Reading books about Ramadan can help children understand and appreciate the significance of the holiday whether they personally celebrate it or not.
Here are some books that you can read aloud to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders for Ramadan, along with some teaching ideas for each one.
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This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a young Muslim girl as she experiences the sights, sounds, and feelings of Ramadan. It's a great book to introduce the basic concepts of Ramadan to your students.
Teaching Ideas:
Vocabulary
Teach students new vocabulary words they will encounter in the books such as "suhur", "iftar," and "mosque". Have students practice using the words in context and write their own sentences using the new vocabulary.
After Reading
After reading the book, have a class discussion about what the students learned about Ramadan.
Sequencing
After reading the book, have students sequence the events of the story in order. This activity will help students develop their comprehension skills and understand the sequence of events in a story.
Art
Have students create their own illustrations for the book. They can draw their favorite scenes of characters and share their artwork with the class.
This book follows a young girl, Noor, as she experiences the excitement and wonder of Ramadan with her family in the United Arab Emirates.
Teaching Ideas:
After Reading
After reading the book, have a class discussion about what the different ways Ramadan is celebrated around the world. Ask students to research how Ramadan is celebrated in different countries, and have them create presentations to share with the class .
Compare and Contrast
The book takes place in a different country and culture, which provides an opportunity to teach about different ways of life. Have students compare and contrast their own experiences with those of Noor and her family. They can create Venn diagrams or write essays to highlight the similarities and differences.
Writing
Noor, the main character of the book, keeps a journal during Ramadan to reflect on her experiences. Have students write their own journal entries about a special holiday or tradition they celebrate with their own family.
Art
Make Lanterns. The book talks about the traditional lanterns that are hung during Ramadan. You can have students make their own lanterns using construction paper and glue. Have them decorate their finished lanterns with markers or glitter.
This book follows Yasmeen, a seven-year old Pakistani-American girl, as she celebrates Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
Teaching Ideas:
Creative Writing
Have students write their own stories about a holiday or tradition that is meaningful to them. Encourage them to incorporate descriptive language and sensory details to bring their stories to life.
Lailah is in a new school in a new country, missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is old enough to participate in the fasting, but worried about what her new friends will think when she doesn't join them for lunch.
Teaching Ideas:
After Reading
The book highlights the challenges that Lailah faces as a young Muslim girl trying to practice her faith in a non-Muslim environment. Use the book to spark discussion about diversity, empathy, and understanding. Ask students to reflect upon a time when they might have felt left out or not included to create a more inclusive environment.
You could also have a class discussion about the importance of sharing their traditions with others.
This book celebrates the traditions and rituals of Ramadan though simple rhymes and vibrant illustrations.
"We wait for the moon.
We watch for the moon.
We watch for the Ramadan moon."
Teaching Ideas:
Creative Writing
The book is written in poetry form. Have students create their own poems about their own holidays and traditions. Encourage them to use descriptive language to capture the sights, sounds, and feelings of that holiday or tradition.
"In this big universe full of many moons, I have traveled and seen many wonders, but I have never loved anything or anyone the way I love my Grandma."
This book tells the story of Mina, a young girl growing up in Iran. The center of her world is her grandma.
Whether visiting friends next door, going to the mosque for midnight prayers during Ramadan, or taking an imaginary trip, Mina and her grandma are never far apart.
This beautiful ode to family is bound to resonate with all of your students.
Teaching Ideas:
Creative Writing
Have your students write about a family member who is important to them the way that Mina's grandma is important to her.
Compare and Contrast
Have students compare and contrast the different activities Mina and her grandmother do in the book with activities that students do with their grandparent(s) or other relatives. They can create Venn diagrams or write essays to highlight the similarities and differences.
Family History
Encourage students to talk with their parents, grandparents, or other family members about their family history. Students can create a family tree and share their family history with the class.
More Ramadan Teaching Resources and Activities:
What are your favorite Ramadan books?
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