to be in school, then that is where they should be.

I agree with Lindsey. I would just help the child get through the day. I would research what the child is going through and try to have a better understanding of what they are doing. I may even talk to their parents and the student and work out a way for the student to do assignments late or something like that.

I agree with all of the replies. I would do whatever I could to make the student comfortable in this week. If we had PE in this time I would excuse them. I definately would not send them home because that is not fair to them. I would try to do my part to become more educated in the topic so I would understand what the student is going through.

If a student believes in something so much that he or she will not eat, then I think that it is our duty as teachers to respect their beliefs, and do whatever nescessary to make what they are doing seem ok in the classroom. I think teachers should be very careful and not single out the student and make he or she feel emarrased of what they are doing.

A friend and I yesterday just got in a discussion about fall bulletin boards and what is acceptable on them with Halloween and Thanksgiving being so close. At the end, we established that if it was a seasonal yet not related to a holiday (to be sensitive to religions like Jehovah's Witnesses who don't celebrate any holiday) like pumpkins and leaves, it's still celebratoryand safe for all eyes.

For holidays in general, I think you should see depending on the class how to handle holidays in discussions and be sensitive about the parents and children. Talking with the parents should tell you how to handle birthdays and if your class has parties as well as the major holidays.

I believe it is a teachers goal to help all children feel accepted in the classroom and help support whatever beliefs that they might have. I believe though that it depends on the age of the child though. I plan on teaching younger grades such as pre-k, Kindergarten and I am not sure that this child should be fasting, even if it goes with thier religion. This child is not old enough to understand why they are not eating. I think there is a point when it should be discused with the parent and see if there is something you can work out between the two of you. But I do belive that if it is an older grade like many of the post have suggested that you need to be respectful and help that child make it through the days without that pointing that student out.