By Introduction:
Ramadan is a joyous period in Islam that emphasizes unity and community. Muslim students, on the other hand, may feel lonely or alone at times, particularly if they are a small minority. Fortunately, teachers may do a few basic things to help kids during Ramadan.
1. Do Not Force Students To Reveal Themselves
Muslim students frequently refuse to express their faith with their peers and professors, or they try to hide physical signs of their beliefs. (Think of women who refuse to wear headscarves despite believing they are important.) They may feel (and frequently are) unsafe doing so.
As a result, it’s best to avoid asking if anybody is fasting throughout Ramadan. Instead, presume that you have Muslim pupils and develop classroom regulations and structures accordingly.
2. Avoid Food-Related Class Events
During Ramadan period those students who can fast are more likely to expect to do so from sunrise to sunset. Concerning the age of the kids you teach, they may fast in part or completely.
While food may be a part of some classroom celebrations, avoid making it a major event. Rather, focus on classroom games and activities. This policy also helps pupils who have food sensitivities.
3. Think Carefully Before Requesting That Your Students Fast “In Solidarity”
Although some Muslim nursing students may feel supported by their peers who are also fasting, it is important to remember that the purpose of fasting is to draw Muslims nearer to Allah, not to suffer. They can also hire Nursing assignment writers to do their nursing assignments.
Fasting in solidarity might also elicit undue pity or the perception that being Muslim is inferior to being a member of another religion. If you know that there are Muslim pupils in your class, ask them what they need during Ramadan. If you are unsure, it is best to refrain.
4. Reduce Any Possibly Risky Physical Activities
Fasting is an integral component of Ramadan, therefore students may have low blood sugar, weakness, and other symptoms that make physical exercise unsafe. Many Muslim pupils will want to modify their workout or be excused from PE. Others will decide to completely participate in these activities.
In any case, you should discuss the school’s policy with your administration and have other options for pupils who may require them.
5. Provide Time & Space For Prayer
During Ramadan, Muslims feel that their spiritual activities are more vital and increased. Muslims who do not pray daily will frequently do so, while those who do may pray even more during this time. It is significant for Muslims.
One option to create this type of space is to provide students with “mindfulness time,” during which they can pray, meditate, or take a short mental vacation from their current activities. You might even find it beneficial to provide the opportunity to take a brief walk outside. Taking a break like this is also a useful classroom management tool, so it could be worth implementing as a year-round practice.
6. Set Up An Alternative Venue For Lunch
While Muslims are encouraged to be aware of their hunger and thirst during Ramadan, sitting in a room with everyone else eating might be overwhelming, and it is not a necessary part of the experience. It is about awareness, not suffering. Muslim pupils will feel included if they have an alternative.
7. Keep A Look Out For Students Who May Require Further Support
Muslim students may be experiencing strong feelings of loss from missing family members who are not anymore with them, mourning for lost homes (particularly if they are immigrants), or being aware of the oppression they endure at this time. Breakfast with friends and family every day is an important component of Ramadan, and the initial weekend without a loved one can be particularly difficult.
Keep an eye out for students who appear to be acting strangely. Prepare to support these students in any way you can during Ramadan. If the month has been particularly difficult for them emotionally, it may be worthwhile to discuss counseling with parents or students.
8. Teach Your Students About Ramadan Traditions & Islam
People feel included when those around them understand their situations. Ramadan is a wonderful chance to teach your students about Islam and develop empathy for Muslims. You may allow Muslim pupils to discuss their observations. Therefore, it is important to take a field trip to a mosque. Also, teach an entire course about the history of Islam. If you’re teaching in an area where Muslims are particularly oppressed. However, you might wish to include a lesson refuting popular falsehoods and prejudices.
9. Consider Beautifying Your Classroom
Islamic art is lovely, and Ramadan is ultimately a joyous occasion. Decorating your classroom with lights and Islamic art is a way to acknowledge the event while allowing everyone to participate. Depending on your class, you may opt to decorate independently or with the entire class. If Muslim kids want to teach their peers about their customs, this is an excellent opportunity.
Ending note to share Some beneficial tips for students
Organizing study time throughout Ramadan is one of the most critical factors influencing study quality during this month.
Even if times spent studying in this month vary from person to person. However, it is usually advisable to organize this time with sleeping and coordinate it in one of the following two ways:
1. Study after suhoor until midday, when attention and activity are at their peak, and then sleep after praying Isha till suhoor.
2. You will not feel full or thirsty during iftar and suhoor, so study throughout that time. Then you can sleep from suhoor till noon.