Jehovah's Witnesses in the classroom
What do they believe?
Jehovah's Witnesses consider themselves to be Christians; however, many of their beliefs are quite different. They became known as Jehovah's Witnesses because they actively prosthelytize to the world about their Jehovah God and his Kingdom. They believe you should live morally and obey Jehovah's commandments while spreading the good news to others.
Jehovah is their preferred term for God and believe Jehovah to be "the only true God." They do not believe in the Trinity. Jesus is the Son of God. Mary is only the mother of the Son of God. God does not approve of using images and idols in worship so they reject all symbols as pagan including the cross.
The New World Translation and Holy Scriptures is the translation of the Bible that they use. Their place of worship is called the Kingdom Hall. They attend an annual three-day convention in their district.
Ethical beliefs include no premartial sex, divorce only if adultery has been committed, no homosexuality, and no drinking or gambling in excess. Blood transfusions and abortion are forbidden.
Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for their belief of the afterlife believing that when this world ends, there will be a separate heaven and an earthly paradise. Only 144,000 elect Jehovah's Witnesses will reign in heaven with Jesus. Other Witnesses will live in an eternal earthly paradise. All others will be annihilated. Hell does not exist.
Jehovah is their preferred term for God and believe Jehovah to be "the only true God." They do not believe in the Trinity. Jesus is the Son of God. Mary is only the mother of the Son of God. God does not approve of using images and idols in worship so they reject all symbols as pagan including the cross.
The New World Translation and Holy Scriptures is the translation of the Bible that they use. Their place of worship is called the Kingdom Hall. They attend an annual three-day convention in their district.
Ethical beliefs include no premartial sex, divorce only if adultery has been committed, no homosexuality, and no drinking or gambling in excess. Blood transfusions and abortion are forbidden.
Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for their belief of the afterlife believing that when this world ends, there will be a separate heaven and an earthly paradise. Only 144,000 elect Jehovah's Witnesses will reign in heaven with Jesus. Other Witnesses will live in an eternal earthly paradise. All others will be annihilated. Hell does not exist.
What Holidays do they celebrate?
None. They believe that holidays are linked to paganist tradition including Christmas and birthdays. They do celebrate what they consider the "Memorial of Christ's Death" which falls about the same time as Christian's Easter and the Jewish Passover.
Challenges in the classroom
All celebrations, religious holidays, and birthday parties and celebrations go against Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs. Since they believe that only Jehovah should be worshipped, they are also against pledging to the flag.
successful strategies to use in the classroom
Always remain sensitive and respectful of their religious beliefs. Accommodations should be made for the student without it being approached as punishment. Assignments and activities should be replaced with ones that are not objectable. It is best to have alternate activities prepared and ready ahead of time. Student should be allowed to refrain from the daily pledge to the flag.
It is not always necessary to send the student out of the room. This approach can make the child feel isolated. The best approach is to speak with the parents as soon as possible.
A good way to start the conversation would be to say something understanding like "I know that there are some restrictions around holidays and celebrations that go with being Jehovah's Witnesses. Let's talk about what your preferences are for your child when it comes to classroom activities and parties. "
It is not always necessary to send the student out of the room. This approach can make the child feel isolated. The best approach is to speak with the parents as soon as possible.
A good way to start the conversation would be to say something understanding like "I know that there are some restrictions around holidays and celebrations that go with being Jehovah's Witnesses. Let's talk about what your preferences are for your child when it comes to classroom activities and parties. "