What messages do students receive from the walls of their classrooms? Whose experiences are reflected there – and whose might be missing?
Watch this short reel for an introduction to using Golden Rule posters to bring broader religious perspectives into your classroom. Then, read on for ideas you can use with your students.
Texas law now requires public schools to accept and display donated Ten Commandments posters that meet its requirements – a thinly veiled attempt to bring Christianity into public schools.
But teachers also have opportunities to incorporate additional perspectives into the conversation. One idea worth considering is a Golden Rule poster.
You probably know the familiar wording: “Treat others how you want to be treated.”
It’s a simple message of kindness and consideration. And it offers a starting point for exploring something students may not realize: versions of this principle appear across many religious and ethical traditions.
A Familiar Idea, Broader Perspectives
There are lots of different Golden Rule posters varying in style, size, and color. But they all offer evidence that the general message appears in many religious traditions, including Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism.
Posters like this can also help students see that Christianity is part of a much larger conversation about how people treat one another.
That doesn’t mean all religions are the same. The wording, context, and meaning of these teachings vary. Those differences are worth exploring, too!
More Than Something on the Wall
A Golden Rule poster can also serve as an invitation to curiosity and conversation.
You might ask students:
- What similarities do you notice among these teachings?
- What differences stand out?
- What might these ideas look like during a disagreement, on the playground, or in a group project?
- How can we figure out what feels kind and respectful to someone whose needs differ from our own?
Students don’t need to share a religious belief – or even have a religious affiliation – to participate. The goal is to learn about different perspectives and to think about how we can live peacefully alongside one another.
Choosing a Poster for Your Classroom
Look for a design that fits your students’ ages and is readable. Some posters offer a few short teachings; others include more traditions and more detailed text.
A poster with several perspectives can also help you explore whose voices are included or determine what else students might want to learn.
Adding a Golden Rule poster won’t resolve the debate over religious displays in public schools. It can, however, add a message of universal kindness, inclusivity,