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Parents’ talking to their children’s principals, teachers and
classmates in public schools about Ramadan is
of immense importance.
By doing so, Muslim children feel less awkward identifying themselves as
Muslims, since someone in an authority position has discussed what
they believe what they do.
As a result, the children often feel more confident and secure. As well, Muslim
children need to feel the importance of their own celebrations and holidays,
especially since we are living in a non-Muslim environment where kids don't see
fancy lights and decorations, commercial hoopla or consistent reminders of the
"holiday season"
during Ramadan.
And of course, talking to your child's class about Ramadan is a great way to
make Dawa to non-Muslim kids and Muslim kids as well, in particular those who
may come from non-practicing
Muslim families.
There are a couple of tips to keep in mind when approaching the school or your
child's teachers about presenting, as well as for how you present the
information to the child's class.
Tip #1: Start early
Calling
your child's teacher in the middle of Ramadan asking to do a presentation on the
topic is too late. Now, less than a month before
Ramadan is the best time to bring up the issue, especially considering Christmas
is coming up and holidays are on the minds of most people, teachers and students
included.
Starting early also helps you think about and gather the right materials to make
a good presentation.
Tip #2: Get permission from your child's teacher
While
parents do have a lot of clout in the school system, this does not allow them to
show up unexpectedly one day at their son or daughter's class to do a
presentation on Ramadan.
Send a letter giving a general indication that you want something done about
Ramadan. Then wait for the teacher to call. If he or she does not do so within a
week, call them and tell them you are following up on the letter you sent
earlier.
Tip #3: Select the right period in which to do the
presentation
Does your
child study Social Studies? Or does he or she have a period once a week for
Moral and Religious education? If so, suggest to the teacher that you would like
to do the presentation during these periods.
Or, you can of course ask the teacher if he or she has ideas about which time
would be best to come in and do the presentation.
Tip #4: Be polite but firm
Speaking
nicely to people is part of our religion, including non-Muslims. We should remember
that the purpose of this exercise is to not just educate the students, but the
teachers as well.
Being polite and courteous will not detract from your desire to present. It will
serve to build bridges and communication, and could lead to further contact to
do presentations on other Islam-related topics and more teacher-parent cooperation
in the future
.
Tip #5: Ask the teacher what areas to cover and
how long it should be
This helps
to adjust your presentation to the age level of the students, as well as connect
it to what they are already learning.
This doesn't mean you can't bring in other information, but knowing what to
cover from the teacher helps you put down what has to be covered and from there
you can develop more points on these or related topics.
Asking how long the presentation should be can also help you decide how much you
can include in your presentation.
Tip #6: Read, prepare, read, prepare
Now that
you've gotten the permission, you don't just sit back and wait for the night
before the presentation to put it together.
Remember, if you want to appeal to the students, especially younger ones, you
are going to need more than just a talk.
Visuals are a great help. You can get a Ramadan banner pictures of Muslims
fasting, show part of a video aimed at children about Ramadan.
To get the right material, you will have to find out where to get it from, and
ordering it might take a couple of weeks.
Preparing is important, even though you may have fasted all of your life and
think you know all about Ramadan. Get a children's Islamic book and read what it
says about Ramadan
or
an article written by a teenager about Ramadan. This will also help you
understand what points to emphasize in your presentation.
Reading up will also clarify any incorrect cultural norms that may have seeped
into the practice of Ramadan which you may not have been aware of.
Talk to a knowledgeable Muslim for advice as well.
Tip
#7: Talk to your son or daughter about the presentation
Who
would know better the mind set of the kids in the class than your son or
daughter? Consult them about what to include, what the kids like, what kind of
things they are interested in.
Not only will this improve your presentation,, but it will also make the person
feel important and more confident as individuals, and as Muslims.
Tip
#8: A few days before the presentation
Call
the teacher to check the date and time of the schedule.
This will serve to remind him or her about your visit and prepare the class
accordingly.
It will also help you get the exact time and date.
Tip
#9: Write presentation points on note cards
Reading
off papers about Ramadan will not hold the interest of many people, young or
old.
Instead, writing brief notes on note cards that you can look at so you don't
miss any topic will help you avoid straying from the subject while allowing you
to make eye contact with your audience and maintain a conversational style of
presentation.
Tip
#10: Practice your presentation in front of your son/daughter
Practicing helps you identify what can be improved, changed or omitted.
Practicing in front of Ameena will give you the opportunity to present before
one of the kids in the class who can really give you the best advice.
It will also help you time your presentation, so you can make it shorter or
longer.
Tip
#11: Dress for success
This
does not mean pulling out the Armani suit or the most expensive dress you have.
It just means looking as a Muslim should-clean, respectable, professional and
Islamically covered. Clothes don't always "make the man" but they do affect
others' perception of you.
Tip
#12: Be early
Teachers and students are busy people. They have a certain curriculum to cover.
The fact that they've squeezed in your presentation is somewhat of a privilege.
Don't take advantage of this by wasting their time by coming late. And anyways,
Muslims should be on time as a principle.
Coming early can also help you set up our audio visual material.
Tip
#13: Make Dua...
Before
your presentation, ask God to help you convey this message sincerely, properly
and clearly. And say In the name of God.
Tip
#14: Speak calmly and clearly
It's
important not to race through the presentation, nor to talk too slowly.
A clear, conversational style, but emphasis on the major points or terms you
want the students to understand can help convey the message properly.
Tip
#15: When answering questions
If you
don't know something, say so. Then check up on it and get back to the teacher.
Ask him or her to convey the response.
Tip
#16: Thank God...
For
this opportunity he blessed you with and your ability to go through with it.
Tip
#17: Send a thank you note to the teacher and class...
Thanking them for their time and attention, as well as their cooperation.
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