Honoring Ramadan in the ELA Classroom: Tips and Ideas for Inclusive Teaching
Part of what makes school communities beautiful is the diversity of religions that students practice. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting from dusk to dawn. It is also a time of intentional togetherness for families and friends within the Muslim community. In this post, I'll be sharing some ways to honor Ramadan in your ELA classroom.
1. Fill your classroom library with diverse books that feature Muslim protagonists
Here are a few examples:
- Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
- Amina's Voice by Hena Khan
- More to the Story by Hena Khan
- Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
- Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui
- It Ain't So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas
- The Turtle of Michigan by Naomi Shihab Nye
- Once Upon An Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices
- Yusuf Azeem Is Not A Hero by Saadia Faruqi
- Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian
- A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi
Important note: As you look for books to incorporate into your classroom library, consider researching the author and reading some reviews by Muslim readers.
Questions to consider:
- Does this author have a personal connection to the themes, religious tradition, and culture represented in the book?
- Is the author an expert on this topic?
- Does this author portray Muslim characters in a thoughtful, nuanced way?
- Will my Muslim students feel well represented by the way Muslim characters are portrayed in the book?
2. Research the history of Ramadan and create posters
Help your students learn about the significance and traditions of Ramadan with this poster template. Students will research important dates in Ramadan, meaningful religious practices, and ways in which the holiday is observed around the world. After finishing the poster, they will write their sources on the back of the poster.
This printable 12 x 18 inch template includes space to write about:
- Ramadan's beginning date - the sighting of the crescent moon
- Laylat al-Qadr - Night of Destiny
- Eid Al-Fitr
- Religious practices of fasting, charity, prayer, and Quran recitation
- Ways in which the holiday is celebrated globally
- Sources used for the research
Once you finish the research posters, consider selecting a few of the best ones to hang up in the school hallway or on your classroom bulletin board.
3. Provide a Ramadan journal as an alternative writing activity for interested students
Teachers should never "out" students who observe any religion. Some students may not feel comfortable sharing about their religious beliefs with their peers. That being said, if a student has told you that they are Muslim, consider privately emailing that student to offer some alternative writing assignments for the month of Ramadan.
This print-and-go daily journal is intented to help Muslim students process their Ramadan experience. Each morning, students will write their intentions for the day. In the evening, they will track their emotions, reflect on the best and most difficult parts of the day, document what they ate for the Iftar meal, and reflect on their choices throughout the day. They will also draw the moon phase and log their Quran recitation.
4. Avoid serving food or drinks in class
Although Ramadan is a festive time, Muslim students may feel isolated in classrooms in which they are a religious minority. If you are aware of any students who are fasting during Ramadan, consider being intentional about pausing giving snacks or drinks to the class during this month. If you routinely use candy or other snacks as a reward item, try to find alternatives like homework passes or other small prizes.
Your non-Muslim students can still eat in the cafeteria and other designated spaces throughout the day, but reducing snacks served in class can make it a bit easier for students who are fasting.
As a final note, please do not "out" students who are fasting during Ramadan by making comments about fasting. Some students may not want their peers to know about their fasting, and they should have the autonomy to only share their religious experience to people they feel safe with.
5. Privately offer time and space for prayer
If a student has told you that they are observing Ramadan, consider emailing that student a simple note to say something like, "Thank you for telling me that you will be observing Ramadan. I wish you and your family a blessed month. Please let me know how I can support you, especially if you would like time and space to pray during class time."
6. Complete a word search puzzle with Ramadan-themed vocabulary
Your students will love learning about Ramadan traditions with this vocabulary word search. Students will look for terms that are hidden horizontally, diagonally, and vertically throughout the puzzle.
Terms include words like:
- Charity
- Moon
- Iftar
- Eid
- Lantern
- Gratitude
While students are completing the word search, you can play some YouTube clips in the background that explain some of the vocabulary words.
7. Have students decorate Ramadan-themed bookmarks
Celebrate Ramadan by having your students decorate bookmarks. The design includes the message "Ramadan Mubarak" surrounded by a crescent moon and stars. This craft activity is ready to print and go.
8. Encourage students to write about their favorite Ramadan recipe
Celebrate Ramadan by having your students write about a recipe that is important to them with this printable template. Students will think about one of their favorite Iftar or Suhoor foods to eat during Ramadan with their family and friends. Then, they will respond to the prompts to describe the food, explain how to make the dish, and share why they have positive memories about it.
9. Consider decorating for Ramadan in the same way that you decorate for other religious observances
If you honor other religious observences (such as Christmas) in your classroom, consider decorating for Ramadan in a similar way. You can invite students into this process by decorating coloring pages to be pinned on bulletin boards, hanging up Ramadan history research posters, posting fun or interesting facts about Ramadan around the room, printing out a calendar for Ramadan (changes each year), make paper or cardboard lanterns, and more.
10. Watch a Ramadan 101 video with your class
This video gives a nice overview of Ramadan for students who may not have heard about the holy month before.
11. Do your own research to learn about the holiday and why it is important to Muslims
This article by Vox is titled "9 questions about the Muslim holy month you were too embarrassed to ask." Check it out if you are unfamiliar with the history and practices associated with Ramadan.
Other resources to learn about Ramadan:
- Article about how to wish someone "Happy Ramadan"
- A Ramadan etiquette guide for non-Muslims
- Read this post about how teachers can support Muslim students during Ramadan
Important note: Never pressure a Muslim student or colleague to explain Ramadan to you. Do your own research online. There are so many wonderful resources on the internet. Use them.
12. Allow flexibility with homework deadlines
Students who are observing Ramadan likely wake up early in the morning to pray and eat before the sunrise. Then, at night, they may ostay up late with family and friends to celebrate the breaking of the fast. As a result of a change in sleep patterns and fasting, students may be feeling more tired than usual. Consider allowing some flexibility with homework and project deadlines to accomodate student energy levels during this month.
13. Ask your administration about providing an alternative lunchtime space for students who are fasting
The lunchtime period can be very difficult for students who are fasting. Consider asking your administration to provide an alternative space for Muslim students to relax during the lunch break period, such as a designated classroom filled with books, board games, etc. Ultimately, students should always have the choice about whether to remain in the cafeteria with their peers or go to an alternative space. However, providing an option will often help students feel supported.
Important note: Never make assumptions about which colleagues or students are Muslims. Make sure that any communication about alternative lunchtime spaces is delivered schoolwide in a way that does not "out" anyone in the school.
14. Collaborate with history and social studies teachers
Reach out to history and social studies teachers to see if they have any books, videos, or other resources to recommend. They may also be sharing about Ramadan in their own classrooms, so you can collaborate to build on the content they are covering.
15. Read and analyze Ramadan-themed poems
Check out these websites with poems that explore Muslim faith:
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