Title: Lesson Ideas: The World's Religions | Education World
Headings: Lesson Planning Ideas: The World's Religions
Lesson Planning Ideas: The World's Religions
Discussing Diverse Religions in the Classroom
Introductory Information for Students
Discussion Points and Activities
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Wrap-Up/Assessment Options

Content: Discussing Diverse Religions in the Classroom
Religion can be a complex and even contentious issue and therefore needs to be approached carefully in the classroom. The good news is that clear guidelines offer appropriate practices for public-school educators. The Teaching About Religion site offers a helpful list of "do’s and don’ts" as well as concrete examples of what appropriate classroom instruction on world religions looks like. In general, educators will want to present a secular discussion that neither endorses nor denigrates any one religion. They will also want to make sure that the experience is comfortable for students of any faith, as well as those who do not have a religious affiliation. As such, teachers will want to make sure they avoid: Role-playing any sort of practice that can be considered a worship activity (i.e., holidays should be discussed rather than "celebrated"). Requiring or pressuring students to disclose or discuss their own religious beliefs (this includes singling out students who may represent a particular faith). Allowing student discussion to go in the direction of proselytizing or judging peers. Stereotyping adherents of various faiths or ignoring the diversity present within every faith.