Review- Elicit and affirm students’ responses; practice reflective listening.      

• What do you notice?

With the diversity of my school I am seeing that I am students of all backgrounds making connections to the stories. Students are sharing their connections and learning from one another. They are genuinely interesting in hearing about each other.

Exploration- Encourage curiosity and engagement;compare differences and similarities; celebrate diversity.

• What is different about people?

Students are able to have real conversations about what is different among their peers. With that I am also seeing that the tolerance and acceptance is appreciated.

• What is the same? 

They are finding that even though they are different they still have a lot in common. They watch the same shows, use the same social media, eat many of the same foods but are curious about different foods.

• Make a list: Some of us… Some of us… All of us…

Some of us wear dresses and hijabs. Some of us wear pants all the time. All of us say it doesn’t matter what we wear.

Neighbors- Emphasize connections. Engage imagination in building affinity.

• What are the children doing?

It is currently Ramadan. Since I do not have my own classroom-I have opened my space for students that are fasting and do not want to be in the cafe. I have also opened my room for prayer. Yesterday-I witnessed a non muslim student who wanted to support her friends be welcomed by those who are observing Ramadan. They included her and taught her prayer. It was amazing to see. I also had a Muslim boy express concern that this student’s mom might be upset because she is so young to think about converting to Muslim. We engaged in conversation and it was so inclusive.

• Does anything remind you of someone or something in your life?

The scenario above reminded me that we have done some great work in Lewiston with knowledge and tolerance. We have made progress.

• If you met this character what might you do together?

When asked to join a class-students are making great connections to characters but also seeing that the characters are the same as students we have in our school.

Education- Offer accurate information.

• __________ said _____________ , what do you think about that?
• Does anyone have another idea?

These are great discussion questions that can get students chatting about the books and characters. These are prompts that can lead to deep understanding.

Welcoming- Reinforce values.

• In this class we welcome everyone. 

1. Write 250-1000 words about the Muslim faith and community. Please remember that the expectation for blog posts is that they are 250-500 words. This post allows you to write 250-1000 words but if you need to or want to write more, we understand. Some folks may have a lot to write, and we do not want anyone to feel limited. There is no expectation that you write more than you need. What do you now know or notice? How do you feel and what do you think about Ramadan and the Muslim faith and community? What do you wonder?

The Muslim faith is deep in tradition and faith. They use the Qur’an to pray. Muslims worship Allah and this is taking very seriously. There are two holidays that are observed. Ramadan and Eid. Ramadan is a happy time. Ramadan is a time when Muslims pray more, recite the Quran, & make special efforts to be more kind and generous. During Ramadan there is a month long fast.  Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting includes no food or water (sunrise to sundown), students who have reached puberty fast (15+), younger students may try or do partial days, fasting also means no fighting or gossiping, and some families refrain from listening to music. Ramadan celebrations often involve gatherings &
prayers late into the night. Each Iftar (post-sunset meal to break the fast) is an opportunity to celebrate with families and friends. Many families also get up before sunrise to eat Suhoor (a pre-dawn meal). Ramadan end in celebration of Eid-Al-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast). It is a three-day celebration with family and friends. Children often receive gifts & money from family.

Muslim families are dedicated to their families. Elders are important and have respect. Muslims believe that anything harmful the body, mind or soul is prohibited. Pork, alcohol and drugs are prohibited. Meat must be halal. Modesty among men and women are expected.