For those who teach the upper elementary grades: re Santa

I'm guessing that most of my student's no longer believe in Santa - I know that I didn't at 10. Well, today, during Morning Meeting, one of the girls mentioned going to visit Santa this weekend, and the majority of the kids just kind of gave these uncomfortable looks at each other. Luckily, nobody said anything, but I got really nervous for a few minutes. This child also has special needs and her mom is not exactly the easiest to please. If afraid that one of the kids will say something to her now. How do you deal with having the older grades where there are likely only a few believers left...

Re: For those who teach the upper elementary grades: re Santa

i had this situation last year with a special needs kid who was very innocent. the other kids understood that he was more innocent (and not just in this instance) and therefore, they didn't blow the secret. i actually spoke to a few of them about it and they felt grown up about helping me keep the secret for this child. they would even engage with him asking what he wanted from Santa and what they wanted to get too. it was cute. basically, find the kids who don't believe and talk with them about not blowing the secret for the others. you'd be surprised at how they want to "help."

Re: For those who teach the upper elementary grades: re Santa

I teach 3rd, 4th and 5th and I definitely have kids in the upper grades that still believe. Honestly, I usully try to cut off any of the Santa talk by distracting them on to another topic. I have some very small groups and it would be waaay too easy for one of them to ruin it for someone else.