Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. It is the holiest month in the Islamic Calendar and ends with the holiday Eid Al-Fitr, celebrating the end of the month long fast. As students, faculty, and community members begin the start of Ramadan, Ilda Tushe, our wonderful ELL teacher from the district will walk us through how to show support as well as leave us with resources to further our knowledge on Ramadan to share with our own children and families.
This year Ramadan will begin in the evening of Friday, April 1st, and will end in the evening of Sunday, May 1st. Throughout the holiday, observers fast from sunrise to sunset. We have students and educators who will be fasting for a month. It is important to be supportive and understand some of them may be tired. Always be positive, because Ramadan is a peaceful month that Muslim people look forward to. If a student decides to fast, they might be really tired especially at the end of the day, because they are not drinking water or not eating food. This is ok, remain flexible and understanding.
Throughout the years I have learned from other friends and students about this holiday. One tip that has always been a big one for me is:
Don't say things like:
" Wow, that's a lot!" or " that must be hard".
They want to fast and feel proud of it. Encouragement is great.
Instead use phrases like:
" I am sure you are excited to be celebrating Ramadan this year!"
" What are you looking forward to eating for al-fitr? "
Lastly, please take a few minutes to talk to your family and children about Ramadan, so they can build on their knowledge base and become open to the idea of supporting our Muslim community members. Be sure to tap into the attached resources to help facilitate these conversations.
Teaching about other cultures and traditions is one step closer to educating our future generations to be culturally aware.
Ilda Tushe
Resources:
https://cptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/c242a960-8ebc-43c3-a155-b985b78a719d/ramadan/
https://www.colorincolorado.org/booklist/celebrating-ramadan-and-eid
https://www.weareteachers.com/support-students-during-ramadan/