"The lesson plan required me to read the 1882 poem “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore to two classes of students. While I can appreciate the poem for its literary value, the subject matter is offensive to me, and the reading of this poem to the children imposed values upon me which are against my deeply held religious beliefs. I could not in good conscience present the notion of Santa Claus as a truth to the children, and stated so."
Six and seven year-olds aren't capable of understanding the concept of the commercialization of Christmas, which be worth while discussing with older kids. I'd still like to know what you think about presenting Kwanza as a legitimate holiday, with full discussion of the founder's background and criminal record...to 6 and 7 year-olds.
What if she had stated she did not want to read the poem because in her belief the Santa myth reflects the values of God and Christianity. Therefore it is against her values to read this poem to them BEFORE she discusses with them the myth of Christianity and how it has become engrained in Western Culture over the years and in responsible of comercialism...violence down through the ages and religion in general is evil and Santa is a reflection of the lies..etc.
Now...there are people who think this way. Suppose SHE was one of them. Would you STILL be OK with her standing up for her beliefs and reading a poem after she went into a long diatribe...or would you rather her just omit that part of the lesson plan and stand up for her beliefs that way. Can you see how others would like to control what the beliefs their children are taught at school?
If you want it ONE way...don't get made when the she gets put on the OTHER foot. And it will.