Ramadan Mubarak! Every year I ask my sons’ teachers if I can share Ramadan in the classroom. As a Muslim American, it is intimidating to put myself out there. Every year, I hold my breath to see what the new teacher will say, and each time I’m received warmly. Supporting identity and representation in the classroom is more important than ever. Here are a few ideas for sharing Ramadan and Eid with kids ages 8-12. If you are catering to a younger audience, check out my article, A Guide To Sharing Ramadan In The Classroom For Ages 4-7.
Introductions: Have your child introduce you to his classmates, answering “who is my guest” and “why are they here”.
Question: Start with a question to engage the kids. What are some holidays special for your family? It sets you up to say: in our family, we celebrate Ramadan and Eid.
High-Level Ramadan: Share a high-level definition of Ramadan and Eid, to give kids enough information to understand the books and materials you plan to share.
Book: Once Upon An Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices is a wonderful collection of short stories appropriate for reading ages 8-12. Inside there is a gorgeous poem by Jamila Thompkins-Bigelow called Eid Pictures. She reflects on Eid of today, yesterday, and the hopes of the first Black Muslims to come to America in the 1800s.
Another great book is Laila’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story. It’s the story of 8-year-old Laila doing her first fast and the social insecurity she feels. Though it’s a picture book, I think older kids would connect to the emotional heart of the story.
Activities: For this older audience, I created a worksheet with personality and lunar calendar worksheet.
Closing: Make connections! How is Ramadan similar to holidays other students celebrate? For example, a big part of Ramadan and Eid is family food traditions. Ask the class their favorite food to eat during their favorite holidays.
All About Ramadan
A quick overview of Ramadan. The sheets highlight: What is Ramadan? When is Ramadan? And How is Ramadan celebrated?
Download Worksheet: Right Click Link And Save
Lunar Month Calendar
A great take-home activity. After the presentation, kids can look for the moon every night during Ramadan and draw their observations.
Download Worksheet: Right Click Link And Save
Moon Phases With Cookies
I am going to say kids ages 8-12 like cookies. So throwing in my moon phases worksheet.
Download Worksheet: Right Click Link And Save
If you are not able to present to the classroom in person, I created this video on YouTube with two hands-on activities.
For more information on RamadanREADy visit their website, and don’t forget to donate!
Disclaimer: I have not presented to a group of 8 to 12-year-olds, so I welcome feedback! But this is the tentative plan I have for when I do.
Peace & Salam,
Natasha
Islamimommy 