Preserving Xmas for the children

In Lebanon, PA, a substitute teacher decided to do a literal analysis of the Clement C. Moore's poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" to a bunch of six-year and seven-year olds. She proceeded to refute each section of the poem, and mentioned that the myth of Santa Clause was based on a person who died in 343AD. Of course, the kids thought it meant that Santa was dead after all.

The substitute does not believe in Santa Claus and she made her feelings clear to the classroom. She explained that "those same children are going to know someday that what their parents taught them is false."

Parents have expressed concerns about the incident when they reported their kids came home crying saying that the sub stated there was no St. Nick.

I am sure that all of us have grown up realizing that there is no Santa Claus and that our parents were the ones that bought the xmas presents, but a good many of us still leave a glass of milk and a plate of cookies near the fireplace. Parents tell their children generation after generation that they have to be good to get their present from St. Nicholas. Of course there will be a time and place where the truth comes out, but it's better to find that on your own or from your parents.

The sub made a poor decision in telling the kids the truth. I don't see why she felt it was necessary to tell them what is really out there. At what appropriate age is this justified?

LDNews.com - Grinchy remark sends kids home in tears